Sharp Aquos Zero 2 vs Oppo Reno Ace: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 855 Flagships

The Sharp Aquos Zero 2 and Oppo Reno Ace represent interesting points in the Snapdragon 855 era. The Zero 2 aimed for a minimalist, lightweight design, while the Reno Ace prioritized raw performance and incredibly fast charging. Both devices, now available at significantly reduced prices, offer compelling value, but cater to different user priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Oppo Reno Ace emerges as the stronger choice. Its 65W SuperVOOC charging, capable of a full charge in just 30 minutes, is a game-changer. While the Aquos Zero 2 offers a unique form factor, the Reno Ace’s performance edge and superior charging speed outweigh its slightly larger size.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos Zero 2 Oppo Reno Ace
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 222019, October. Released 2019, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)161 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight141 g (4.97 oz)200 g (7.05 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, HDR10, Dolby VisionAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 10Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, ColorOS 7.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 3.0
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), AF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF 2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; (gyro-EIS); video rec. only with main camera
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with dual speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, 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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.065W wired, 100% in 30 min
TypeLi-Ion 3130 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlueElectric purple, Interstellar blue, Gundam Edition
ModelsSH-Z20, SHV47, 906SHPCLM10
PriceAbout 670 EURAbout 380 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -92.0dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 99h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- Voice 79dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 87dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 354367 (v7), 434063 (v8) GeekBench: 11008 (v4.4), 2627 (v5.1) GFXBench: 35fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos Zero 2

  • Exceptionally lightweight and compact design
  • Minimalist aesthetic
  • PD2.0 charging support

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 855)
  • Limited display specifications

Oppo Reno Ace

  • 65W SuperVOOC charging (30-minute full charge)
  • More powerful processor (Snapdragon 855+)
  • Brighter display (717 nits)

  • Larger and heavier than the Aquos Zero 2
  • Potentially less refined software experience (depending on user preference)
  • May be harder to find new

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno Ace boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 717 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Aquos Zero 2. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand history), the Reno Ace’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a more refined panel calibration. The Zero 2’s display specs are less detailed, making a direct comparison of color accuracy and viewing angles difficult, but its focus on minimalism likely prioritized cost savings in this area.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature capable photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The Reno Ace likely benefits from Oppo’s established image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more vibrant and shareable photos. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, it’s difficult to assess low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither phone was positioned as a primary camera-focused device, instead prioritizing overall flagship features.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, but the Reno Ace features the slightly overclocked Snapdragon 855+ variant. The Reno Ace’s CPU clocks at 2.96 GHz versus the Zero 2’s 2.84 GHz, offering a marginal performance increase in CPU-bound tasks. More importantly, the 855+ generally exhibits better sustained performance due to improved thermal management. Both devices utilize an octa-core configuration with the same Kryo 485 architecture, but the Reno Ace’s higher clock speeds and potentially more aggressive cooling solution give it an edge in demanding applications and prolonged gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Both the Aquos Zero 2 and Reno Ace achieve an impressive endurance rating of 99 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified for the Zero 2). However, the Reno Ace’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is a massive advantage, allowing a full charge in just 30 minutes. The Aquos Zero 2 utilizes PD2.0, a slower charging standard, making it significantly less convenient for users who need quick top-ups. This charging speed disparity is the Reno Ace’s most significant advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you prioritize an exceptionally lightweight and compact flagship experience, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who value one-handed usability above all else. Buy the Oppo Reno Ace if you demand the fastest possible charging, a brighter display, and a slight performance boost for gaming and demanding applications. This is the phone for power users who don’t want to be tethered to a charger.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the Reno Ace actually make a noticeable difference in gaming compared to the standard 855 in the Aquos Zero 2?
While the difference isn't massive, the 855+ in the Reno Ace offers a slight performance boost, particularly in sustained gaming scenarios. The improved thermal management of the 855+ allows it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of throttling and resulting in smoother frame rates in demanding titles.
❓ Is the 65W charging on the Reno Ace safe for the battery's long-term health?
Oppo's SuperVOOC charging utilizes a unique charging protocol that distributes heat efficiently, minimizing battery degradation. While fast charging *can* theoretically impact battery lifespan, Oppo has implemented safeguards to mitigate this risk. Numerous tests have shown minimal long-term battery health impact with SuperVOOC.
❓ Given both phones have a 99h endurance rating, does that mean their battery life is identical?
Not necessarily. Endurance ratings are based on a standardized test suite. Real-world battery life will vary depending on usage patterns. The Reno Ace’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, effectively mitigating any potential differences in overall battery capacity or efficiency.