Sharp Aquos R5G vs. Aquos R3: A Detailed Comparison

Sharp's Aquos series consistently delivers unique features and a focus on display technology. The Aquos R5G and R3 are prime examples, but which one offers the better overall experience? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Aquos R5G edges out the R3 thanks to its newer Snapdragon 865 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. While the R3 remains a capable device with excellent charging capabilities, the R5G's improved processing power and 5G connectivity make it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sharp Aquos R5G	Sharp Aquos R3

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41	1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2020, February. Released 2020, February	2019, August. Released 2019, August
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)	156 x 74 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	185 g (6.53 oz)
	IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)	IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density)	1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~554 ppi density)
Size	6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision	IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)	Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 640
OS	Android 10	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 3.0	UFS

Main Camera
Dual	-	12.2 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 20 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide), AF, OIS
Features	LED flash, panorama	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple	12 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)	-
Video	8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm	16 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	USB Type-C 3.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	-	Wired, PD Wireless
Type	Li-Ion 3730 mAh	Li-Po 3200 mAh

Misc
Colors	Glare Black, Aurora White	Classic Black
Models	SH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50	-
Price	About 700 EUR	About 750 EUR

Sharp Aquos R5G

Newer Snapdragon 865 chipset
Potential 120Hz display
5G Connectivity
Improved image processing

Potentially higher price
Availability may be limited

Sharp Aquos R3

Excellent charging (PD & Wireless)
Reliable performance
Potentially more affordable

Older Snapdragon 855 chipset
No 5G
Slightly less responsive than R5G

Display Comparison

Both phones boast Sharp's renowned IGZO display technology, known for its brightness and color accuracy. The R5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz, though unconfirmed) compared to the R3, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Both offer excellent viewing experiences, but the R5G's potential higher refresh rate gives it a slight advantage.

Camera Comparison

While both phones feature high-resolution camera setups, the R5G likely benefits from improved image processing capabilities thanks to its newer chipset. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more refined image quality from the R5G. Both phones likely offer excellent detail and Sharp's signature image tuning.

Performance

The Snapdragon 865 in the R5G is a generation newer than the Snapdragon 855 in the R3. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and better overall responsiveness. Expect smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times on the R5G. The R3 is still capable, but the R5G holds a clear performance lead.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices (around 4500mAh). The R3's PD and wireless charging capabilities are a plus, offering convenient charging options. The R5G's more efficient chipset might result in slightly better battery life under heavy use, but both should provide a full day of moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Sharp Aquos R5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and the latest technology. The Aquos R3 is a good option for those seeking a reliable phone with excellent charging and a slightly more budget-friendly price point, especially if 5G isn't a necessity.