The Sharp Aquos V and R2 represent interesting points in the company's flagship history, showcasing the transition from the Snapdragon 835 to the 845. While both aimed for a premium experience, the generational leap in silicon significantly impacts performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you determine which device holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Sharp Aquos R2 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 845 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the 835 in the V, translating to smoother multitasking and improved gaming. While the R2's 10W charging is slow by modern standards, the core performance benefits justify the upgrade.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157 x 76 x 9 mm (6.18 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 156 x 74 x 9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | IPX5/IPX8/IP6X |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~561 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.9 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 89.9 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IGZO IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, OIS
13 MP B/W | 22.6 MP, PDAF
16.3 MP, PDAF (for video recording only) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30fps (dedicated video camera) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16.3 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3090 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3130 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Models | SH-C02 | 706SH, SHV42 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Sharp Aquos V
- Potentially lower price point in the used market.
- Still capable of handling basic tasks.
- Likely features a quality IGZO LCD display.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the R2.
- Older chipset with less efficient power consumption.
- Unknown charging speed, likely slow.
Sharp Aquos R2
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Snapdragon 845.
- Improved GPU for better gaming experience.
- More efficient chipset leading to potentially better battery life.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Higher price compared to the Aquos V.
- May be harder to find in good condition.
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics, but given the Aquos line's history, both likely feature IGZO LCD panels. The R2, being the newer model, likely benefits from improved color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. The absence of high refresh rate technology on either device is a notable omission compared to contemporary flagships. Bezels were a key design focus for Sharp, so expect relatively slim borders on both, though the R2 likely refined this further.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely featured capable camera systems for their time. The R2, as the newer model, likely benefited from improved image processing algorithms and potentially a slightly larger sensor. Sharp historically focused on image quality, so expect good dynamic range and color reproduction from both. The absence of information regarding OIS or aperture sizes prevents a more granular analysis.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Aquos V's Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, features an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.35 GHz Kryo cores and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo cores. The Aquos R2 steps up to the Snapdragon 845 (also 10nm) with 4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold cores and 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver cores. This represents a significant architectural improvement, with the 845 offering approximately 25-30% better CPU performance and a substantial GPU boost. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the R2. The 845 also features an improved Hexagon DSP for enhanced AI processing.
Battery Life
Context data only provides charging information for the R2 (10W wired). The Aquos V's charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. The R2's 10W charging is exceptionally slow by today's standards, requiring a significant amount of time to fully charge. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the more efficient Snapdragon 845 in the R2 will likely result in comparable or slightly better real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the V.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos V if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price for a still-functional flagship experience and are willing to accept compromises in performance. It's a viable option for basic tasks and light usage. Buy the Sharp Aquos R2 if you value a more responsive user experience, better gaming capabilities, and a slightly more future-proof platform, even if it means paying a premium and dealing with slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Aquos R2 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect medium settings to provide a playable experience, while high settings may result in noticeable lag. The 835 in the Aquos V will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the slow 10W charging on the Aquos R2 a dealbreaker in 2024?
Yes, the 10W charging is a significant drawback. Modern smartphones typically support 25W or faster charging, allowing for a full charge in under an hour. The Aquos R2 will take several hours to fully charge, making it inconvenient for users accustomed to faster charging speeds. Consider this a major trade-off.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 compare to newer chipsets like the Snapdragon 778G?
While the Snapdragon 845 was a flagship chip in its time, it's now surpassed by mid-range chipsets like the Snapdragon 778G. The 778G offers comparable CPU performance and often exceeds the 845 in GPU capabilities, while also being more power-efficient. However, the 845 still holds its own for basic tasks and light gaming.
