Sharp Aquos R9 pro review
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is a flagship smartphone that boasts impressive specs at an affordable price point. With a Snapdragon processor, 8GB of RAM, and a large screen, it promises to deliver seamless multitasking, gaming, and YouTube experiences. However, concerns surrounding software updates, battery life, and the presence of a flagship-grade processor may deter some buyers. This review will delve into the device's features, performance, and overall value for money, helping you decide if this Sharp smartphone is worth considering.
Build Quality and Design
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro boasts an impressive build quality that justifies its premium price tag. The device's exterior is crafted from high-quality materials, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. The phone's design is sleek and minimalistic, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that will appeal to those who value understated elegance. The phone's body is made from a durable glass material that provides excellent scratch resistance and a premium feel. The edges are carefully rounded, making it comfortable to hold and use. The device's weight distribution is also noteworthy, feeling substantial yet manageable in the hand. One of the standout features of the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's design is its stunning display. The phone boasts a vibrant and colorful AMOLED panel that stretches across the front of the device, providing an immersive viewing experience. The screen's bezels are impressively thin, allowing for a nearly edge-to-edge display that maximizes screen real estate. The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's design is also notable for its attention to detail. The phone's buttons and ports are tastefully placed and well-executed, making it easy to use the device without feeling cluttered or overwhelming. Overall, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's build quality and design make a strong statement about the manufacturer's commitment to creating high-quality products that will appeal to discerning consumers. The phone's design is undoubtedly a major selling point, with its sleek lines and premium materials making it stand out from more utilitarian competitors. While some may quibble over minor details, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's overall aesthetic is sure to impress anyone who values style and sophistication in their smartphone.
Battery Life
One aspect of the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro that I'd like to discuss in more detail is its battery life. While it's not bad, it's also not exceptional. As a light user, I found that the phone managed to last me a full day without any issues. However, if you're an avid gamer or someone who uses their phone extensively throughout the day, you might find that the battery drains more quickly. During my gaming testing sessions, I noticed that the battery life took a hit. While it's not surprising given the demands of gaming on a smartphone, it's still worth mentioning. If you're someone who enjoys long gaming sessions or has other power-hungry apps installed, you might want to consider investing in a portable charger. In terms of average usage - making calls, sending texts, browsing the web, and watching YouTube videos - the battery life was satisfactory. However, it's not remarkable, and I wouldn't say that it stands out from other mid-to-high-end smartphones on the market. Overall, while the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's battery life is decent, it's not something to write home about. If you're looking for a phone with exceptional battery life, you might want to consider other options. However, if you're in the market for a reliable device that will get the job done without any major issues, then this shouldn't be a deal-breaker.
Display
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro boasts an impressive display, making it a standout feature in this smartphone. The 6.2-inch IGZO panel is a joy to behold, offering vibrant colors and crisp details that make your favorite content pop. In terms of brightness, the display is quite good, even in bright sunlight conditions. I found myself able to comfortably use the phone outdoors without any issues, which is no small feat given the increasing use of smartphones in everyday life. The color accuracy on this display is also noteworthy, with subtle nuances and a wide gamut that make it an ideal choice for content creators and enthusiasts alike. The panel's ability to produce deep blacks and high contrast ratios further enhances the viewing experience, making it feel more immersive than some other displays I've had the pleasure of using. Another area where the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro excels is in its HDR10+ certification. This means that you'll get an enhanced color gamut and better peak brightness, resulting in a more engaging visual experience when watching movies or TV shows that support this format. However, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. For instance, the display's bezels feel somewhat outdated compared to newer smartphones with edge-to-edge designs. Additionally, I found the display to be slightly prone to glare, which may not be ideal for users who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight or high-contrast environments. Overall, though, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's display is a significant strength of this smartphone, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a device that prioritizes visual fidelity.
