SHARP's AQUOS series is appealing for its ease of use, beautiful display, and long battery life. There is a wide variety of models available, from budget-friendly entry-level models to high-performance high-end models, allowing users to choose a model that best suits their needs. However, with such a wide variety, many people may be unsure which model is best for them.
In this article, we will compare recommended models in the AQUOS series and provide detailed information about the latest models for those considering purchasing an AQUOS.
AQUOS is a popular Android smartphone brand developed by the Japanese manufacturer SHARP, known for its ease of use and excellent cost performance. In addition to its excellent battery life, it also boasts many other attractive features, such as a beautiful display that utilizes TV manufacturing technology, and a high-performance camera.
As a result, it has received high praise both in Japan and overseas, and is popular with many users. Here we will explain the features of the AQUOS.
AQUOS extends battery life through the synergistic effect of its large-capacity battery and SHARP's proprietary "IGZO OLED" (*1) technology. Specifically, power consumption can be significantly reduced when there is no movement on the screen, such as when reading the news, eliminating the need for a larger battery and allowing the smartphone to remain lightweight.
*1: Some models do not feature IGZO OLED.
The appeal of AQUOS is the beauty of its IGZO OLED (※1), which is a testament to the technological capabilities that SHARP has cultivated through its experience in television manufacturing.
IGZO OLED is a display that expresses vivid and rich colors. This technology makes it possible to faithfully reproduce subtle hues that were previously difficult to reproduce.
In addition, the unique image processing technology makes details clearer, allowing you to see even the smallest details clearly and vividly.
*1: Some models do not feature IGZO OLED.
A major feature of AQUOS is its excellent camera performance, comparable to that of high-end digital cameras. Since the days of feature phones, we have focused on improving camera performance, and as a result, AQUOS cameras continue to evolve.
In particular, the high-end model AQUOS R8 pro is equipped with a 1-inch image sensor that boasts an overwhelming amount of light gathering capacity for a smartphone, and a lens jointly developed with the famous German camera manufacturer Leica Camera AG in the main camera, allowing you to enjoy professional photography.
Furthermore, the "AI Auto Function (Main Camera Only)" allows you to easily take beautiful photos, and the "Portrait Function (Main Camera Only)" allows you to take photos suited to various scenes, such as people and night scenes.
AQUOS is a popular brand and has released many models. The current lineup consists of three main series.
The first is the high-end, high-performance AQUOS R series. The second is the AQUOS sense series, a mid-range model aimed at the general public. And the third is the AQUOS wish series, an entry-level model that is affordable and easy to obtain. Here we will compare each series.
| Model | AQUOS R8 pro | AQUOS R8 | AQUOS sense8 | AQUOS wish3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| size (Width W x Height H x Thickness D) |
Approx. W77 x H161 x D9.3 (mm) | Approx. W74 x H159 x D8.7 (mm) | Approx. W71 x H153 x D8.4 (mm) | Approximately W70 x H147 x D8.9 |
| Weight | Approximately 203g | Approximately 179g | Approximately 159g | Approximately 161g |
| Display | Approximately 6.6 inches Pro IGZO OLED |
Approximately 6.39 inches Pro IGZO OLED |
Approximately 6.1 inches IGZO OLED |
Approximately 5.7 inches liquid crystal |
| OS (at the time of release) | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| memory | 12GB | 8GB | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB | 128GB | 64GB |
| Main camera | Standard: Approx. 47.2MP For distance measurement: Approximately 2MP |
Standard: Approx. 50.3MP Wide angle: approx. 13MP |
Standard: Approx. 50.3MP Wide angle: approx. 8MP |
Approximately 13MP |
| In-camera | Approximately 12.6MP | Approximately 8MP | Approximately 8MP | Approximately 5MP |
| battery | 5,000mAh | 4,570mAh | 5,000mAh | 3,730mAh |
| price | 196,900円 | 139,700円 | 56,980円 | 36,300円 |
When choosing a smartphone, it's important to first find a model that suits your usage. Here, we'll introduce four recommended AQUOS models, highlighting their specs and features. Understanding the characteristics of each model will help you find the perfect AQUOS smartphone.
