Sharp Aquos R9 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a polished ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains the superior choice, thanks to the A17 Pro’s processing power and exceptional battery life. However, the Sharp Aquos R9 presents a strong value proposition, offering a capable Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and a potentially brighter display at a significantly lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sharp Aquos R9 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66 - A3106 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3106 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 18 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 156 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 221 g (7.80 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Ceramic Shield glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) | 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PRO IGZO LTPO OLED, 240Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1500 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) | Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7675-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 732 | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50.3 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50.3 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", PDAF | - |
| Features | Leica lens, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Single | 50.3 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/2.88", AF | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update 4.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4441 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Snow White, Forest Green | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
| Models | SH-M28SG | A2849, A3105, A3106, A3108, iPhone16,2 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | € 758.79 / $ 579.87 / £ 628.29 |
| SAR | - | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Sharp Aquos R9
- Potentially brighter display (based on Sharp’s IGZO technology)
- More affordable price point
- Android ecosystem flexibility
- Less powerful processor than the A17 Pro
- Likely inferior camera performance
- Uncertainty regarding battery capacity and charging speed
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Industry-leading A17 Pro performance
- Exceptional battery life (16:01h active use)
- Superior camera system and video recording
- Significantly higher price
- Less customization options compared to Android
- Reliance on the Apple ecosystem
Display Comparison
The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a measured peak brightness of 1787 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Aquos R9’s display specifications are not provided, Sharp is known for its IGZO technology, which often translates to high brightness and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO information for the Aquos R9 suggests it may not have the variable refresh rate capabilities of the iPhone, potentially impacting battery life during dynamic content viewing. The iPhone’s superior color calibration and ProMotion technology offer a smoother, more visually refined experience.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera system is renowned for its image processing and video capabilities. While specific sensor details are missing for both devices, Apple’s computational photography excels in dynamic range and detail preservation. The Aquos R9’s camera performance will likely be good, but it’s unlikely to match the iPhone’s consistency and advanced features. The iPhone’s video recording capabilities, including ProRes support, are a significant advantage for content creators. The absence of details regarding OIS and lens apertures on the Aquos R9 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the iPhone’s established reputation in this area is a strong indicator.
Performance
Apple’s A17 Pro, fabricated on a 3nm process, represents a significant leap in mobile silicon. Its hexa-core CPU, with peak clock speeds of 3.78 GHz, delivers substantially higher single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Aquos R9’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm). The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, while capable, is positioned as a high-midrange chip, focusing on efficiency and balanced performance. The A17 Pro’s GPU will also provide a far superior gaming experience, handling graphically intensive titles with ease. The iPhone 15 Pro Max benefits from faster LPDDR5X RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The iPhone 15 Pro Max achieves an impressive 16:01h of active use, coupled with an endurance rating of 118 hours. This demonstrates exceptional battery optimization and efficiency. The Aquos R9’s battery capacity is unknown, but the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3’s 4nm process should contribute to good power efficiency. The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports both wired PD2.0 charging (50% in 30 minutes) and wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi2 (requiring iOS 17.2). The Aquos R9’s charging capabilities are not specified, but the iPhone’s faster wired charging and versatile wireless options provide a convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos R9 if you need a bright display, a solid mid-range processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, and prefer the Android ecosystem without the flagship price tag. Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding applications like video editing or high-end gaming, prioritize long-term software support, and value Apple’s integrated ecosystem and camera capabilities.