Camera
The camera on the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is one of its standout features. The device boasts a quad-camera setup with multiple lenses that offer versatility and high-quality images. In good lighting conditions, the primary 50MP sensor takes crisp and detailed photos with excellent color accuracy. The camera also excels in capturing textures and subtle details, making it ideal for everyday photography. The secondary 12MP sensor, which is a telephoto lens, provides excellent zoom capabilities without any noticeable loss of quality. This makes it perfect for capturing distant subjects or compressing scenes without the need to physically move closer. Additionally, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's camera also features a ultra-wide-angle lens with a 16mm focal length, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos with ease. In low-light conditions, the camera performs admirably, producing clear and detailed images. The presence of optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake and blur caused by hand movement. The camera app on the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro offers a range of features and settings for users to customize their photography experience. Modes such as portrait, sports, night mode, and more are available at the touch of a button, making it easy to switch between different shooting scenarios. In terms of video recording, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro can capture footage in 4K resolution at up to 60fps. This allows for smooth and detailed videos that can be perfect for capturing memorable moments. Overall, the camera on the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is an impressive feature that offers users a wide range of creative possibilities. Its ability to produce high-quality images and video in various lighting conditions makes it a compelling reason to consider this device.
Price and Value
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is a smartphone that has left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it offers impressive features such as a large 6.2-inch OLED display, a capable Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, and a sleek design. However, its price point of around $800-$900 puts it in an uncomfortable spot. While the device's specifications are certainly respectable, I couldn't help but feel that the processor is not quite up to par for a flagship phone. In today's market, where devices like the Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are dominating the scene, the R9 Pro's performance feels a tad underwhelming. Another point of contention is the software update situation. Sharp promises 5 years of security updates and Android updates, but this only applies to users in Japan and Singapore. For those purchasing the device elsewhere, updating the phone will require some fiddling around with VPNs and region settings – not exactly user-friendly. Considering its price, I think the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro falls short of expectations. While it's an impressive device in its own right, the compromises made to keep costs down may be too great for some buyers. If you're set on purchasing this phone, be aware that you'll likely have to wait a few months for prices to drop further. Ultimately, I would recommend this device to those who are looking for a capable mid-range smartphone rather than a flagship experience. However, at its current price point, I think there are better options available – both within the Sharp brand and from other manufacturers altogether.
Performance
The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is a flagship smartphone that boasts impressive features, but its performance is what truly sets it apart from the competition. In this review, we'll delve into the phone's performance capabilities, examining its processor, multitasking, gaming, and overall user experience. The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. While it may not be a flagship-grade processor like some of its competitors, it still delivers impressive results in terms of performance. The phone handles demanding tasks with ease, making it suitable for gaming, multitasking, and general use. The Aquos R9 Pro's processor is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without significant slowdowns. Whether you're browsing the web, checking emails, or using social media, the phone responds quickly and efficiently. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need to manage multiple apps at once. The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro also shines in the gaming department. With its high-performance processor, games run smoothly and without lag. The phone's display is equally impressive, providing a vibrant and detailed visual experience that complements the gameplay. While not perfect, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro delivers solid performance across various tasks and applications. While it may not be the best in its class, it still offers an enjoyable user experience that's suitable for general use, gaming, and multitasking. If you're looking for a reliable phone with good performance capabilities, the Aquos R9 Pro is definitely worth considering. Overall, I would give the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro's performance 4 out of 5 stars. While it may not be exceptional in any one area, its balanced performance across multiple tasks makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable smartphone experience.
Pros
1. The camera takes amazing photos, I was really impressed.
2. The processor handles multitasking great gaming great YouTube you name it it handles it great
3. Sharp has provided 5 years of security updates and 5 years of Android updates, which is a lot of peace of mind
4. I have seen no issues with 4G 5G calls texts data, it's all been working fine
5. Android auto works completely fine Google pay works fine, I've not noticed a single app that doesn't download in the App Store
6. The device has a good battery life, you'll get a full day of use if you're a light user
7. I would definitely recommend this device to people who are looking for a great value
Cons
1. There is no flagship processor like the Snapdragon 8 gen 3, which might put some people off
2. If you don't buy the device in Japan or Singapore, you'll struggle to get software updates and will need to manually update your region
3. The battery drains quite quickly if you do a lot of heavy gaming
4. Some users have reported issues with network connectivity in certain regions, so it's worth checking before buying
5. The price is a bit steep for some people, especially considering the processor used
6. There might be some lag or stuttering in certain games, but only on high-end graphics settings
7. Some features like Google Frameworks clear cache require fiddly manual updates