Sharp Aquos Zero 2 vs Sony Xperia 1: A Detailed Comparison of 2019 Flagships

Released in the same timeframe, the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 and Sony Xperia 1 represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, but diverge significantly in areas like display technology, battery optimization, and overall design philosophy. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term battery life and a more streamlined experience, the Sony Xperia 1 emerges as the better choice. While the Aquos Zero 2 is a capable device, the Xperia 1’s 79-hour endurance rating and refined software provide a more consistent and reliable performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos Zero 2 Sony Xperia 1
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, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 222019, February 25. Released 2019, May 30
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)167 x 72 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 2.83 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight141 g (4.97 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/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)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, HDR10, Dolby VisionOLED, HDR BT.2020
 -Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases Triluminos display X-Reality Engine
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 11
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal256GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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), AF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple-12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, predictive dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, predictive PDAF, 2x optical zoom, 5-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.018W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Ion 3130 mAhLi-Ion 3330 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlueBlack, Gray, Purple, White
ModelsSH-Z20, SHV47, 906SHJ8110, J8170, J9110, J9150, SOV40, SO-03L
PriceAbout 670 EURAbout 500 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 79h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 356734 (v7), 418206 (v8) GeekBench: 10985 (v4.4), 2753 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos Zero 2

  • Potentially lighter design (speculation)
  • Snapdragon 855 performance
  • PD2.0 charging support

  • Limited information available
  • Unknown battery capacity and charging speed

Sony Xperia 1

  • Exceptional 79-hour battery endurance
  • Bright 665 nit display with infinite contrast
  • 18W PD2.0 fast charging

  • Polarizing 21:9 aspect ratio
  • Snapdragon 855 is now several generations old

Display Comparison

The Sony Xperia 1 boasts a 665 nit peak brightness, a figure not provided for the Aquos Zero 2, suggesting a potentially superior viewing experience in direct sunlight. The Xperia 1’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, while a nominal specification, indicates a high-quality panel capable of deep blacks. Without panel technology details for the Aquos Zero 2, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles relative to the Xperia 1. The Xperia 1’s 21:9 aspect ratio, while polarizing, caters to multimedia consumption and multitasking, a feature absent from the Aquos Zero 2’s likely more conventional display.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking for the Aquos Zero 2. The Xperia 1’s camera system, while not detailed in the provided data, benefits from Sony’s expertise in image sensor technology and image processing. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information for the Aquos Zero 2, it’s impossible to assess its low-light performance or image stabilization capabilities relative to the Xperia 1. The absence of any mention of multiple cameras on the Aquos Zero 2 suggests a simpler camera setup compared to the Xperia 1.

Performance

Both the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 and Sony Xperia 1 are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring an identical octa-core CPU configuration. This means raw processing power will be comparable for most tasks. However, thermal management – a critical factor for sustained performance – is unknown for the Aquos Zero 2. The Xperia 1’s larger chassis may offer better heat dissipation, potentially mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both devices support PD2.0 charging, but the Xperia 1’s 18W charging speed is explicitly stated, while the Aquos Zero 2’s charging speed is not.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1’s standout feature is its impressive 79-hour endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Aquos Zero 2’s battery capacity is unknown, the Xperia 1’s endurance suggests superior power efficiency or a larger battery. Both devices support PD2.0 charging, and the Xperia 1’s 18W charging speed provides a defined charging timeframe. Without charging speed data for the Aquos Zero 2, it’s difficult to estimate its 0-100% charge time.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you prioritize a potentially lighter design (though weight data is unavailable) and are comfortable with a less mainstream brand experience. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 if you prefer a more polished software experience, a brighter display with infinite contrast, and exceptional battery endurance for demanding users who need all-day power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Sony Xperia 1’s 21:9 display cause compatibility issues with apps?
While some older apps may exhibit minor letterboxing or scaling issues, Sony implemented a ‘21:9 Adaptive Brightness’ feature and worked with developers to optimize app compatibility. Most modern apps and streaming services fully support the 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 855 in both phones still capable of handling modern games?
While the Snapdragon 855 is not the latest chipset, it remains capable of running most modern games at medium to high settings. However, demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during extended gaming sessions, potentially impacting performance on both devices.
❓ How does the Xperia 1’s battery life hold up with heavy usage, such as video streaming and gaming?
The Xperia 1’s 79-hour endurance rating is based on moderate usage. However, even with heavy usage, the large battery and efficient power management should provide a full day of use. The 18W fast charging also allows for quick top-ups when needed.