Sharp Aquos zero6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note9: A Clash of Generations

The Sharp Aquos zero6 represents a modern mid-range contender, while the Samsung Galaxy Note9, though older, remains a powerhouse. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone best suits your needs. We'll cover everything from display quality to battery life and overall performance.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Note9 boasts a more powerful chipset and a mature software experience, while the zero6 offers a more modern design and 5G connectivity. For raw power and S Pen functionality, the Note9 wins. However, if you prioritize a sleek design and future-proofing, the zero6 is a compelling choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos zero6 Samsung Galaxy Note9
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Global
5G bands1, 3, 28, 78, 257 SA/NSA/mmWave-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
Launch
Announced2021, October 14. Released 2021, October 142018, August 09. Released 2018, August 24
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions158 x 73 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.37 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight146 g (5.15 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Stylus (Bluetooth integration)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~516 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 103.2 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 240HzSuper AMOLED, HDR10
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEAOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) - USA/LATAM, China
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Exynos 9810 (10 nm) - EMEAQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) - USA/LATAM, China
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G72 MP18 - EMEAAdreno 630 - USA/LATAM, China
OSAndroid 11Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D (depth)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@60fps (no OIS/EIS), 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
Dual-8 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF 2 MP (dedicated iris scanner camera)
Features-HDR
Single12.6 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1
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), accelerometerIris scanner, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
 -Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) ANT+ Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging-15W wired Wireless (Qi) (market dependent)
TypeLi-Ion 4010 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsSwan BlackMetallic Copper, Lavender Purple, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Pure White, Alpine White
Models-SM-N960F, SM-N9600, SM-N960F, SM-N960U, SM-N960U1, SM-N960N, SM-N960W, SM-N960X, SCV40
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 430 EUR
SAR-1.29 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.38 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 97h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.531 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 71dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 80dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 248823 (v7), 315447 (v8) GeekBench: 9026 (v4.4), 2092 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos zero6

  • Modern Design
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Vibrant OLED Display
  • Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display

  • Less Powerful Chipset
  • Camera Performance Unknown
  • Slower Charging
  • Limited Availability

Samsung Galaxy Note9

  • Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810)
  • S Pen Stylus
  • Mature Software
  • Excellent Camera
  • Long Battery Life

  • Older Design
  • No 5G
  • Slower Charging
  • Outdated Software Updates

Display Comparison

The Aquos zero6 features a vibrant OLED display, likely with a high refresh rate (spec sheet doesn't confirm, but typical for the series), offering excellent color accuracy and contrast. The Note9's Super AMOLED display is also fantastic, known for its vivid colors and deep blacks. Both offer excellent sunlight visibility with a reported contrast ratio of 4.531. The zero6 likely has a slightly more modern panel, but the Note9's display remains top-tier.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a complex area. The Note9's camera is well-regarded, offering versatile shooting options and good image quality. The Aquos zero6's camera is likely competent, but likely won't match the Note9's overall capabilities, especially in low light. Specific camera specs are missing for the zero6, making a direct comparison difficult.

Performance

The Note9, depending on region, has either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, both significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 750G in the zero6. While the zero6's CPU is adequate for everyday tasks, the Note9 handles demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The Note9's RAM (typically 6GB or 8GB) also gives it an edge.

Battery Life

Both phones boast impressive battery life, with the Note9 claiming an endurance rating of 97 hours. The zero6's battery capacity is likely smaller, but its efficient chipset should still provide all-day usage. Charging speeds are slower on the Note9 (15W wired) compared to modern standards.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Sharp Aquos zero6? Users seeking a stylish, 5G-enabled phone with a good display and decent performance at a mid-range price. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Note9? Users who value raw power, the S Pen stylus, and a proven software ecosystem, even if it means sacrificing some modern features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Sharp Aquos zero6 worth buying in 2024?
It depends on your priorities. If you want a modern, 5G phone with a good display and don't need top-tier performance, it's a good option. However, consider the Note9 if you need more power and the S Pen.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Note9 still receive software updates?
Samsung has ended major software updates for the Note9. Security updates may still be available for a limited time, but it's no longer receiving new Android versions.