Sharp's Aquos series consistently delivers solid mid-range phones with a focus on practicality and value. The Aquos Sense 5G and Aquos Sense 4 Plus are two such contenders. But which one offers the better experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Aquos Sense 4 Plus edges out the 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and generally better performance. While the 5G offers 5G connectivity, the 4 Plus provides a smoother overall experience for the price. It's a close call, but the 4 Plus is the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 25. Released 2021, June 10 | 2020, September 11. Released 2020, September 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.83 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 166 x 78 x 8.8 mm (6.54 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~435 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.8 inches, 84.0 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, HDR10 | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, 40mm (telephoto macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 27W wired | Wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4570 mAh | Li-Po 4120 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Satin Gold, Titanium Black | Deep Fog Black, Cloud White |
| Models | SHG03 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 600 EUR |
Sharp Aquos sense5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly more modern design
- 27W Fast Charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially slower performance
- No fast charging adapter included (likely)
Sharp Aquos sense4 plus
- More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Smoother performance
- Likely better value for money
- No 5G connectivity
- Slower charging (likely)
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) with comparable resolutions (likely FHD+). The Sense 4 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly newer chipset and potential software optimizations. Expect similar brightness levels and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and potentially a depth sensor. Image quality is likely comparable in good lighting conditions. The Sense 4 Plus might have slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset, potentially resulting in more vibrant colors and better dynamic range. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
The Snapdragon 720G in the Sense 4 Plus holds a clear advantage over the Snapdragon 690 5G in the Sense 5G. The 720G offers a noticeable boost in CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The Sense 5G is still capable for everyday tasks, but the 4 Plus feels more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4500mAh. The Sense 4 Plus, with its more efficient chipset, might offer slightly better battery life. The Sense 5G's 27W wired charging is a plus, offering faster charging speeds than the Sense 4 Plus's standard wired charging (likely around 18W).
Buying Guide
The Sharp Aquos Sense 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern design, even if it means sacrificing a bit of performance. The Aquos Sense 4 Plus is a better choice for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience and don't necessarily need 5G, offering excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sharp Aquos Sense 5G worth it if I need 5G?
If 5G is a must-have, then the Sense 5G is your only option. However, consider if the performance trade-off is acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Sharp Aquos Sense 4 Plus, thanks to its Snapdragon 720G, offers significantly better gaming performance.
❓ Does either phone come with a fast charger in the box?
The Sharp Aquos Sense 5G likely includes a 27W charger. The Sense 4 Plus likely does not, and uses a standard charger.
