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SHARP Aquos S2 Mobile Phone Blue 4GB+64GB, 5.5", Android 8.0, NFC, B28, USD $163 (~AUD $216) Shipped (China) @ Joybuy

1340

It's US$163 if apply the $5 off $35 coupon (for new members). If the triangular screen corners bother you:

This app is perfect for rounding the corners. It's custom made for the Aquos S2, and makes the screen look so much better.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tools.buck…

A shameless edit of the previous deal but now with a slightly better price and white color option.

This is a mid range, dual SIM handset with better than midrange features such as 87.5% screen/body ratio (5.5 inch display in a body that would previously had a 5 inch display), power efficient Snapdragon SD630, NFC, Nice bright IGZO display, F1.75 camera and very good battery life. 140g and the small size make it easy to use one handed.

As a bonus you get Android Nougat 7.1.1 (and can update to Android 8.0 Oreo (third tab)) microSD support, Band 5 and Band 28 LTE support!

Downsides are that it has "the notch", Smile UX is not the best launcher, the 630 models have a plastic back, it is shipped with Chinese firmware, you need to install Taiwan firmware for Google Services, which seems straightforward and is explained on the Joybuy page.

Other models available
Snapdragon 660 6GB+128GB Black glass/Black alloy US$238/AU$315
Snapdragon 630 6GB+64GB US$196/AU$258 AQUOS S3 mini, no cutouts, no NFC, better selfie cam

Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopH4KrMqQo
https://www.mistertechs.com/2018/02/sharp-aquos-s2-review-en…

Detailed review video (in Russian, in youtube, turn on auto caption, then click on the settings gear and select auto-translate to English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LApguNp_WYU
There is a review of the camera from 25:07

Great close up images showing detail of the 6/128 glass and 4/64 plastic backs, as well as the anodised (for non-white models) alluminium frame
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zeekmag/with/36539406016/

Whirlpool thread
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2664378

xda developers thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/sharp-aquos…

additional info in Russian
Check out the (huge) 4pda forum thread where the Aquos S2 4/64 appears to be very popular.
https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=838807

Protective case? Phone ships with one. Here's some alternatives

Shockproof cases:
* US$5.00 grippy matte black case
* US$1.60 clear case
* US$2.20 grey translucent case
* US$4.40 grippy case - several colors

Or as from whirlpool**

I ordered this cheap case (grey) which is suprisingly a perfect tight fit, accurate cutouts for buttons, mic holes etc, as well as having a frosted surface (fingerprint resistant) on the back, smooth (more grippy) around the sides. The downsides – there is a very faint moulding seam where the frosted joins the smooth surface around the perimter, the frosting seems to get smoothed/polished over time, maybe another colour would have been a better match with the blue. IMO it is lighter and much better in the hand than the included hard case, and around $2.

https://imgur.com/a/lPASSwm

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-Sharp-Aquos-S2-Case-Prot…

Q: When if ever is the black model likely to go on sale?

-Black only appeared briefly in the 4GB/64GB but was being sold in the pricier SD660 6GB/128GB model. Both are sold out.
-White had discounted stock released during this sale and is sold out. It doesn't use anodized paint so will wear the best.
-Blue was discounted during previous sales and is the only color with remaining stock.

Suggest install a black grippy case and all you'll see is the blue outline around the camera & ports.

Related Stores

Joybuy
Joybuy

closed Comments

  • +7

    had a sharp TV a few years ago, loved it.
    somewhat irrelevant comment but not.

    • +25

      I own several sharp knives. One of them is the best I've ever used. Completely irrelevant comment.

      • +5

        You both are very sharp minded people.

        • +2

          What a sharp response.

        • Something harp.

      • We own several blunt intellects :(

    • -2

      Moms spaghetti..

    • +1

      I use sharp-ie every day.

    • Very sharp price…

  • +3

    Your review link is broken, here is the fixed one for someone interested;

    https://www.mistertechs.com/2018/02/sharp-aquos-s2-review-en…

  • Does this have dual Sim and separate micro SD card slot?
    Thanks

    • +3

      nope , its hybrid sim slot. sim/sim or sim/ sd.

      • +24

        sim-sim or dim-sim

      • +1

        Has anyone been able to just stick the sim and sd card together? Or does that make it too thick for the draw to close?

    • +2

      If you want this built in (and I do too), there is a page with this info, directed at India, but also applicable to us: https://www.smartprix.com/bytes/best-dual-sim-phones-dedicat…

      The best options are the Moto G5 plus (which is a bit old now), or the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 (which is brand new, not available to Australia yet, but hopefully will be soon).

      • Moto G5 Plus does not have a compass.

        (this feature was left out, to "save money", but this is true)

        so, when you are using Google Maps (or other maps), there is no arrow that shows you which direction you are pointing the phone.

  • +6

    Why has this not had more up votes?
    It's a brilliant phone at a brilliant price!

    I have one myself and cannot fault it.

