Sharp Aquos sense9: The Perfect Blend Of Ruggedness And Midrange Appeal With Stellar Display And Robust Features

Design and Build: Durability Meets Elegance

At 149×73×8.9 mm and weighing just 166 g, the Aquos sense9 feels compact and lightweight, a rarity in today's smartphone market. Its glass front and aluminum back and frame combine durability with a sleek aesthetic. The phone is available in six stunning colors - Black, Blue, Coral, Green, Greige, and White - ensuring there's a hue for every taste. Here are the relevant specs:

The Sharp Aquos sense9 stands out with its thoughtfully compact and lightweight design, making it a practical and comfortable device for prolonged use. Its dimensions and weight strike an excellent balance between portability and ergonomics.

Those dimensions make the Aquos sense9 easy to grip, even for users with smaller hands. At just 8.9 mm thick, it avoids feeling bulky, and the light weight ensures it won't tire your hand during long scrolling and gaming sessions.

Its compact size means it slips effortlessly into most pockets without creating an awkward bulge. For those who prefer carrying their phone in a bag, the lightweight aluminum frame ensures you won't feel burdened.

This phone is ideal for people who appreciate a device that is both portable and functional for daily activities.

The glass front is paired with an aluminum back and frame, a material that offers a host of benefits. Aluminum is highly resistant to bending, providing structural integrity that withstands daily wear and tear. It is strong yet lightweight, contributing to the phone's minimal weight while ensuring it feels solid and durable.

The metal back adds a luxurious touch, resisting scratches and maintaining a sleek, polished look over time compared to plastic alternatives.

Sharp offers a palette of six colors for the Aquos sense9, catering to a wide range of styles and personalities:

• Black: Timeless and professional, perfect for users who prefer a classic, understated look.
• Blue: Versatile and calming, it suits individuals who want a pop of color without being too bold.
• Coral: Playful and vibrant, appealing to creative or extroverted personalities who love to stand out.
• Green: Earthy and unique, ideal for nature lovers or those who want something fresh and different.
• Greige: A sophisticated blend of gray and beige, suited for minimalists who enjoy subtle elegance.
• White: Clean and modern, it's a great choice for those who favor simplicity and light tones.

Each color is thoughtfully chosen, ensuring there's a variant to match the tastes of both professionals and trend-conscious users.

Overall, the Sharp Aquos sense9 offers an outstanding combination of compact size, lightweight durability, and aesthetic versatility. Its aluminum construction ensures it feels premium and sturdy, while the diverse color options allow you to express your personality. Whether you're carrying it in your pocket, using it one-handed for hours, or showing it off in a meeting, this phone feels just right.

If we compare the Aquos sense9 with the predecessor Aquos sense8, it's a bit smaller but thicker and heavier. The Aquos sense8 was 153×71×8.4 mm and 159 g. Material-wise, it featured a glass front, plastic back, and aluminum frame.

IP Rating and MIL-STD Compliance

(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)

With an IP68 rating, the Aquos sense9 can survive in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Its MIL-STD-810G/H compliance for shock resistance and 1.2-meter drop resistance add to its rugged appeal, ensuring it can withstand accidental drops and rough handling.

The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The first digit (6 here) represents the level of protection against solid objects or dust. A rating of 6 means the Sharp Aquos sense9 is dust-tight. No pesky particles are sneaking into this device! It's a fortress against the tiniest invaders.

The second digit (8 here) is the aquatic superhero. A rating of 8 signifies exceptional water resistance. The Aquos sense9 can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for a glorious 30 minutes. So, accidental drops in the pool or unexpected rain showers are nothing more than a splash in the park for this phone.

In simpler terms, with its IP68 rating, the Sharp Aquos sense9 is like a superhero in the tech world, impervious to both dust storms and water escapades. Whether you're conquering dusty trails or braving the rain, this phone stands tall, ready for any adventure you throw its way! Now, who said technology can't be an action-packed thriller?

General Tip: It is a good idea to use a protective case and a screen protector to give your phone that extra layer of security.

MIL-STD-810H is a military standard that outlines a series of tests designed to determine the durability and resilience of equipment in various environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, and more. When a device like the Sharp Aquos sense9 is said to be MIL-STD-810H compliant for shock resistance, it indicates that it has undergone specific tests within this standard to ensure it can withstand impacts and drops that could occur during everyday use.

