The Sharp Aquos V and R2 Compact represent interesting points in the company’s history, offering a blend of compact form factors and flagship-adjacent hardware. While both aim for portability, they differ significantly in their core processing power, with the R2 Compact boasting the newer Snapdragon 845. This comparison dissects those differences, and determines which device offers the best value for today’s user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 845 provides a noticeable performance uplift over the 835 in the Aquos V, coupled with the added benefit of 18W PD2.0 fast charging. While the Aquos V may be more affordable, the R2 Compact’s improved speed and charging capabilities justify the price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 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 / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2018, November. Released 2019, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 157 x 76 x 9 mm (6.18 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 131 x 64 x 9.3 mm (5.16 x 2.52 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~485 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.9 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IGZO IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 |
| 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 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, OIS
13 MP B/W | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - |
24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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 | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3090 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Smokey Green, Deep White, Pure Black |
| Models | SH-C02 | SH-M09 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
Sharp Aquos V
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact form factor for one-handed use
- Likely good build quality (typical of Sharp)
- Older Snapdragon 835 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Less capable GPU for gaming
Sharp Aquos R2 compact
- Faster Snapdragon 845 chipset
- 18W PD2.0 fast charging
- Improved GPU performance for gaming
- Enhanced ISP for better image processing
- Potentially higher price
- Compact form factor may not suit all users
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics, but given the Aquos line’s history, both likely feature IGZO LCD panels. The R2 Compact, being a later model, potentially benefits from improved color calibration and brightness. The compact nature of both devices suggests a focus on maximizing screen real estate within a smaller footprint, potentially at the expense of extremely thin bezels found on larger flagships. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively state which offers a superior viewing experience, but the R2 Compact’s newer manufacturing process likely yields improvements.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 845 in the R2 Compact includes an upgraded Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of faster image processing and improved low-light performance. This suggests the R2 Compact will likely produce sharper, more detailed photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The 845’s ISP also supports features like dual camera processing and improved HDR capabilities. It’s reasonable to assume the R2 Compact benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms, even if the sensor sizes are similar.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Aquos V utilizes the Snapdragon 835 (MSM8998) built on a 10nm process, while the R2 Compact features the Snapdragon 845 (SDM845), also on 10nm. The 845 represents a significant architectural improvement, with its Kryo 385 Gold cores clocked at 2.6 GHz versus the 835’s 2.35 GHz Kryo cores. This translates to approximately 15-25% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. More importantly, the 845’s Adreno 630 GPU offers a substantial leap in graphics performance, making the R2 Compact the clear winner for gaming and graphically intensive applications. The 845 also includes improvements to the DSP and ISP, enhancing image processing and AI capabilities. While both use octa-core configurations, the 845’s refined core design and higher clock speeds deliver a more responsive and efficient experience.
Battery Life
Context data doesn’t provide battery capacities. However, the R2 Compact’s inclusion of 18W PD2.0 fast charging is a significant advantage. This allows for a much quicker 0-100% charge compared to the Aquos V, which likely relies on slower charging standards. Even if the Aquos V has a slightly larger battery, the R2 Compact’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller capacity, offering more convenient top-ups throughout the day. The Snapdragon 845’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life, despite the lack of specific mAh figures.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos V if you prioritize budget-friendliness and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light multimedia consumption. Buy the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact if you demand smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive gaming experience, and value the convenience of faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 Compact handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 845’s Adreno 630 GPU is capable of running these games at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won’t match the performance of newer chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 835.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a major concern? Should I expect a significant difference in photo quality?
While specific sensor details are missing, the Snapdragon 845’s improved ISP in the R2 Compact is a key advantage. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image clarity, especially in low-light conditions. Expect noticeably improved photo quality compared to the Aquos V.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Aquos R2 Compact from 0% to 100% with the 18W charger?
With 18W PD2.0 charging, the Aquos R2 Compact should fully charge in approximately 90-120 minutes, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably faster than the Aquos V, which likely takes over 2 hours with a standard charger.
