Sharp Aquos Zero 2 vs LG V50S ThinQ 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon 855 Flagships

Released in different markets and with distinct design philosophies, the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 and the LG V50S ThinQ 5G both represent a peak in the Snapdragon 855 era. While both leverage Qualcomm’s 7nm flagship chipset, their approaches to battery technology, charging, and overall user experience create a compelling comparison for those seeking a capable, yet potentially overlooked, 5G smartphone.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience and future-proofing, the LG V50S ThinQ 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. Its inclusion of 9W wireless charging and broader charging protocol support (QC3) adds versatility, while the Aquos Zero 2 focuses on streamlined wired charging with PD2.0.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos Zero 2 LG V50S ThinQ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 39, 41 - Taiwan1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41
5G bands-41 NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 222019, October. Released 2019, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight141 g (4.97 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, HDR10, Dolby VisionOLED, HDR10
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual12.2 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 20 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide), AF12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, 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, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.021W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3130 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlueAurora Black
ModelsSH-Z20, SHV47, 906SHLM-V510N
PriceAbout 670 EURAbout 1100 EUR

Sharp Aquos Zero 2

  • Streamlined design aesthetic
  • Fast wired charging with PD2.0
  • Potentially optimized thermal management (unconfirmed)

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Limited charging protocol support (PD2.0 only)

LG V50S ThinQ 5G

  • Wireless charging support (9W)
  • Broad charging compatibility (PD, QC3)
  • Likely more versatile camera system

  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Larger and potentially heavier design

Display Comparison

Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but considering their release timelines, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize OLED panels. The LG V50S, being a flagship from a major brand, likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially wider color gamut coverage. Sharp, known for its display technology, may have focused on color accuracy in the Aquos Zero 2. The absence of refresh rate data suggests neither device features a high refresh rate display, a common omission in 2019 flagships.

Camera Comparison

Without sensor details, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, LG’s V-series traditionally emphasizes versatile camera systems. The V50S ThinQ 5G likely features a more sophisticated multi-camera setup with a larger primary sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). The Aquos Zero 2, while potentially capable, likely prioritizes simplicity. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and won’t significantly impact image quality.

Performance

Both the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 and the LG V50S ThinQ 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) with an identical CPU configuration: Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485). This means raw processing power will be virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from thermal management and software optimization. LG’s V-series historically features aggressive thermal throttling under sustained load, while Sharp’s implementation remains less documented. RAM speed (LPDDR4X is likely on both) isn’t specified, but won’t be a major differentiator.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the LG V50S ThinQ 5G gains a significant advantage with its support for both 21W wired charging, Power Delivery (PD), and Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3), alongside 9W wireless charging. The Aquos Zero 2 relies solely on wired PD2.0 charging. This means the V50S offers more flexibility in charging options and the convenience of wireless top-ups. While a larger battery capacity on the Aquos Zero 2 could offset the slower charging, the V50S’s charging versatility is a clear win for most users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you prioritize a minimalist design and fast, efficient wired charging via the PD2.0 standard. It’s ideal for users who consistently have access to Power Delivery chargers and prefer a cleaner aesthetic. Buy the LG V50S ThinQ 5G if you value the convenience of wireless charging, broader compatibility with charging standards (Quick Charge 3.0), and a more feature-rich software experience, even if it means slightly less streamlined charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the LG V50S ThinQ 5G's Snapdragon 855 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
LG's V-series phones have historically been prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While the Snapdragon 855 is a capable chip, the V50S's cooling solution may struggle during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to reduced performance. The Aquos Zero 2's thermal performance is less documented, but may offer a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the Power Delivery (PD) charging on the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 significantly faster than standard Quick Charge?
PD charging, when paired with a compatible charger, can deliver higher wattage and more efficient charging compared to older Quick Charge standards. However, the Aquos Zero 2's charging speed is limited by the phone's internal circuitry and the charger used. While PD offers potential for faster charging, the actual difference may not be dramatic without a high-wattage PD charger.
❓ Can I use any USB-C charger with the Sharp Aquos Zero 2, or do I need a PD-compatible charger?
While the Aquos Zero 2 will charge with any USB-C charger, you'll only achieve optimal charging speeds with a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger. Using a standard USB-C charger will result in significantly slower charging times.