Sharp Aquos R8s vs. Motorola Edge+ (2023): A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Flagships

The Sharp Aquos R8s and Motorola Edge+ (2023) both center around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, promising top-tier performance. However, they diverge significantly in charging capabilities and likely form factor, catering to different user priorities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience and speed, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner. Its 68W wired and 15W wireless charging drastically outperform the R8s’ 15W wired-only solution. While the R8s may appeal to those seeking a potentially more compact design, the Edge+ offers a more complete flagship package.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R8s Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, December 062023, May 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, DecemberAvailable. Released 2023, May 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions159 x 74 x 8.7 mm (6.26 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePRO IGZO LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 4.0
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", dual pixel PDAF 13 MP, f/2.3, 17mm (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
VideoYes8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, 118˚ (ultrawide)60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.0USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging15W wired68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
Type4750 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, WhiteInterstellar Black
ModelsSH‑52D-
PriceAbout 700 EUR$ 298.99

Sharp Aquos R8s

  • Potential for a more compact form factor.
  • Likely excellent color accuracy (based on Sharp’s display history).
  • Efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance.

  • Significantly slower 15W wired charging.
  • No wireless or reverse charging support.
  • Camera specs unknown, potentially less versatile.

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Blazing-fast 68W wired charging.
  • Convenient 15W wireless and 5W reverse charging.
  • Likely larger display for immersive viewing.

  • Potentially larger and less pocketable design.
  • May prioritize features over raw display accuracy.
  • Thermal management needs to be efficient to handle sustained loads.

Display Comparison

Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, meaning display capabilities will largely depend on panel choices not specified in the provided data. However, given Sharp’s history with IGZO displays, the R8s may offer superior color accuracy and power efficiency. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) likely features a higher refresh rate panel, common in its segment, for smoother scrolling and gaming. Without specific nit brightness or resolution data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Edge+’s larger screen size (based on typical Motorola designs) could offer a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are absent from the provided data. However, given the flagship positioning of both devices, we can expect multi-camera systems. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) typically features a high-resolution main sensor, often with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), for sharp and detailed photos. The R8s, known for its image processing, may prioritize color accuracy and dynamic range. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. The inclusion of a telephoto lens on the Edge+ is probable, offering versatility beyond the R8s’ potential standard wide and ultrawide setup.

Performance

Both the Sharp Aquos R8s and Motorola Edge+ (2023) are powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510). This means raw processing power will be virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from thermal management and RAM configuration (not specified). The 4nm process node ensures excellent thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. However, Motorola’s larger chassis in the Edge+ may provide a slight advantage in heat dissipation.

Battery Life

The most significant difference lies in charging. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) supports 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wired/wireless charging. This allows for a full charge in under 40 minutes and convenient accessory charging. The Sharp Aquos R8s is limited to 15W wired charging, a substantial disadvantage. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Edge+ effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference, providing more usable uptime throughout the day. The reverse charging capabilities of the Edge+ are a unique benefit for users with wireless earbuds or smartwatches.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos R8s if you prioritize a potentially smaller, more pocketable flagship experience and aren't heavily reliant on rapid charging. Buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023) if you value blazing-fast charging speeds, both wired and wireless, and appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging for accessories. The Edge+ is the better choice for power users and those constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the 15W charging on the Sharp Aquos R8s feel noticeably slow in 2024?
Yes, 15W charging is significantly slower than the 68W offered by the Motorola Edge+ (2023). Expect a full charge to take well over an hour, making it less convenient for users accustomed to faster charging speeds. This is a major drawback for those who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) actually useful?
Reverse wireless charging, while not a primary feature, is surprisingly useful for charging accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. The 5W output isn't fast, but it's sufficient for a slow top-up and eliminates the need to carry extra cables for smaller devices.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a powerhouse and will handle Genshin Impact and other demanding games with ease on both devices. However, sustained gaming will generate heat. The Motorola Edge+ (2023)'s larger chassis may offer slightly better thermal management, potentially preventing more significant throttling over extended play sessions.