Sharp's Aquos sense line consistently delivers solid mid-range experiences, often with a focus on practicality and value. The sense10 and sense9 represent a generational shift, primarily centered around their Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This comparison dissects the differences between the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the sense10 and the 7s Gen 2 in the sense9, analyzing how these changes translate to real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sharp Aquos sense10 emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer 36W charging and a similar overall experience, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3's newer Cortex-A720 CPU cores provide a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in demanding applications, justifying the potential price premium.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 31 | 2024, October 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November | Available. Released 2024, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 149 x 73 x 8.9 mm (5.87 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 149 x 73 x 8.9 mm (5.87 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~422 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~422 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LTPO IGZO OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, 1500 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) | LTPO IGZO OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, 1500 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 810 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgrades | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", PDAF |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | Yes, gyro-EIS | Yes, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes, gyro-EIS | Yes, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.4 | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 36W wired | 36W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Denim Navy, Khaki Green, Pale Pink, Pale Mint, Full Black, Light Silver | Black, White, Green, Coral, Greige, Blue |
| Models | - | SH-M29SG, SH-53E, SH-M29 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Sharp Aquos sense10
- Newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset for improved performance
- More efficient CPU architecture for potentially longer battery life
- Potentially better image processing due to upgraded ISP
- May be slightly more expensive than the sense9
- Detailed display specs unavailable for a full assessment
Sharp Aquos sense9
- More affordable price point
- Capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 for everyday tasks
- 36W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Older CPU architecture results in lower peak performance
- Less efficient chipset may lead to shorter battery life under load
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the sense line's history, both likely feature IPS LCD panels. The key difference will likely be in color calibration and peak brightness. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume both offer adequate viewing experiences for their price point, but neither will compete with flagship OLED displays. Bezels are likely similar, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the sense line typically prioritizes reliable image processing over chasing megapixel counts. We can expect both phones to deliver acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions. The sense10's more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 may offer slightly improved noise reduction and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios. Any differences will likely be subtle and depend heavily on Sharp's software tuning.
Performance
The core distinction lies in the chipsets. The Aquos sense10's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) utilizes a tri-cluster configuration with 1x 2.5 GHz Cortex-A720, 3x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A520 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the sense9's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) which employs 4x 2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x 1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A720 cores in the sense10 represent a newer architecture, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and efficiency. While both are 4nm chips, the architectural improvements in the Gen 3 translate to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance under load. The sense9's A78 cores are still competent, but represent an older generation.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 36W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the sense line's focus on portability, both are likely in the 4500-5000 mAh range. The sense10's more efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 could potentially translate to slightly longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks, due to its improved power management capabilities. However, real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos sense10 if you prioritize sustained performance for multitasking, gaming, or future-proofing. Its newer chipset architecture will handle demanding tasks more efficiently. Buy the Sharp Aquos sense9 if you're on a tighter budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 remains a capable performer for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the sense10 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a capable mid-range chip, Genshin Impact at high settings may require significant graphical compromises. Expect playable frame rates with medium settings and potentially some frame drops during intense combat. The sense9 would struggle even more with these settings.
❓ Does the Aquos sense10 offer any noticeable improvements in multitasking compared to the sense9?
Yes, the newer Cortex-A720 cores in the sense10's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 provide a noticeable boost in multitasking performance. Switching between apps will be smoother, and the phone is less likely to experience lag when running multiple applications simultaneously.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones significant enough to justify an upgrade if I already own the Aquos sense9?
The performance difference is noticeable, but not revolutionary. If you're satisfied with the sense9's performance for your current usage, an upgrade isn't essential. However, if you frequently find yourself pushing the phone's limits or anticipate needing more power in the future, the sense10 is a worthwhile upgrade.
