Smartphones today are quite capable. In fact, most traditional PCs will have a tough time keeping up with today’s smartphones. This makes it paramount that each smartphone has some unique qualities. These qualities establish each device as a unique offering in the market. On that note, the smartphone in discussion today has few qualities that separate it from the current crop of smartphones. This smartphone is called Aquos R2 and it comes from Sharp. One thing to note is that it has been launched in Sharp’s home country only – Japan. This means no pricing and international availability details are available right now.
| Specifications | Sharp Aquos R2 |
| Price | TBA |
| Processor | Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Display | IPS LCD IGZO, 6.0-inch, Quad HD (3040x1440p) resolution with 19:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Internal Storage | 64GB (expandable up to 400GB with microSD card) |
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| Rear Camera | Dual; 22.6-megapixel for photos only, 16.3-megapixel for videos only |
| Front Camera | 16.3-megapixel |
| Battery | 3130mAh with fast charging |
| Dimensions | N/A |
| NFC | Yes |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Front-mounted |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IPX5/IPX8/IP6X-certified |
What’s new about the Sharp Aquos R2?
The Sharp Aquos R2 is the successor of the Aquos R smartphone from 2017. This means it is Sharp’s flagship smartphone for 2018. To that end, the phone is packed with top-of-the-line components. Powering this phone is the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip that’s been paired with 4GB RAM. It gets 64GB internal storage space that can be expanded up to 400GB with a microSD card. The Aquos R2 has a 6.0-inch IPS LCD IGZO display with Quad HD (3040 x 1440p) resolution and 19:9 aspect ratio. This panel has 120Hz refresh rate.
Coming to the Sharp Aquos R2’s OS, it runs on Android 8.0 Oreo. It gets a dual rear camera setup. However, the 22.6-megapixel camera shoots still photos only. The second 16.3-megapixel lens is dedicated to shooting videos only. The dual rear camera setup is paired with PDAF and LED flash. The front camera gets a 16.3-megapixel lens bound within an Essential Phone-like notch. Connectivity features on the Aquos R2 include Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, Dual-SIM, Wi-fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and GPS/A-GPS.
The phone is (as per Sharp) IPX5/IPX8/IP6X certified for water and dust resistance. It sure seems like the Aquos R2 is IP68-certified but that bit is not coming out clearly. Moving on, the phone has a fingerprint scanner below the display but it hurts the device in the looks department. The Sharp Aquos R2 has a 3130mAh battery onboard that supports fast charging but wireless charging does not find a mention.
Is the Sharp Aquos R2 worth consideration?
The Aquos R2 is definitely worth considering. This is despite it sporting somewhat sore looks and its questionable availability outside Japan. Three points help break this verdict down. Firstly, the phone sports a 120Hz display panel. The Razer Phone showed just how fast and smooth a powerful smartphone feels with a 120Hz panel. All one needs to do is check out the Razer Phone in action to know what a 120Hz panel does for a smartphone.
Photo courtesy Gizmochina
Secondly, the phone looks different from its rivals. Try naming another smartphone that has such a small notch. This small notch gives the Aquos R2’s design a sense of minimalism. Also, it provides more screen real estate, which is always welcome. Lastly, for camera folks, this phone sports neat trick. The dual rear camera setup has one lens dedicated to one duty only. However, the phone can take photos automatically while shooting videos. No other phone comes to mind that can do this.
Sharp Aquos R2 – Synopsis
- Exclusive to Japan for now, international launch and pricing details yet to be revealed
- Sports an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor paired with 4GB RAM
- 6.0-inch IPS LCD IGZO panel has Quad HD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 19:9 aspect ratio
- 64GB internal storage can be expanded up to 400GB with a microSD card
- Runs on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box
- Dual rear camera setup has 22.6-megapixel camera for stills only while the 16.3-megapixel lens shoots videos only
- 16.3-megapixel front camera nestled in an Essential Phone-like notch
- Connectivity options include 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-fi, GPS/A-GPS, and dual-SIM
- Front-mounted fingerprint scanner below the screen
- Certified IPX5/IPX8/IP6X for water and dust resistance
- 3130mAh battery has fast charging support
- Rear camera setup can click photos while shooting videos simultaneously
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[…] For one, the forehead and the chin are small and there is no oblong fingerprint scanner (like on this phone) to mess the minimalistic look up […]
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