Here are the key tests under MIL-STD-810H for shock resistance:

• Shock Testing (Method 516.8): This test involves subjecting the device to sudden impacts and drops from various heights onto different surfaces. The device is dropped multiple times in various orientations to assess how well it can survive real-world accidents, such as falling off a table or slipping out of a bag.
• Vibration Testing (Method 514.8): This test simulates the vibrations a device might experience during transport or use, such as when it's carried in a bag while walking or in a car. The device is exposed to continuous vibrations over an extended period to see if any components become loose or damaged.
• Drop Testing: In addition to shock and vibration tests, drop tests are performed to assess the device ability to endure drops from typical heights (often around 1.2 to 1.5 meters) onto hard surfaces like concrete. This is crucial for assessing the durability of the device's build and materials.

The MIL-STD-810G compliance takes the Aquos sense9's durability to the next level. This is a US military standard that outlines testing processes for evaluating the durability and environmental resilience of equipment.

To comply with MIL-STD-810G, the Sharp Aquos sense9 had to undergo a series of rigorous tests designed to simulate real-world environments it might encounter. Here are some key tests involved:

• Temperature Tests: These tests test the device in extremely hot as well as extremely cold conditions (freezing or below-freezing temperatures) to ensure it operates properly. They also include rapid temperature changes (e.g., from a freezing cold environment to a hot one) to test durability.
• Humidity: Tests resistance to high humidity levels to ensure internal components don't get damaged or malfunction.
• Vibration: Simulates transportation and operational vibrations, like in vehicles or during equipment use in rugged terrain.
• Shock and Drop: The Aquos sense9 was dropped from various heights and subjected to impacts to test its resilience to physical shocks.
• Water Resistance: This includes exposure to rain, immersion in water, and water spray tests to ensure the device can withstand wet conditions.
• Dust and Sand: The Sharp Aquos sense9 was tested in dusty or sandy environments to see how well it resists particles that could affect its functionality.
• Altitude: Simulates high-altitude environments to ensure the device can function without being affected by lower air pressure.
• Solar Radiation: Tests long-term exposure to sunlight to ensure that UV rays don't damage or degrade the device.
• Fungus Resistance: Ensures the materials used in the Aquos sense9 won't degrade due to mold or fungi in humid environments.
• Explosive Atmosphere: Tests the ability of the device to operate safely in environments where explosive gases or substances are present.

By passing the stringent MIL-STD-810G standard, the Aquos sense9 ensures that it can handle extreme environmental conditions.

For comparison, the predecessor Aquos sense8 came with an IP65/IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810H compliance for shock resistance.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.1-inch IGZO LTPO OLED display is the star of the show. With 240 Hz adaptive refresh rate, scrolling and gaming feel buttery smooth, while the 2000 nits peak brightness ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The 1080×2340 px resolution delivers crisp visuals, perfect for streaming, gaming, or browsing. Support for 1 billion colors ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction, making this one of the most compelling displays in its price range.

Sharp Aquos sense9 display. Image credit: Sharp

Here are the relevant specs:

The display of the Sharp Aquos sense9 is one of its standout features, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver a premium viewing experience. IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) transistors allow electrons to flow more freely, reducing power consumption compared to traditional displays. This is especially important for a 240 Hz refresh rate, as it helps maintain battery efficiency even during demanding tasks.

IGZO displays are known for higher pixel density and sharper image quality, making text and images look incredibly clear. On top of that, the LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on usage, offering both smooth visuals and energy efficiency. For instance, it can drop the refresh rate when viewing static content like photos and ramp it up for gaming or scrolling.

And OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels individually light up the pixels, offering infinite contrast ratios and true blacks that make content pop. The combination of IGZO, LTPO, and OLED in the Aquos sense9's display is a rare find in this price segment, ensuring an unmatched viewing experience.

With a refresh rate of a staggering 240 Hz, the screen can refresh up to 240 times per second, making transitions, scrolling, and animations incredibly smooth. The refresh rate adjusts dynamically to suit the activity - dropping to conserve power during static use and ramping up for fluid performance during gaming or video playback.

This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers and users who scroll or swipe through apps frequently. It provides a responsive, lag-free experience, while maintaining battery life when high refresh rates aren't needed.

With a resolution of 1080×2340 px (about 422 PPI density), the screen delivers sharp text, detailed images, and smooth edges without any noticeable pixelation.

The 19.5:9 ratio provides a modern, tall display perfect for streaming videos, multitasking, and immersive gaming.

The display's 1500 nits HBM (High Brightness Mode) ensures the screen remains legible even under harsh sunlight. Whether you're outdoors or in a bright environment, the display holds its clarity.

The 2000 nits peak brightness is ideal for HDR content, delivering spectacular highlights and making every detail pop.

The combination of these brightness levels makes the Aquos sense9 a top choice for users who frequently work or watch content outdoors or in well-lit conditions.

