The Sharp Aquos R9 is an impressive addition to the mid-range smartphone market, released in September 2024, and priced competitively at €550. With a powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage, it brings flagship-grade features into a more affordable package. The Aquos R9 aims to set new standards with its vibrant OLED display, high-quality cameras, and robust battery life, making it a strong contender among its peers.
Structure
Materials: The Sharp Aquos R9 is built with a sleek aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, offering both durability and premium aesthetics.
Dimensions and Weight: At 156 mm in height, 75 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in thickness, this phone is compact and easy to hold. It weighs 195 grams, which feels substantial without being overly heavy.
Durability: With an IP68 rating, the Aquos R9 is dust- and water-resistant, capable of withstanding immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it a reliable choice for rugged use.
Design Comparison: The sleek design, premium materials, and color options (Green, White) give it a modern and stylish look compared to other mid-range competitors.
Display
Size and Quality: The 6.5-inch PRO IGZO LTPO OLED display with a 1080×2340 resolution and 396 ppi ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high clarity for an immersive viewing experience.
Refresh Rate: The standout 240Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming experiences, surpassing many competitors in this price range.
Brightness and Protection: With an impressive peak brightness of 2000 nits, the screen remains visible even in bright sunlight. Gorilla Glass 5 and MIL-STD-810G compliance add scratch resistance, ensuring durability.
Technology: Dolby Vision and HDR support enhance media consumption, offering cinema-quality color and contrast for movies and videos.
Memory
Storage Capacity: The Aquos R9 comes with 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, which significantly speeds up data access and app loading times.
Expandable Storage: It supports microSDXC for additional storage, a useful feature for users with extensive media libraries.
Performance: With 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device excels at multitasking, handling multiple apps, and running heavy applications or games without lag.
Platform
Operating System: The device ships with Android 14 (Upside Down Cake), offering up-to-date security and the latest features from Google.
Updates: Sharp promises up to three major Android upgrades, which means users can expect future-proof software support and continuous improvement.
Customizations: Android 14 allows for customization options, such as redesigned widgets and intuitive multitasking features, that enhance user experience.
Main Camera
Resolution and Quality: The Aquos R9’s dual 50.3MP cameras deliver sharp, detailed images and offer a wide-angle lens (23 mm) and an ultra-wide (13 mm, 122°).
Features: Key features include Dual-Pixel PDAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Leica lenses, and HDR support, enabling high-quality images even in low light.
Video Capabilities: The camera supports 2160p video recording at 30 fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring stable, clear footage even when moving.
Selfie Camera
Resolution and Features: A 50.3MP wide-angle front camera (23 mm) offers impressive detail, autofocus, and portrait mode for high-quality selfies.
Video Support: It supports video calls in high resolution, enhancing clarity for social media and video calls.
Audio
Speakers: Equipped with stereo speakers and Snapdragon Sound technology, the audio experience is rich, making it suitable for music and movies.
Connectivity: Although there is no headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.4 provides high-quality wireless audio support with various Bluetooth earbuds and headphones.
Hardware
Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, built on a 4 nm process, the device handles intense applications and games effortlessly.
5G and Connectivity: 5G support enables high-speed internet, ideal for gaming, streaming, and data-heavy tasks.
Battery
Capacity and Longevity: A 5000 mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with heavy applications and media consumption.
Charging: Although wireless charging isn’t supported, it offers fast charging, minimizing downtime between uses.
Connectivity
Network Support: Compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, this phone ensures seamless internet access globally.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, the device offers faster connectivity and reliable Bluetooth performance for paired devices.
Strengths of the Sharp Aquos R9
High-Quality Display: 240Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR support offer an outstanding visual experience.
Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 ensures smooth performance across applications and gaming.
Large Storage and RAM: 256GB storage and 12GB RAM make it ideal for multitasking and media-heavy users.
Strong Camera System: Dual 50.3MP cameras with Leica lenses produce impressive photos, especially in low light.
Weaknesses of the Sharp Aquos R9
No Wireless Charging: Lacks the convenience of wireless charging.
No FM Radio: Does not support FM radio, a feature some users may miss.
Limited Color Choices: Only available in Green and White, fewer customization options than some competitors.
Our Opinion on the Sharp Aquos R9
The Sharp Aquos R9 is a solid choice for users looking for flagship-like features without breaking the bank. Its high-quality display, powerful camera system, and robust performance make it well-suited for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Although it has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging, the Aquos R9 delivers excellent value for its price and is a recommended choice for anyone in the market for a powerful and stylish mid-range smartphone.
