Sharp consistently delivers unique smartphones, and the Aquos Zero6 and R5G are prime examples. Both offer distinctive features, but cater to different user needs. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your attention.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Aquos R5G boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset and a superior camera system. However, the Zero6 offers a more streamlined experience and potentially better value. The R5G is the performance king, while the Zero6 prioritizes efficiency and a cleaner UI.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 78, 257 SA/NSA/mmWave | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 14. Released 2021, October 14 | 2020, February. Released 2020, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 73 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz | IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Triple | 48 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) | 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.7, 52mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS
48 MP, f/2.9, 19mm (ultrawide), 0.8µm
TOF 3D (depth) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 12.6 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4010 mAh | Li-Ion 3730 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Swan Black | Glare Black, Aurora White |
| Models | - | SH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 700 EUR |
Sharp Aquos zero6
- Clean Android experience
- Good battery life
- Excellent IGZO display
- Sleek design
- Competitive price
- Less powerful chipset
- Camera not as impressive as flagship rivals
- Limited availability outside of Japan
Sharp Aquos R5G
- Flagship Snapdragon 865 performance
- Excellent camera system
- High refresh rate display
- Premium build quality
- 5G connectivity
- Higher price
- Battery life can be shorter under heavy use
- Limited availability outside of Japan
- Potentially more complex UI
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Sharp's excellent IGZO displays, known for their brightness and color accuracy. The R5G generally has a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 90Hz on the Zero6) and potentially a more vibrant color profile, though both offer excellent viewing experiences. The R5G's display is also slightly larger.
Camera Comparison
The Aquos R5G's camera system is a major highlight. It features a higher resolution main sensor and generally superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Zero6's camera is still capable, but doesn't match the R5G's flagship-level performance.
Performance
The Snapdragon 865 in the R5G is a clear winner here. It offers significantly faster processing speeds and better graphics performance compared to the Snapdragon 750G in the Zero6. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the R5G.
Battery Life
The Zero6 typically offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and potentially optimized software. While the R5G has a decent battery, the more powerful processor can drain it faster under heavy use. Both phones support fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Sharp Aquos Zero6 is ideal for users seeking a smooth, reliable daily driver with a focus on a clean Android experience and good battery life. The Aquos R5G is for power users and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and a flagship camera, even if it comes at a higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sharp Aquos R5G worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and camera quality above all else, then yes. However, if you're looking for a more affordable and efficient device, the Zero6 is a compelling alternative.
❓ Where can I buy these phones?
Availability is limited, primarily in Japan. Import options are available, but be aware of potential warranty and compatibility issues.