The Sharp Aquos Zero and Zero 2 represent a fascinating period in Android development – a time when manufacturers were still actively pursuing high-end experiences in compact form factors. While both devices share a similar design philosophy, the core difference lies beneath the surface: the transition from the Snapdragon 845 to the Snapdragon 855. This comparison dissects the implications of that shift, focusing on performance, efficiency, and the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, delivers noticeable performance gains and improved power efficiency over the 10nm Snapdragon 845 in the original Zero. While the Zero remains a capable device, the Zero 2 offers a smoother, more responsive experience, particularly in demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 39, 41 - Taiwan |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, January. Released 2019, January | 2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 22 |
| 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) | 158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2992 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~536 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, 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 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| 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, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | Wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3130 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3130 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteorite Black | Blue |
| Models | SH-Z10 | SH-Z20, SHV47, 906SH |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 670 EUR |
Sharp Aquos Zero
- Potentially lower price point due to age.
- Compact form factor remains appealing.
- Still a capable device for everyday tasks.
- Less powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset.
- Lower power efficiency compared to the Zero 2.
- May exhibit more thermal throttling under heavy load.
Sharp Aquos Zero 2
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 855.
- Improved gaming performance and multitasking.
- Better camera image processing capabilities.
- Likely higher price than the original Aquos Zero.
- Compact size may not appeal to all users.
- May be harder to find in stock.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar focus on maximizing screen real estate within a compact body. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) aren't provided, the Aquos line historically prioritized color accuracy and brightness. The move to the Snapdragon 855 in the Zero 2 doesn't directly impact the display panel itself, but the more efficient chipset *could* allow for slightly higher sustained brightness levels without thermal throttling. The impact on display performance is therefore indirect, stemming from improved thermal management.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 855 of the Zero 2 provides a significant advantage. The 855's ISP enables faster image processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar camera hardware (lens apertures, sensor sizes), the Zero 2 will produce superior images due to the enhanced processing capabilities. The 855 also supports more advanced computational photography features, potentially leading to better low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones is the chipset. The Aquos Zero utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with Kryo 385 cores clocked up to 2.6 GHz. The Aquos Zero 2 upgrades to the Snapdragon 855 (7nm), boasting an octa-core CPU with Kryo 485 cores, with a prime core reaching 2.84 GHz. This shift to a 7nm process is crucial; it allows for higher transistor density and significantly improved power efficiency. The 855's CPU architecture also offers performance improvements, particularly in single-core tasks. Users will experience faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games on the Zero 2.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities aren't provided, the Snapdragon 855's 7nm process offers a substantial efficiency advantage over the 10nm Snapdragon 845. This translates to longer battery life for the Aquos Zero 2, even with similar usage patterns. Both devices support 18W wired charging with PD2.0, meaning charging speeds will likely be comparable. However, the Zero 2's improved efficiency means it will require less frequent charging, effectively extending its usable battery life throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero if you prioritize finding the lowest possible price for a still-functional compact flagship and are willing to accept slightly slower performance and potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you value a more responsive user experience, better gaming performance, and improved efficiency, even if it comes at a premium. The Zero 2 is the better investment for users who plan to use their phone heavily for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Aquos Zero 2 run demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855 in the Aquos Zero 2 provides a substantial performance boost over the 845. While it won't match the performance of newer flagships, it should be capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with a stable frame rate. The improved thermal management will also help prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Aquos Zero 2 will feel noticeably smoother and more responsive. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be more fluid, and animations will be less likely to stutter. The Snapdragon 855's improved CPU architecture contributes to a more polished user experience.
❓ Does the Aquos Zero 2 support fast charging beyond the 18W PD2.0 standard?
No, both the Aquos Zero and Zero 2 officially support up to 18W wired charging via the PD2.0 protocol. While some third-party chargers might offer slightly faster charging speeds, the phones are limited by their internal charging circuitry.
❓ Given their age, are software updates still available for either device?
Software update support for both the Aquos Zero and Zero 2 is likely limited or non-existent at this point. Sharp has historically not been known for long-term software support. Users should expect to run older versions of Android.