The AQUOS R8 pro is a high-end 5G (※2) smartphone equipped with a high-performance CPU and 12GB of memory. A newly adopted heat dissipation system maximizes CPU performance. The main camera is equipped with a 1-inch image sensor designed under the supervision of Leica Camera AG, and image quality adjustments under the supervision of Leica Camera AG enable beautiful capture of various subjects.
It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, allowing you to enjoy powerful audio performance. This smartphone is recommended for those who enjoy taking and editing photos and videos, and for those who want to use apps smoothly.
*2: 5G coverage is limited. Please check the website of each carrier for details.
■ Recommended points of R8 pro
・Equipped with high-performance CPU “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform”
・Equipped with a large-capacity 5,000mAh battery
・Qi charging compatible
・Equipped with a camera supervised by Leica Camera (main camera)
・Accurate scene detection using a multispectral sensor (main camera)
・High-quality display "Pro IGZO OLED"
・Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
*Please note that AQUOS R8 pro is not a compatible model/device for povo2.0.
Click here for povo2.0 compatible models and devices
The AQUOS R8 is a high-end 5G (※2) smartphone that boasts a dual camera (main camera only) with a HEKTOR lens designed by Leica Camera AG. Its lightweight body (approximately 179g) is equipped with a bright 6.39-inch Pro IGZO OLED screen.
It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos surround sound technology, allowing you to enjoy immersive video and audio. It also comes equipped with the high-performance Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 CPU and high-speed processing memory, allowing for extremely smooth app launches and switching.
This smartphone is recommended for those who frequently use functions that put a strain on their smartphone, such as smartphone games and watching videos.
*2: 5G coverage is limited. Please check the website of each carrier for details.
■ Recommended points of the R8
・Equipped with high-performance CPU "Snapdragon 8 Gen 2" and high-speed processing memory
・Equipped with a 4,570mAh energy-saving battery
・High-resolution display "Pro IGZO OLED"
・Equipped with a camera supervised by Leica Camera (main camera)
・Strengthened body
*Please note that AQUOS R8 is not a compatible model/device for povo2.0.
Click here for povo2.0 compatible models and devices
The AQUOS sense8 is a mid-range smartphone released in November 2023, featuring a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-hold design. The camera has been improved from the previous model, with the main camera equipped with optical and electronic image stabilization, and the front camera equipped with electronic image stabilization.
This feature allows you to take photos without worrying about camera shake when pressing the shutter, and record videos without blur even while moving. Another attractive feature is the excellent battery life provided by the large-capacity 5,000mAh battery. For those who want to take full advantage of high-performance camera functions while keeping the price low, the AQUOS sense8 is a recommended smartphone.
■ Recommended points of sense8
・Equipped with image stabilization function, you can take pictures without worrying about camera shake
・The floating shutter allows you to move the shutter button to a convenient location for one-handed shooting.
・Uses "IGZO OLED" for smooth images
・Large-capacity 5,000mAh battery for extended use (*Usable time may vary depending on your usage environment.)
The AQUOS wish3 is an affordable entry-level model that features simple operation and a lightweight body (161g). Its performance is satisfactory even for everyday use, making it particularly suitable for children and those using a smartphone for the first time. It also features a 5.7-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution.
The main camera is a single camera with AI auto function that automatically takes clear photos depending on the scene.In addition, it is shock-resistant and has waterproof performance of IPX5/7 standard and dustproof performance of IP6X standard, so you can use it with confidence.
■ Recommended points of wish3
・Simple operability
・Equipped with beginner and child modes
・A camera with excellent durability and AI auto functions that is easy to use even for beginners
*Please note that AQUOS wish3 is not a compatible model or device for povo2.0.
Click here for povo2.0 compatible models and devices
The AQUOS series of smartphones has a diverse lineup ranging from high-end models to entry-level models. This allows you to choose the model that best suits your individual usage. Here, we will explain how to choose an AQUOS smartphone and introduce the AQUOS series models with specific examples.
