There’s something satisfying about seeing an underdog brand like Sharp go all out in a fight against the heavyweights with the Aquos R9 pro.
Sharp might not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about flagship smartphones, but the Aquos R9 pro is here to change that narrative.
The Japanese electronics conglomerate has packed this device with some seriously impressive specs, making it a real challenger to the Apples and Samsungs of the world. On paper, it looks like an absolute powerhouse. But specs alone don’t tell the whole story.
design and build.
The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Aquos R9 pro is how substantial it feels. Weighing in at 229 grams, it’s on the heavier side, but not in a clunky way. Think of it as the difference between holding a flimsy disposable cup and a well-made ceramic mug. It just feels good in the hand, even without a phone case.
With IP68 water and dust resistance, the phone is ready for whatever life throws at it—whether that’s an accidental spill, a sudden downpour, or just the daily wear and tear of being tossed around.
Sharp has opted for a sleek and minimalist design, avoiding unnecessary gimmicks. It’s clean, refined, and professional. There are no gaudy textures or unnecessary design flourishes apart from the ginormous camera bump. A well-built, functional device.
display.
This is where things start getting exciting. The 6.7-inch Pro IGZO OLED display is a standout feature. If you’ve never heard of IGZO before, Sharp has been refining this technology for years, and it delivers incredible sharpness, deep blacks, and vibrant colors that rival the best displays on the market.
The refresh rate adjusts dynamically up to 240Hz, making scrolling feel like slicing through butter. Whether you’re gaming, doomscrolling social media, or just swiping between apps, the experience is ridiculously smooth. Once you experience a high refresh rate screen, it’s really hard to go back.
Sharp also deserves credit for keeping the display flat. Curved screens might look fancy, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve accidentally triggered something just by holding my phone. No such frustrations here—just a stunning, crisp display with no gimmicks.
performance.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM make the Aquos R9 pro a beast. It chews through anything you throw at it; editing videos, playing Genshin Impact on max settings, or running multiple apps at once, everything feels fast and fluid.
I threw some of the most demanding apps at it just to see if it would struggle, but it barely broke a sweat. Even after extended gaming sessions, it stayed relatively cool, a stark contrast to some flagships that turn into hand warmers under pressure.
The 512GB of storage is another win. No more agonising over which photos to delete. On that subject…
cameras.
If there’s one thing that really steals the show, it’s the camera system. The triple 50.3MP sensors deliver some of the best mobile photography I’ve seen in a while.
The main camera has a massive 1/0.98-inch sensor, which means it sucks in light like a sponge. Night shots are beautifully detailed, and indoor lighting doesn’t phase the phone.
The telephoto lens offers a 2.8x optical zoom—not the longest out there, but what’s important is that it actually maintains detail. Many phones slap on a zoom lens that turns images into mush, but the Aquos R9 pro delivers crisp, usable shots even when zoomed in.
And then there’s the ultra-wide camera, which captures landscapes with minimal distortion. Perfect for travel shots where you want to fit everything in without making the image look like it was taken through a fisheye lens.
Video recording is top-notch, too. With Dolby Vision support, footage looks cinematic right out of the phone. There’s even a dedicated shutter button, which makes snapping photos feel like using a real camera.
battery life.
A powerful phone isn’t much use if it dies before dinner, but the 5000mAh battery on the Aquos R9 pro prevented such a concern. Even with heavy use (gaming, photography, streaming) it comfortably lasts a full day.
Fast charging speeds aren’t specified, but from my experience, it tops up pretty quickly. I was able to get around 50% in just under 30 minutes, which is more than enough to get you through the rest of the day if you’re running low.
should you buy it?
Guys, you do not need the next Apple or Samsung device.
The Sharp Aquos R9 pro is a serious contender, even if it isn’t from one of the usual big-name brands. It nails the essentials: a stunning display, a powerhouse processor, a camera that punches well above its weight, and reliable battery life.
It’s a phone built for people who care about quality, not just brand recognition. And honestly? It’s refreshing to see Sharp stepping up with such a well-rounded device.
If more brands followed this formula (focusing on actual user experience rather than gimmicks) we’d all be better off.
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