Sharp Aquos R5G vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Sharp Aquos R5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range 5G market. The R5G, released with a flagship Snapdragon 865, aimed for near-premium performance, while the Pixel 5a 5G prioritized Google’s software experience and efficient power management with the Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and demanding tasks, the Sharp Aquos R5G is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 5a 5G offers a more balanced package with excellent software support, a bright display, and comparable battery life, making it the better choice for the average user.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R5G Google Pixel 5a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, February. Released 2020, February2021, August 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby VisionOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.0-
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.7, 52mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 48 MP, f/2.9, 19mm (ultrawide), 0.8µm TOF 3D (depth)-
Video8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Ion 3730 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlare Black, Aurora WhiteMostly Black
ModelsSH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 700 EUR$ 189.00 / C$ 249.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 122h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos R5G

  • Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 865 processor
  • Superior GPU performance for gaming
  • Potentially faster storage speeds (depending on configuration)

  • Likely less frequent software updates
  • Unknown camera performance details
  • Potential for higher thermal throttling under sustained load

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Excellent camera image processing and software optimization
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
  • Bright and vibrant display for outdoor use

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
  • Lower GPU performance compared to the R5G
  • Charging speed is relatively slow compared to some competitors

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a notably bright display, reaching a measured 861 nits. While the Aquos R5G’s display specs are unavailable, its market positioning suggests a high-quality panel, though likely not exceeding the Pixel 5a’s peak brightness. Both phones offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED displays. The Pixel 5a’s brightness is particularly beneficial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for the Aquos R5G, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Google’s Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography prowess. The Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s image processing algorithms to deliver consistently excellent photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While the R5G may have higher resolution sensors, the Pixel 5a’s software optimization likely provides a more refined and user-friendly camera experience. The absence of information regarding OIS on the R5G suggests the Pixel 5a may have an advantage in video stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sharp Aquos R5G’s Snapdragon 865, built on a 7nm+ process, features a more powerful CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with a prime Cortex-A77 clocked at 2.84 GHz – compared to the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) with its 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. This translates to significantly faster processing speeds for the R5G, especially in demanding applications. The 865 also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it the superior choice for mobile gaming. However, the 765G’s efficiency contributes to the Pixel 5a’s excellent battery life.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar real-world battery performance despite potentially different battery capacities. The Pixel 5a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, offering a convenient and relatively quick charging solution. Charging speed data for the Aquos R5G is unavailable, but the comparable endurance rating suggests it doesn’t significantly lag behind despite potentially having a different charging wattage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos R5G if you need uncompromising performance for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive applications and are comfortable with potentially less frequent software updates. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a streamlined Android experience, exceptional camera image processing, and long-term software support, even if it means sacrificing some peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the Aquos R5G get noticeably hotter than the 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865 is a more powerful chip and generates more heat under sustained load. While the Aquos R5G likely has cooling mechanisms, it's probable that it will experience more thermal throttling than the Pixel 5a 5G, potentially leading to reduced performance over longer gaming sessions.
❓ How does Google's software support for the Pixel 5a 5G compare to Sharp's update policy for the Aquos R5G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 5a 5G. Sharp's update policy for the Aquos R5G is less predictable and generally shorter, meaning the Pixel 5a 5G will remain secure and feature-rich for a longer period.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 865 and 765G noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For typical everyday tasks, the difference in CPU performance will be minimal. Both chips are more than capable of handling browsing, social media, and basic app usage. The Snapdragon 865’s advantage becomes apparent in more demanding applications like video editing or graphically intensive games.