The display supports 10-bit color depth, reproducing 1 billion colors. This leads to richer gradients and more lifelike visuals, with smooth transitions between hues.

Content creators, photographers, and anyone who values accurate color reproduction will appreciate this feature, especially when editing photos or watching visually rich content like movies or games.

In conclusion, the Sharp Aquos sense9's display is a masterpiece, offering high-end features rarely seen in midrange devices. The IGZO LTPO OLED technology ensures stunning visuals, energy efficiency, and smooth performance, while the 240 Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR-ready brightness levels elevate the user experience. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or simply browsing, the screen feels immersive, vibrant, and reliable, making it one of the strongest selling points of this phone.

For comparison, the predecessor Sharp Aquos sense8 featured a 6.1-inch, 1080×2340 px IGZO OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness. It also supported a billion colors.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Equipped with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G capabilities, the Sharp Aquos sense9 ensures you stay connected at all times.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The Sharp Aquos sense9 supports both Nano-SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who travel frequently or manage multiple numbers.

Chipset - Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset (4-nm), the Aquos sense9 provides a balance of performance and efficiency. The octa-core CPU combines two types of cores, ensuring smooth multitasking. The Adreno 710 GPU handles casual gaming and media consumption without hiccups. Here are the relevant specs:

The Sharp Aquos sense9 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, a solid midrange SoC built on a 4-nm process. It is a modern processor that packs plenty of power for most users while being highly energy-efficient.

Its 4-nm fabrication process makes it smaller and more power-efficient than older chips, reducing heat generation and enhancing battery life. This chipset is well-suited for users who engage in a mix of tasks, from daily multitasking and casual gaming to moderate productivity work like photo editing and document handling.

The CPU comprises two distinct clusters of cores, each optimized for specific tasks:

• Four Cortex-A78 Cores (Performance Cores at 2.40 GHz): These are designed for demanding tasks such as gaming, video rendering, and handling multiple apps simultaneously. They kick in when you need speed, ensuring smooth gaming, fast app launches, and seamless multitasking.
• Four Cortex-A55 Cores (Efficiency Cores at 1.95 GHz): These handle less demanding activities like web browsing, messaging, and background tasks. They conserve power, helping extend battery life during light usage.

This big.LITTLE architecture ensures that the phone delivers power when needed while optimizing battery life during routine tasks.

The Adreno 710 GPU is designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It provides a smooth gaming experience with decent frame rates on popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9, though it may not deliver flagship-level performance on the highest settings.

The GPU complements the phone's 240 Hz display, ensuring fluid animations, smooth scrolling, and crisp graphics. Like the CPU, it is built with efficiency in mind, ensuring prolonged gaming sessions without excessive battery drain.

Overall, the combination of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, the octa-core CPU, and the Adreno 710 GPU makes the Sharp Aquos sense9 a strong performer in its class. Users looking for reliable daily performance, smooth multitasking, and moderate gaming will find the chipset more than adequate. However, power users or those looking for heavy gaming and intensive productivity tasks (e.g., 4K video editing) may find this setup slightly lacking compared to flagship SoCs.

In summary, the Sharp Aquos sense9 delivers a thoughtfully balanced performance package. Its CPU architecture, with performance and efficiency cores, ensures the phone is responsive when needed and power-efficient during lighter tasks. Coupled with a capable GPU and advanced fabrication technology, the Aquos sense9 provides solid performance for its price.

For comparison, the predecessor Aquos sense8 featured the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Adreno 710 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

No matter which variant you choose, you'll have ample storage for apps and media, with the option to expand further via a microSDXC slot.

For comparison, the predecessor Aquos sense8 came in a single variant with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC slot.

Camera System: Dual 50 MP Excellence

The dual rear camera setup includes two 50 MP sensors: A wide-angle lens with dual-pixel PDAF and OIS for sharp, blur-free photos in various lighting conditions, and an ultrawide with 122° field of view, ideal for landscapes and group shots.

The 32 MP selfie camera with gyro-EIS ensures stable and high-quality selfies and video calls.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Sharp

The Sharp Aquos sense9 boasts a robust dual-camera setup, featuring two 50 MP sensors that work together to capture sharp, vibrant, and versatile shots. Let's explore the roles of these lenses and the camera features that enhance your photography and videography experience. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Sharp Aquos sense9
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP (wide), 50 MP (ultrawide)
Focal Length	23 mm, 13 mm
Aperture	f/1.9, f/2.2
Sensor Size	1/1.55″, 1/2.5″
Autofocus	Dual-pixel PDAF, PDAF
Image Stabilization	OIS, N/A
Field of View	N/A, 122°
Video Recording	Yes, gyro-EIS
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The primary, 50 MP wide-angle lens is the workhorse of the camera system, designed for most scenarios, including portraits, low-light shots, and detailed landscapes. Its wide aperture (f/1.9) allows more light to hit the sensor, which is especially useful in low-light conditions.