If you are looking for a good value for money, we recommend the AQUOS sense8. While the prices of mid-range smartphones have been rising in recent years, the AQUOS sense8 offers well-balanced performance at a price in the 50,000 yen range.
The camera's improved power-saving capabilities and camera shake reduction in photos and videos are particularly appealing. Another plus is the large-capacity 5,000mAh battery, which allows for long battery life.
We recommend the AQUOS wish3 for smartphone beginners, children, and first-time smartphone users. The appeal of the wish3 is that it offers a simple, lightweight smartphone for around 30,000 yen.
It also has easy-to-use mode switching functions such as "Easy Mode" and "Junior Mode," so even those just learning how to use a smartphone or children can use it with confidence. It is durable and waterproof, and has enough functionality for everyday use.
The AQUOS R8 is equipped with a camera (main camera only) supervised by Leica Camera, a famous German camera manufacturer. With a camera supervised by Leica Camera, which is also used by professional photographers, you can easily take beautiful photos.
Furthermore, the large, high-resolution display allows you to enjoy high-spec smartphone games and video viewing without any hassle.With a high-performance CPU, large memory capacity, and a 4,570mAh battery, the R8 is an ideal model for those who want excellent quality in all features.
If you are thinking of purchasing an AQUOS smartphone and are currently using an iPhone, you may be concerned about the steps required to transfer your data and switch to AQUOS.
This article introduces the AQUOS R series, AQUOS sense series, and AQUOS wish series, but some people may want to know about other series as well. Here, we will explain some of the concerns and things to be aware of when using AQUOS.
Since AQUOS uses the Android OS, iPhone users will need to switch from iOS to Android. Some may think this is a difficult process, but with AQUOS, the process is very simple.
AQUOS is equipped with an "Easy Data Copy" function that allows you to directly connect smartphones to each other using the included adapter (*3) and transfer data directly.
*3: Some models are not included.
This method allows you to transfer data without going through the cloud, so no internet connection is required. Data that can be transferred includes not only photos, videos, contacts, and apps, but also Wi-Fi settings and Google accounts. This makes it easy to transfer data even for those who are worried about switching from iOS to Android.
This article has covered the AQUOS R series, AQUOS sense series, and AQUOS wish series, but there is also the AQUOS zero series. The zero series is a smartphone that emphasizes lightweight design and is equipped with a high-resolution camera. The latest model, the zero6, was released on October 14, 2021, and no new models have been released since then.
In this article, we have compared the recommended models in the AQUOS series and explained the latest models. When purchasing an AQUOS, why not also take a look at your communication fees? If you are concerned about communication fees, try au 's advantageous online-only brand "povo2.0" (※4) We recommend the following.
povo2.0 is a system that allows you to purchase only the amount of data you need. The monthly basic fees is 0 yen. (※5)(※6)(※7) For example, if you want to enjoy watching YouTube without worrying about data usage, you can Topping" Unlimited data (24 hours) 330 yen/time tax included included)". (※8) We also recommend the large-capacity Topping" Data Top-up (180 days) for 12,980 yen per use tax included)."
If you want to get the best deal on AQUOS, why not try povo2.0?
*4: This is an online-only plan, so all procedures and support are online. povo2.0 Please contact us through the application or the official website. 5：Additional fees such as handling charges may apply. validity for 180 days or more, or if you have never purchased a paid Topping subscription, your usage may be suspended or your contract terminated. Please understand this in advance.
If you subscribe to 5 lines(*) under the same name, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged for the 6th line and thereafter.
*5: Including lines that have been terminated or cancelled by the Company within the past year. 6：Domestic calls are charged separately at tax included 22 yen/30 seconds, and SMS sending is charged separately at tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters). Depending on the model, up to 670 two-byte characters can be sent; up to 134 characters are counted as two SMS messages, and thereafter one SMS message is charged for each 67 characters. Call charges may differ for some calls, such as calls to satellite phones. *7: When 0 yen and 0 GB, the maximum sending/receiving speed is 128 kbps. *8: Communication speed may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc.
