Sharp Aquos sense4 plus vs Nokia X20: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The Sharp Aquos sense4 plus and Nokia X20 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Aquos sense4 plus, leveraging the Snapdragon 720G, aims for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the Nokia X20 introduces 5G connectivity with the Snapdragon 480. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X20, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Nokia X20 offers 5G, the performance trade-off isn't justified for the average user.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos sense4 plus Nokia X20
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, 20, 28, 66, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, September 11. Released 2020, September 112021, April 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, May 12
Body
Dimensions166 x 78 x 8.8 mm (6.54 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)220 g (7.76 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, LED flash, 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 lens64 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP32 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
ChargingWired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 4120 mAhLi-Po 4470 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep Fog Black, Cloud WhiteMidnight Sun, Nordic Blue
Models-TA-1341, TA-1344
PriceAbout 600 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR-1.04 W/kg (head)     0.62 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.51 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)

Sharp Aquos sense4 plus

  • Superior CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 720G
  • More efficient chipset for better battery life
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Charging speed is unspecified and likely slower than Nokia X20

Nokia X20

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • 18W fast charging
  • Nokia's commitment to software updates

  • Lower CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 480
  • Less efficient chipset
  • Potentially lower camera image quality

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Aquos sense4 plus, the focus is on functionality. The Nokia X20's display is adequate, but the real difference lies under the hood. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on battery life over visual fluidity. The Snapdragon 720G in the Aquos sense4 plus has a more powerful ISP, potentially leading to better image processing from the front camera, which is important for video calls.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 720G's image signal processor (ISP) is more capable than the one found in the Snapdragon 480. This suggests the Aquos sense4 plus will likely deliver better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Nokia X20 may benefit from software optimizations, but the hardware advantage leans towards the Sharp. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the 720G's processing power is a significant factor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sharp Aquos sense4 plus utilizes the Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver cores. The Nokia X20, conversely, employs the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 cores. The Snapdragon 720G's higher clock speeds on its performance cores, combined with a more mature architecture, result in superior CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While both are 8nm chips, the 720G is generally more efficient at handling demanding tasks. The Nokia X20's 5G capability is its primary advantage, but the Snapdragon 480 is a lower-tier 5G chipset.

Battery Life

The Nokia X20 features 18W wired charging, while the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus only offers standard wired charging (wattage unspecified). This gives the Nokia X20 a slight edge in charging speed. However, the Snapdragon 720G's efficiency in the Aquos sense4 plus could offset the charging advantage, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The actual battery capacity of both devices is crucial, but without that data, we can only speculate. The 18W charging on the Nokia X20 will likely deliver a 0-100% charge in around 2-3 hours, while the Aquos sense4 plus may take longer.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus if you prioritize consistent performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, and don't require 5G connectivity. It's ideal for users who value a responsive experience and efficient power management. Buy the Nokia X20 if 5G is a non-negotiable requirement and you're willing to accept a slight performance compromise. It caters to users who anticipate utilizing 5G networks frequently and appreciate Nokia's commitment to software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X20 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is a lower-tier chipset and will likely require significant graphics settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates in demanding games like PUBG Mobile. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering, especially in intense scenes. The Aquos sense4 plus with the Snapdragon 720G will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 5G connectivity of the Nokia X20 make for the average user?
For many users, the benefits of 5G may be limited. 5G coverage is still expanding, and the speed increase isn't always significant in everyday tasks. If you live in an area with robust 5G coverage and frequently download large files or stream high-resolution video, the Nokia X20's 5G capability will be beneficial. Otherwise, the performance advantage of the Aquos sense4 plus may be more noticeable.
❓ Does the Nokia X20's 18W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Sharp Aquos sense4 plus?
While the Nokia X20's 18W charging is faster than standard charging, the difference won't be dramatic. Expect a 0-100% charge in approximately 2-3 hours on the Nokia X20. The Aquos sense4 plus may take longer, potentially closer to 3-4 hours, depending on its charging wattage. The Snapdragon 720G's efficiency might partially offset this difference in real-world usage.