The large sensor size (1/1.55″) captures more light and detail, resulting in brighter images with less noise.

The 50 MP ultrawide lens captures expansive scenes, perfect for group photos, architecture, and dramatic landscapes. Its wide field of view (122°) enables you to fit more into the frame, creating dynamic and immersive images.

The dual-lens setup provides versatility, allowing you to shoot both close-up details and wide-angle compositions with ease.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) uses dedicated pixels on the camera sensor to detect and adjust focus rapidly. It enables faster focusing compared to traditional methods, making it great for capturing moving subjects or snapping quick shots.

Dual-pixel PDAF is an enhanced version of PDAF, wherein each pixel is split into two photodiodes, allowing the camera to analyze phase differences from every pixel. This results in even faster and more precise autofocus, especially in low-light or action-packed scenarios.

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) mechanically stabilizes the camera lens to counteract hand movements.

This significantly reduces blur in photos, especially useful for low-light photography and long-exposure shots.

Gyro-EIS (gyro-enabled Electronic Image Stabilization) uses a gyroscope to detect motion and digitally stabilizes video footage in real-time.

This ensures smooth, shake-free footage, even when handheld. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently shoot videos on the go or want cinematic results without additional equipment.

LED flash provides additional light for low-light or dark environments.

It allows for clear images in complete darkness or as a fill light for shadowy scenes.

Panorama mode stitches multiple images together to create a single wide image.

It's perfect for capturing sprawling landscapes and wide group shots with a seamless effect.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines multiple images taken at different exposures to produce a single photo with balanced highlights and shadows.

It results in detailed photos with vibrant colors, even in challenging lighting conditions like bright sunlight or dim settings.

In conclusion, the dual-camera system on the Sharp Aquos sense9 is well-rounded and designed to appeal to users who value photography versatility. The combination of a high-resolution wide lens and an ultrawide lens ensures you can capture everything from intricate details to sweeping vistas.

Features like OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, and HDR elevate the overall camera experience, making it suitable for both casual photography and creative content creation. For its price range, the Sharp Aquos sense9 offers a powerful camera setup that punches above its weight, appealing to photography enthusiasts and general users alike.

For comparison, the older Aquos sense8 featured a dual camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP wide lens similar to that in the Aquos sense9, and an 8 MP (15 mm, f/2.4) ultrawide lens with a 120° field of view. Its feature set matched that of the Aquos sense9.

Battery and Charging: All-Day Power

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The 5000 mAh battery is built to last, offering all-day usage even with heavy tasks. The 36 W wired charging support ensures quick top-ups, making this phone reliable for users who are always on the go.

For comparison, the older Aquos sense8 came with a similar battery but 18 W wired charging.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Audiophiles will appreciate the 24-bit, 192 kHz Hi-Res audio support, both wired and wireless. Stereo speakers deliver a satisfying audio experience for videos and games. The inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for traditionalists.

Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Sharp Aquos sense9 supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.

The Hi-Res wireless audio signifies that the Aquos sense9 supports audio playback at a high resolution through wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth. When you use wireless audio devices, such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers, you can experience audio playback with enhanced clarity and detail. This is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a high-quality audio experience, whether they are listening to music, watching videos, or engaging in other multimedia activities. It's a nod to audiophiles and those who appreciate the finer nuances of sound, even in a wireless audio setup.

For comparison, the predecessor Aquos sense8 came with a single loudspeaker. It too supported the 3.5 mm jack.

Connectivity

The Sharp Aquos sense9 leaves no stone unturned in connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Aquos sense9 boasts Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, and aptX Adaptive for dynamically and efficiently adjusting the audio bit-rate based on the complexity of audio and the quality of connection, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Sharp Aquos sense9 features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

The Sharp Aquos sense9 features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 3.2 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 3.2 ensures a fast and reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

The USB-C connector in the phone can be used for DisplayPort 1.4, a digital video and audio interface that's used for connecting displays to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It's like the bridge that carries the sights and sounds from your smartphone to your monitor or TV.

Sensors

The Sharp Aquos sense9 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Aquos sense9.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Sharp Aquos sense9 release date?

  The Sharp Aquos sense9 was released on the 7th November, 2024. It was announced on the 29th October, 2024.