Sharp Aquos R9 Pro: A Photographer’s Dream Come True

The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is a photography enthusiast’s dream come true. With a focus on optical excellence, Sharp has partnered with Leica to develop the Aquos R9 Pro’s camera system, dubbed the Vario-Summicron. This system comprises three 50.3MP cameras on the rear, each with impressive specifications.

A Versatile Camera Setup

The main 50.3MP camera features an astonishingly large 1/0.98″ sensor, surpassing the 1-inch type sensors found in some flagship smartphones. This sensor, paired with a 23mm (86°) f/1.8 lens, captures stunning images with crisp detail and excellent low-light performance. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharp results even in challenging lighting conditions.

The second camera in the setup is a 65mm telephoto lens with a 1/1.56″ sensor, offering 2.8x optical zoom and an impressive 20x digital zoom. This camera supports Dolby Vision for video recording and also includes OIS for steady telephoto shots. The addition of the telephoto lens addresses a missing feature in the previous vanilla R9 model.

Completing the trio is a 13mm ultra-wide lens with a 122° field of view and macro capabilities, allowing for versatile shooting options. A fourth 50.3MP camera resides on the front, with a 23mm f/2.2 lens for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The physical shutter key on the side further enhances the camera experience, allowing for quick camera access and easy focusing.

Powering the Aquos R9 Pro: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and AI Features

Under the hood, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a curious choice considering its premium positioning. Nonetheless, the phone packs a punch with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. A vapor chamber cooling system efficiently manages the heat generated by the chipset, channeling it to the ring around the camera module for dissipation.

The 6.7″ QHD+ Pro IGZO OLED display offers a smooth visual experience with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 240Hz. Built into the display is a Qualcomm ultrasonic fingerprint reader for secure authentication. The phone runs Android 14 out of the box and is promised to receive up to 3 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

AI plays a role in enhancing the user experience. For example, the phone can transcribe voicemails and display them as summarized text, as well as pick out keywords from phone conversations and add them to your notes app. These AI smarts, coupled with a large 5,000mAh battery, make the Aquos R9 Pro a capable and intelligent companion.

Availability and Pricing

The Sharp Aquos R9 Pro will initially launch in Japan, with DoCoMo as the carrier partner, before expanding to Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore. While the official pricing is yet to be announced, it is expected to retail for around JPY 190,000 ($1,235). A unique case with a shoulder strap will also be available, giving the phone a true camera-like feel.

With its impressive camera credentials, powerful performance, and AI capabilities, the Sharp Aquos R9 Pro is a compelling offering that combines photography prowess with smartphone convenience. Be sure to check out our other reviews on the latest tech releases, including the new Mac mini with M4 chips and Xiaomi’s Smart Band 9 Pro.