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Sharp Aquos Crystal
Sharp Aquos Crystal
Sharp Aquos Crystal
Sharp Aquos Crystal
...


6.9/10
Informr score
The Sharp Aquos Crystal currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 17 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Price
  • Edgeless design
  • Battery life
  • Android 4.4.2

What's bad

  • Non-removable battery
  • Tinny call quality
  • Light bleeding on display
  • Front-facing camera placement
  • Weak cameras

It’s been quite some time since anyone’s seen a phone release from Sharp. Not only are they jumping back into the mobile arena, they’re doing so with gusto. The new Sharp AQUOS Crystal is turning heads at first glance with its bezel-free design, but does the rest of the phone live up to the hype? Let’s check out some reviews!

For first things first, this is an mid-tier phone in pricing. So while the screen might offer some rather cutting edge features, the internal specs are firmly average. Fortunately, Sharp has matched this with extremely competitive pricing. With that out of the way, we’ll look at some deeper details.

The chassis of the phone is purely plastic. While reviews of the phone’s feel and design were generally positive, a few reviews pointed out how cheap the rear cover felt and how the lightness of the phone comes off as less than premium. However, there was plenty of praise as well. Engadget noted, “the Crystal feels surprisingly small when you're holding onto it” and went on to say that it “delivers a lot of style for a reasonably low price.”

The front of the phone is almost entirely taken up with the edgeless 5-inch 1280-by-720 pixel display. While the resolution might be a little low for the flagship market, it holds up well in the mid-tier. Reviews of the display’s image quality and edgeless design were wholly positive, with CNet stating, “Gimmicky or not, I really like it.” Engadget went as far as to call it “the only phone I've ever tested that prompted random bystanders to either gawk or give it a double take as they walked by.”

Powering the phone, you’ll find a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor with 1.5GB of RAM. Nothing incredibly impressive or disappointing. Again, right in line with the mid-tier pricing. Engadget put it through its paces and found “It's plenty snappy, but easy to stymie if you're willing to try.” PhoneArena stated, “navigating across the interface and opening apps are handled in a smooth manner.”

Combining the mid-range display with a similar processor has allowed Sharp to pull some seriously battery life out of its small 2040mAh battery. Reviews on battery life were all positive. Some even found they could make it multiple days without charging. In all, Engadget summed up findings best, stating it has “enough juice for your routine and then some.”

Unfortunately, there are a few things about the phone that reviews didn’t like. The 8MP camera with flash with 1.2MP front-facing camera at bottom of phone both received lackluster reviews at best. While it performed fast for most reviewers, image quality was lacking and colors were muted. You also have the issue with the placement of the front-facing camera. With no upper bezel on the handset, the front camera was relocated to the bottom bezel. While some reviews didn’t mind, most were leary of the move. TechRadar said using it was “far from an ideal experience.” IGN was more critical, calling both cameras “mediocre and unimpressive.”

Another compromise for the sake of the edgeless screen is the phone’s earpiece. It uses technology to send audio through vibrations in the screen in place of the speaker. While reviews indicate that it works, most noted a few clarity and volume concerns. CNet said, “Audio quality was poor. My calling partner's voice was thin and hollow” and IGN described call quality as “Well below the high-fidelity audio heard with newer technologies.”

The Crystal comes with 8GB of internal storage, of which, 4GB is available for use. If you plan to store music, movies or play games, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the phone’s MicroSD card support.

Overall, Sharp appears to have not only turned heads, but offered enough to keep people’s attention as well. If you’re willing to deal with the slight negatives on the phone, reviews agree that it is a solid device. CNet declared, “Among devices in its class, the phone is a worthy buy.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2040 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Good Housekeeping
Good Housekeeping

SHARP's return to the smartphone market didn't make quite the splash it maybe deserved. The AQUOS Crystal is actually a very cool-looking phone, nearly bezel-less on three sides. Aside from its snazzy looks, most other aspects are pretty run-of-the-mill. The phone has a 720p display, which won't loo...

- The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping
AndroidPIT
AndroidPIT

Once you get past the fact that the Sharp Aquos Crystal isn’t as high-quality that it appears, and view it for what it is (a low-cost device), you realize how much it has to offer.It has very little competition in the entry-level category and, at 129 USD off-contract, what else can really comp...

- Scott Adam Gordon, AndroidPIT
Reviewed
Reviewed

At the end of the day, bargain hunters will be happy with the Sharp Aquos Crystal. Though this mobile definitely doesn't do much to set any performance records, it provides the basics without really becoming much of a liability in other areas. While that probably doesn't sound exciting, it's high pr...

- Chris Thomas, Reviewed
Brighthand
Brighthand

The Sharp Aquos Crystal is undeniably a distinctive option, and that isn’t terribly common when it comes to wallet-friendly smartphones. If you want a very unique-looking phone that’s totally unlike those of all your friends, surely Sharp’s handset can fill that role.But we don&rsq...

- Brighthand Staff, Brighthand
Android Authority
Android Authority

The Sharp Aquos Crystal is an interesting device that features a unique design and impressive hardware for its price of $150. The camera could use some work and the display isn’t the best out there, but these are minor knocks on an otherwise very good phone.We can highly recommend the Sharp Aq...

- Nick Sarafolean, Android Authority


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sharp Aquos Crystal user manual here.


Sharp backs up the Aquos Crystal with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Aquos Crystal has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sharp support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sharp's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The Sharp Aquos Crystal's screen size is 5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8926 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2040mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2040 mAh battery.

Aquos Crystal Specs

Overview
Release Date October 9, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8926 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1536 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.94 W/kg
Body: 0.63 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Smile detection, Scene mode, HDR
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 294 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, S-CG Silicon
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2040 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.1 x 6.7 x 1.0 cm (5.2 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 141 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Sharp 306-SH
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Sharp Aquos Crystal Reviews
Where to buy Sharp Aquos Crystal
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