Sharp Aquos sense5G vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: Which Mid-Range 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the stronger choice. Its superior display brightness (861 nits) and Google’s computational photography give it a clear edge. However, the Aquos sense5G’s 27W charging offers a significant convenience advantage for those who prioritize quick top-ups.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sharp Aquos sense5G | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 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, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 25. Released 2021, June 10 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.83 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810H compliant | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~435 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.8 inches, 84.0 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, HDR10 | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS | - | |
| 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), AF 12 MP, f/2.4, 121˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 27W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4570 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Satin Gold, Titanium Black | Mostly Black |
| Models | SHG03 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 250 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 sense5G
- Faster 27W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 690 chipset
- Inferior display brightness and technology
- Less refined camera software
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Superior camera performance with Google’s software
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially higher price
- May lack expandable storage
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 861 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Aquos sense5G. This translates to better outdoor visibility. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 5a’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit. The Aquos sense5G’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more standard LCD panel, while the Pixel 5a likely utilizes an OLED panel for richer colors and deeper blacks. Bezels are not specified for either device, but the Pixel 5a’s overall design suggests a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G’s camera system benefits immensely from Google’s computational photography expertise. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 5a’s image processing algorithms are known for their dynamic range and detail. The Aquos sense5G’s camera specifications are less prominent, suggesting a more standard camera experience. The absence of detailed information about the Aquos sense5G’s camera implies it won’t compete with the Pixel 5a’s consistently excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We'll ignore any 2MP macro lenses on either device as they offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) offers a performance advantage over the Aquos sense5G’s Snapdragon 690 (8nm). The 765G features a faster prime core (2.4 GHz Kryo 475) compared to the 690’s (2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold). While both are octa-core CPUs, the 7nm process node of the 765G generally leads to better power efficiency and sustained performance. The Aquos sense5G’s 8nm node, while still efficient, is a step behind. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but the Pixel 5a’s optimized software and more powerful chipset will result in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Both the Sharp Aquos sense5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Aquos sense5G’s 27W wired charging significantly outperforms the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0. This means the Aquos sense5G can replenish its battery much faster, potentially going from 0-100% in considerably less time. While the Pixel 5a 5G’s battery life is comparable, the Aquos sense5G offers a convenience advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos sense5G if you need faster charging speeds and frequently find yourself needing to quickly replenish your battery. It’s ideal for users who value convenience over absolute peak performance or camera quality. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display, exceptional camera performance powered by Google’s software, and guaranteed software updates. It’s the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those invested in the Google ecosystem.