Sharp Aquos R9 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The Aquos R9 Pro aims for raw performance with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while the Pixel 8 Pro prioritizes AI-powered features and Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G3. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience with exceptional camera capabilities and software support, the Google Pixel 8 Pro emerges as the winner. However, users seeking maximum performance for demanding tasks and potentially better thermal management may find the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R9 pro Google Pixel 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 292023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2023, October 12
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions162 x 78 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.07 x 0.37 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePRO IGZO LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1000 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 735Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50.3 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/0.98", dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50.3 MP, f/2.6, 65mm (telephoto), 1/1.56", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 2.8x optical zoom 50.3 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", PDAF50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single50.3 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), PDAF10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, Display Port 1.4USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging32W wired, Qi 15W wireless30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
ModelsSH-54E, SH-M30GC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 1000 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

Sharp Aquos R9 pro

  • Potentially superior raw performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
  • Faster wired charging (32W vs 30W)
  • May offer better thermal management for sustained tasks

  • Camera system details are unknown, potentially lagging behind Pixel 8 Pro
  • Software support and updates may be less frequent than Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional camera capabilities with Google’s computational photography
  • Long-term software support and exclusive AI features
  • Excellent battery life and versatile charging options

  • Tensor G3 may offer slightly lower raw performance compared to Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
  • Wired charging is slightly slower than Aquos R9 Pro

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Aquos R9 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, Sharp historically focuses on color accuracy. The Pixel 8 Pro’s LTPO panel likely offers adaptive refresh rates for improved power efficiency, a feature not confirmed for the Aquos R9 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro’s higher brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its computational photography, leveraging Google’s AI algorithms for exceptional image processing. While specific sensor details for the Aquos R9 Pro are unavailable, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is a known quantity, excelling in dynamic range and low-light performance. The Pixel 8 Pro’s video capabilities are also highly regarded. Without detailed specs on the Aquos R9 Pro’s camera, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s established reputation gives it a significant edge.

Performance

The Aquos R9 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a prime Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4nm) with a nona-core CPU, topped by a Cortex-X3 at 3.0 GHz. While clock speeds are similar, the Tensor G3’s architecture emphasizes AI and machine learning tasks. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is generally expected to offer stronger raw CPU and GPU performance, potentially leading to smoother gaming experiences. However, the Tensor G3’s optimized software integration could mitigate some of this difference. The Aquos R9 Pro’s chipset may also benefit from better sustained performance due to potentially more efficient thermal design.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro achieves an active use battery score of 11:14 hours and an endurance rating of 90 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The Aquos R9 Pro’s battery capacity is not specified. The Pixel 8 Pro supports 30W wired charging with PD3.0/PPS, reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes, and 23W wireless charging with reverse wireless capabilities and bypass charging. The Aquos R9 Pro offers 32W wired and 15W wireless charging. While the Aquos R9 Pro’s wired charging is slightly faster, the Pixel 8 Pro’s overall charging ecosystem and battery endurance are more comprehensive.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro if you need a phone focused on sustained performance for gaming or demanding applications, and value a potentially cooler operating temperature under load. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a seamless software experience, industry-leading computational photography, and long-term software support with exclusive AI features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Aquos R9 Pro throttle under sustained gaming loads?
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a powerful chipset, throttling can occur in any phone under prolonged heavy use. The Aquos R9 Pro’s thermal design will be crucial. Without independent testing, it’s difficult to say definitively, but Sharp’s focus on performance suggests they’ve considered thermal management.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G3’s AI capabilities impact everyday use on the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Tensor G3 powers features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and real-time translation. These AI-driven features enhance the camera experience, improve voice assistant responsiveness, and offer unique software functionalities not found on other Android devices.
❓ What kind of wireless charging speeds can I expect on the Aquos R9 Pro?
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro supports Qi wireless charging at 15W. This is slower than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 23W wireless charging, meaning it will take longer to fully charge wirelessly.
❓ Does the Pixel 8 Pro support bypass charging, and what are the benefits?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro supports bypass charging. This feature allows power to directly flow to the phone while charging, reducing heat buildup and potentially extending battery lifespan by minimizing time spent at 100% charge.