Sharp has officially announced the latest addition to its Aquos lineup, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro. This new iteration follows the previous R9 model and is set to launch first in Japan in December 2024, with subsequent releases planned for countries like Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Specifications of the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro
The smartphone boasts a 6.7-inch QHD+ Pro IGZO OLED display, featuring a variable refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 240Hz, ensuring a sharp and responsive visual experience. Running on Android 14, the Aquos R9 Pro promises three operating system updates and security patches for five years.
One of the standout features of the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is its Vario-Summicron camera system, which includes a 50.3 MP resolution sensor developed in collaboration with Leica. Leica, known for its advanced imaging technology, is not only partnered with Xiaomi but also works with Sharp, bringing its expertise to this smartphone, though currently, the licensing is exclusive to Japan.
The Aquos R9 Pro is equipped with a triple-camera setup on the rear. The primary sensor, measuring 1/0.98 inches, is larger than the previous 1/1-inch sensors found in other flagship smartphones, including the Sharp R8s Pro. This larger sensor can capture more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions.
In addition to the main camera, there’s a telephoto lens with a 65mm focal length (f/2.6) that supports optical zoom of up to 2.8 times and digital zoom up to 20 times. This telephoto camera also features a large 1/1.56-inch sensor, supports Dolby Vision video recording, and includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for improved stability while recording.
The third camera is a 50.3 MP ultra-wide lens with a 13mm focal length (f/2.2), suitable for both wide-angle and macro photography. The front camera, also 50.3 MP, is equipped with a 23mm lens (f/2.2), perfect for high-quality selfies.
Additionally, Sharp has introduced a physical shutter button on the side of the smartphone, similar to the camera control found on the iPhone 16 series. This feature allows users to half-press the button for focus and long-press to launch the camera app, providing a shooting experience akin to using a professional camera.
Beyond the camera specifications, the Aquos R9 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system to manage device temperature, with the camera ring serving as a unique heat dissipation area.
In terms of connectivity, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and it comes with a 5,000mAh battery. However, details about charging speed have yet to be disclosed.
Sharp is also offering an accessory case with a strap, allowing users to carry the smartphone like a professional camera.
