Sharp Aquos Zero 2 vs Samsung Galaxy A54: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

The Sharp Aquos Zero 2, though released in 2019, represents a unique proposition: a compact flagship with high-end components at a potentially lower price point. We're comparing it to the current-generation Samsung Galaxy A54, a popular mid-range device, to determine if the older hardware can still compete with newer, more efficient chipsets and modern features.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and a modern software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is the better choice. However, users seeking a more compact form factor and potentially higher peak performance in short bursts may find the Aquos Zero 2 appealing, despite its age and charging limitations.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos Zero 2 Samsung Galaxy A54
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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 222023, March 15
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, March 24
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight141 g (4.97 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
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 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, HDR10, Dolby VisionSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 10Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 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, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.025W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3130 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlueLime, Graphite, Violet, White
ModelsSH-Z20, SHV47, 906SHSM-A546V, SM-A546U, SM-A546U1, SM-A546B, SM-A546B/DS, SM-A546E, SM-A546E/DS, SM-A5460, SM-A546M, SM-A546M/DS, SM-A546W
PriceAbout 670 EUR€ 210.00 / $ 119.11 / £ 169.95 / ₹ 28,999
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.69 W/kg (head)     1.34 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 119h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 506678 (v9) GeekBench: 2703 (v5.1), 2797 (v6) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos Zero 2

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Potentially higher peak CPU performance (Snapdragon 855)
  • Likely faster RAM (LPDDR5)

  • Older chipset (Snapdragon 855)
  • Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
  • Potentially outdated software and security updates

Samsung Galaxy A54

  • Excellent battery life (11:15h active use)
  • Brighter display (980 nits)
  • Modern software and security updates

  • Larger and heavier form factor
  • Less powerful chipset (Exynos 1380) in raw CPU terms
  • Potentially slower RAM (LPDDR4x)

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A54 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 980 nits, compared to an unknown peak brightness for the Aquos Zero 2. While the Aquos Zero 2 likely has excellent color accuracy given Sharp’s display expertise, the A54’s higher brightness ensures better visibility outdoors. The A54’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical OLED panel, while the Aquos Zero 2’s panel type isn’t specified, but was likely also OLED given the era. Bezels are likely slimmer on the older Aquos Zero 2 due to its smaller size.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Aquos Zero 2. The Galaxy A54 likely features a more versatile camera system with advanced image processing algorithms. The A54’s camera likely benefits from Samsung’s extensive software optimizations. Without specific sensor details for the Aquos Zero 2, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance or dynamic range capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A54 is unlikely to be a significant benefit, as image quality is often limited by the small sensor size.

Performance

The Aquos Zero 2’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) was a flagship processor in its time, featuring an octa-core configuration with a peak clock speed of 2.84 GHz. However, the Galaxy A54’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) benefits from a more modern manufacturing process. The 5nm node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the Exynos 1380 can deliver comparable, and in some cases, superior sustained performance with less thermal throttling. While the Snapdragon 855’s Kryo 485 cores offer strong single-core performance, the Exynos 1380’s Cortex-A78 cores are architecturally more efficient. The A54’s RAM configuration (not specified in context) is likely LPDDR4x, while the Aquos Zero 2 likely used LPDDR5, potentially giving it a slight memory bandwidth advantage.

Battery Life

The Galaxy A54 clearly excels in battery life, achieving an impressive 11:15h of active use and an endurance rating of 119h. The Aquos Zero 2’s battery capacity is unknown, but given its age and focus on a compact form factor, it’s likely smaller. The A54 supports 25W wired charging, while the Aquos Zero 2 utilizes PD2.0, but its wattage is unspecified. The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process contributes to the A54’s superior battery efficiency, allowing it to deliver significantly longer runtimes.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you need a smaller, lighter phone and prioritize raw CPU performance for tasks like quick app launches and light gaming, and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life and slower charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A54 if you prefer a larger display, all-day battery life (11:15h active use), a more refined camera system, and the latest software updates with guaranteed security patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A54 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process and Samsung’s thermal management solutions generally prevent significant overheating during gaming. While it may experience some throttling after extended periods, it’s unlikely to reach uncomfortable temperatures or shut down unexpectedly. The 5nm process is more efficient than the 7nm Snapdragon 855, reducing heat generation.
❓ Is the PD2.0 charging on the Aquos Zero 2 significantly slower than the 25W charging on the Galaxy A54?
Yes, the Aquos Zero 2’s PD2.0 charging, even at its maximum supported wattage (which is unspecified), is likely slower than the Galaxy A54’s 25W charging. PD2.0 is a standard, but the actual charging speed depends on the power adapter and the device’s implementation. The A54’s dedicated 25W charging will likely result in a faster 0-100% charge time.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 855's age affect app compatibility on the Aquos Zero 2?
While the Snapdragon 855 is still a capable processor, its age means some newer apps and games may not be fully optimized for it. You might experience occasional performance hiccups or compatibility issues with the latest titles. The Galaxy A54, with its newer chipset, will generally offer better app compatibility and smoother performance.