The Sharp Aquos Zero and R3 represent a fascinating snapshot in Qualcomm's Snapdragon evolution. The Zero, powered by the Snapdragon 845, aimed for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the R3, with the Snapdragon 855, pushed for outright speed and added features like wireless charging. This comparison dissects the differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs, especially as both models become increasingly available on the used market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sharp Aquos R3 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 855 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the 845, coupled with the convenience of wireless charging. While the Zero remains a capable device, the R3’s advancements justify the price difference, even on the used market.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, January. Released 2019, January | 2019, August. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154 x 73 x 8.8 mm (6.06 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 156 x 74 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2992 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~536 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~554 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
20 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide), AF, OIS |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm | 16 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| |
24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | Wired, PD
Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 3130 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteorite Black | Classic Black |
| Models | SH-Z10 | - |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 750 EUR |
Sharp Aquos Zero
- Potentially more affordable on the used market.
- Solid Snapdragon 845 performance for everyday tasks.
- Reliable PD2.0 wired charging.
- Older chipset with lower performance than the 855.
- Lacks wireless charging.
- Potentially less efficient than the R3.
Sharp Aquos R3
- Faster Snapdragon 855 processor.
- Wireless charging for added convenience.
- Improved thermal efficiency.
- Likely more expensive than the Zero.
- Battery life may not be significantly better if capacity is similar.
- May exhibit more software bloat due to later release.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specs are unavailable. However, both devices likely feature high-quality LCD panels typical of Sharp’s Aquos line. The R3’s later release suggests potential improvements in color accuracy and brightness, but without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to quantify. Both likely prioritize high refresh rates, a hallmark of the Aquos series, though the exact refresh rate isn't specified. Bezels were a key focus for Sharp, and both models likely feature relatively slim bezels for their time.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the R3, being a later model, likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor. Sharp historically focused on image quality, so both devices likely deliver respectable results in good lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS or aperture sizes makes it difficult to assess low-light performance. It's reasonable to assume the R3 offers a more refined camera experience overall, leveraging the improved ISP within the Snapdragon 855.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Aquos R3’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Aquos Zero’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm). The 855 features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, compared to the 845’s 2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold core. This, combined with the smaller 7nm process, translates to improved performance and thermal efficiency. The 855’s Adreno 640 GPU also offers a substantial upgrade over the 845’s Adreno 630, resulting in smoother gaming experiences. While both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, the 855’s optimized architecture will better leverage its memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Aquos R3’s inclusion of wireless charging is a key differentiator. The Zero supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, while the R3 adds wireless charging alongside wired PD support. The 855’s improved efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, despite any potential differences in battery capacity. The R3’s wireless charging capability provides added convenience, allowing users to top up their device without needing a cable.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero if you prioritize a slightly more affordable entry point into the Aquos line and are comfortable with a purely wired charging experience. It’s a solid performer for everyday tasks and media consumption. Buy the Sharp Aquos R3 if you demand faster processing speeds for gaming or demanding applications, and value the added convenience of wireless charging, making it ideal for users who frequently top up their devices throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the Aquos R3 get noticeably warmer than the 845 during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 855 is more efficient, its higher clock speeds and performance can still generate heat. However, the 7nm process and improved thermal management in the R3 should result in less throttling and more sustained performance compared to the Aquos Zero, even during demanding games. The R3 is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Aquos R3 particularly fast, or should I still rely on wired charging for quick top-ups?
The context data doesn't specify the wireless charging wattage of the Aquos R3. However, given its release timeframe, it likely supports standard Qi wireless charging speeds (around 5-15W). While convenient, wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging. For the fastest charging speeds, utilizing the R3’s wired PD charging is still recommended.
❓ Given both phones are older models, how well do they handle current app updates and security patches?
Sharp’s software support for these models is likely limited at this point. Expect fewer updates and potentially compatibility issues with newer apps. Security patches may also be infrequent. Users should be aware of these limitations before purchasing either device.
