The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro: A Display Masterclass With Hidden Tradeoffs
Let me start by saying this: Sharp’s Aquos R9 Pro feels like holding a high-end DSLR camera that decided to moonlight as a smartphone. At 229 grams, it’s got heft – not necessarily a bad thing, but you’ll notice it in your pocket. The leather back (a rare choice in 2024) gives it a warm, grippy texture that screams “premium,” though I’d keep it away from coffee spills.
That Screen Though
The 6.7” IGZO OLED display is where this phone flexes. Imagine your favorite streaming show with the contrast turned up to 11 – that’s Dolby Vision on this 240Hz panel. Scrolling through TikTok feels like flipping through liquid, and I caught myself rewatching fight scenes in John Wick 4 just to see the silky motion. But here’s the catch: that 2000-nit brightness sucks battery like a vampire at a blood bank when you’re outdoors. Good thing Sharp’s IGZO tech helps – it’s like having a fuel-efficient engine in a sports car.
Performance: Overkill or Future-Proof?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen3 chip isn’t messing around. During my testing, switching between Google Maps, a YouTube walkthrough, and Genshin Impact felt like having three lanes all to yourself on the highway. That active cooling system? It’s there for a reason. After 20 minutes of gaming, the phone stayed cooler than my mid-tier gaming laptop – impressive, but makes you wonder why they needed a literal fan inside a phone.
Camera: Jack of All Trades
Three 50MP cameras sound great on paper, but here’s the reality:
- Main (Sony LYT-900): Takes stunning low-light shots – I captured clearer midnight cityscapes than with my eyes
- Telephoto (2.8x zoom): Surprisingly usable for concert shots, but starts struggling past 5x digital zoom
- Ultrawide: Perfect for cramped restaurant food pics, though edges get soft
Battery Life: The Jekyll and Hyde
With light use (email, messaging, occasional videos), I easily got 1.5 days. But crank up that 240Hz display for gaming? You’ll be hunting for a charger by dinner. The lack of wireless charging stings at this price – it’s like buying a Ferrari that only takes premium unleaded.
Who’s This For?
Buy it if: You’re a media junkie who watches more content than the CIA monitors, need head-turning design, and appreciate camera versatility over perfection.
Skip it if: You want lightweight phones, need expandable storage, or prefer stock Android. The software skin here feels like Android wearing a Sharp-branded tuxedo – fancy but occasionally restrictive.
The Jeffrey Verdict
Here’s the tea: At €1014, this isn’t an “everyone” phone. But for the right person? It’s magic. I’d use it as my daily driver if I traveled constantly (that screen is an airport lounge MVP) and didn’t mind the weight. The camera system won’t dethrone the Pixel 8 Pro, but the overall package? It’s like a Swiss Army knife designed by a Hollywood cinematographer.
Final thought? Sharp’s made a statement here – that they can still innovate in a Samsung/Apple world. Just don’t expect it to play nice with your skinny jeans.
