Sharp Aquos sense4 plus vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Both the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus and the Google Pixel 5a 5G target the mid-range 5G smartphone market, but they approach it with different philosophies. The Aquos sense4 plus focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s computational photography and software expertise. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. Its brighter 861-nit display and more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset provide a smoother, more versatile experience. However, the Aquos sense4 plus remains a compelling option for those prioritizing simplicity and potentially longer software support from Sharp.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos sense4 plus Google Pixel 5a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, September 11. Released 2020, September 112021, August 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions166 x 78 x 8.8 mm (6.54 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4, 40mm (telephoto macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4120 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep Fog Black, Cloud WhiteMostly Black
Models-G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 600 EUR$ 189.00 / C$ 249.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 122h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos sense4 plus

  • Potentially longer software support directly from Sharp.
  • Streamlined Android experience without Google bloatware.
  • Competitive price point.

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset.
  • Display likely lacks the brightness and vibrancy of the Pixel 5a 5G.
  • Limited camera information hinders performance assessment.

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Brighter and more vibrant display (861 nits).
  • More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset for smoother performance.
  • Exceptional camera quality thanks to Google’s computational photography.

  • Google’s software customizations may not appeal to all users.
  • Charging speed, while decent, isn't class-leading.
  • Software update support is limited to a few years.

Display Comparison

The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 861 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Aquos sense4 plus. This makes the Pixel 5a 5G far more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher peak brightness of the Pixel 5a 5G translates to a more vivid and engaging viewing experience. The Aquos sense4 plus’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more standard LCD panel, while the Pixel 5a 5G likely benefits from OLED technology.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs are limited, the Pixel 5a 5G’s strength lies in Google’s renowned computational photography. The Pixel 5a 5G leverages software algorithms to produce exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Aquos sense4 plus likely relies more on hardware capabilities, but without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess its performance. The Pixel 5a 5G’s image processing is optimized for realistic colors and dynamic range, while the Aquos sense4 plus may lean towards a more saturated look. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both devices, the Pixel 5a 5G’s overall camera system is expected to deliver superior results.

Performance

The Google Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) offers a performance advantage over the Aquos sense4 plus’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The 765G features a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.4 GHz, alongside a 2.2 GHz Gold core, and six 1.8 GHz Silver cores, while the 720G has two 2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold cores and six 1.8 GHz Silver cores. The 7nm process node of the 765G is more efficient, potentially leading to better thermal management during sustained workloads. This translates to smoother multitasking and gaming on the Pixel 5a 5G, particularly in graphically demanding titles.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Pixel 5a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, allowing for faster charging speeds compared to the Aquos sense4 plus’s unspecified wired charging. While both phones offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the Pixel 5a 5G’s faster charging capability provides more convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus if you need a straightforward Android experience without Google’s software customizations, and value a potentially longer lifespan of software updates directly from Sharp. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize camera quality, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the benefits of Google’s AI-powered features and guaranteed software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the Aquos sense4 plus struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 720G is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G offers a smoother experience with higher settings.
❓ How does Google's software update policy affect the long-term usability of the Pixel 5a 5G?
Google typically provides 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 5a 5G. While this is good, it's shorter than the potential software support lifespan offered directly by Sharp for the Aquos sense4 plus, which may continue to receive updates beyond Google's timeframe.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 5a 5G fast enough for quick top-ups throughout the day?
18W charging is reasonably fast, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours for a full charge. It's sufficient for topping up the battery during breaks or overnight, but it's not as rapid as the charging speeds offered by some other smartphones in this price range.