Sharp unleashes pro-grade Aquos R9 smartphone

Sharp has unveiled its Aquos R9 pro flagship smartphone that is packed with professional-grade photography capabilities.

Frist up is its impressive triple-camera system, each boasting a 50.3MP sensor. The main camera features a large 1/0.98-inch sensor, which outclasses many competitors in terms of light-gathering ability, potentially giving it an edge in low-light photography. This sensor size is notably larger than those typically found in smartphones from Apple and Samsung.

The device’s telephoto lens comes with 2.8x optical zoom and up to 20x hybrid zoom. And the inclusion of a dedicated shutter button is a standout feature that may appeal to photography enthusiasts who prefer the tactile experience of traditional cameras.

Video creators should appreciate the Aquos R9 pro’s support for Dolby Vision that enhances the device’s appeal in a market where high-quality video capture is increasingly important. The 6.7-inch QHD+ Pro IGZO OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate produces visuals that could rival or surpass those of its competitors.

Sharp’s focus on sustained performance through advanced heat dissipation technology, including a vapour chamber and heat diffusion through the camera ring, addresses a common pain point for power users. This feature could attract consumers who have experienced performance throttling on other high-end devices when engaging in intensive tasks such as gaming or video recording.

Under the hood are 12GB of RAM, 12GB of virtual RAM, 512GB of storage, 5G capabilities powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mobile platform, and a 5,000mAh battery with wireless charging capability.

The Aquos R9 pro is IPX5, IPX8 and IP6X-certified for water and dust protection.

Priced at S$1,499 (with a launch promotion price of S$1,319), the Aquos R9 pro will be available on Sharp CocoroLife estore and at selected Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, and dealer stores from December 9. The launch promotion includes a free SH-TW45 Sharp earbuds worth S$149.