    • Some users have reported having a bug where they don't receive notifications of incoming text messages. Does yours have this issue?

      • I haven't noticed this.

        • With texts make sure you use standard app.

          You need to turn Google hangout notifications on.

      • It has Oreo but nice guess.

        Joybuy are a division of JD which is listed on Nasdaq.

        • +2

          Joybuy are more reliable than lightinthebox and gear best from my experience. They give you a tracking code so no problems.

    • +4

      Possibly he best phone I've owned since first Samsung Galaxy Note. Best screen, best fingerprint sensor. It doesn't look like a $200 device.

      Recommending an Xiaomi A1 over this makes zero sense.

      • Agreed

      • +2

        I have both, both excellent phones
        still deciding which one is better, just awaiting gel case for Sharp,so my daily driver is Mi A1, which is excellent, bit too big, but great battery life, screen not as Sharp (no pun intended). Delivery from JoyBuy was good.

      • Xiaomi A1 Stock Android for 2 years at least

    • does google assistant work with it?

  • New user coupon for price ah

    • price is $153, but op mentioned $5 off $35 coupon (only for new customers)

  • +2

    Does it have notification light?

    • +1

      Yes it does have an notification light.

  • Does it have Chinese ROM only?

    • Did you read the deal?

      Short answer - Yes
      Long Answer - Yes, but easy to change - explained on the link.

      • Yes and I've changed it myself, not that difficult.

      • Where was the joy buy link that explains how to get rid of China Rom and put Taiwan Rom on? I searched the post and clicked go to deal to go to joy buy and couldn't find it

        • +1

          On the sales page there is a link (at the top from memory) to Sharp website.

          Visit link and there are three tabs. Page is in Chinese but one tab has a massive downward arrow to indicate to click to download, so click it and download the zip file.

          Copy the file to either root of phone or root of SDcard if using then run the update application on the phone and choose the file you downloaded.

        • @Diji1:

          Whirlpool link will help with this.

  • I've been looking and looking for a new phone, this keeps popping up as a good cheap phone, I think you got me.

  • Any better shipping alternatives…30-40 days is a little off putting.

    • I think mine came in about 10 days from Joybuy

      • Same.

        • Took around 20 days for me but still pretty quick.

    • 20 days delivery for me. Tracking kept me updated.

    • I bought this Meizu Meilan M6 Note 6 Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 5.5" dual rear cameras sony and samsung does the background blurring shot, 3gb/32gig Battery 4000mAh..Global rom for $190 delivered took 14 days to receive and being on ebay i used a 10% off code i had and also used a voucher i bought for 10% off, so ended up around $153. Good phone and good camera.
      https://www.ebay.com/itm/132376080614

  • +1

    I hate it when I paid a 159USD a week or two ago and its now 10USD cheaper. This is the second time it happened.

    • You bought two?

      • Looks like it. We'll wait and see what they say.

  • +8

    This app is perfect for rounding the corners. It's custom made for the Aquos S2, and makes the screen look so much better.

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zookingsof…

    OP, could you please add this to your post?

  • That looks very decent for the price.

    • It is!

  • +3

    Possibly a newbie to this stuff, but what does it mean when it says you need to "root" and "flash" it yourself?
    I am assuming it ain't speaking sexually.

    • +5

      the info on the Joybuy website is incorrect. The Aquos S2 does not require root. You do have to flash a different firmware to get Google Play Store though.

      It's pretty straightforward, here are the instructions
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/5908744/redir

      • Thanks shiznit, I might grab one now that's its clearer.

  • NFC just means to contactless pay? Android pay etc?

    What would something like this but with NFC could/recommend?

    • +1

      The S2 does have NFC for Google Pay etc.
      The S3, also linked in the post, does not.

      • This is for the s3 mini. Is the S3 available? Quick search showed it didn't come up.

    • Does Westpac/MasterCard or Opal have NFC compatibility via phone apps of some sort because that's all I can think of I'd use mine for besides maybe some home automation.

  • +1

    Give me it in black and I'd bite! Once you go black..

    • I know what you mean. If I'm staring at something on my phone I'd like it to be surrounded in black/dark, like a TV or at the cinema.

      • The front of the blue model appears all black save for the blue accent of the edges of the volume rocker and power button, as there is a black surround between the glass and the aluminium frame.
        https://imgur.com/a/dQ3uADN

  • Your XDA link is broken btw

  • Wondering if anyone can help as my iPhone 6s is getting there in age.

    What would be faster for normal use? This or iPhone 6s
    What would be better for mobile gaming? This or Phone 6s
    Which battery would last longer for normal use? This or iPhone 6s

    Thanks!

    • I have a friend that just switched from an iPhone 6S to this phone and he is totally happy.

      Unsure on your specifics but the SD630 that this ships with is very efficient.

  • +4

    No headphone jack and notch are holding me back…

    • +2

      I find it hard to let go of the trusted old 3.5mm generic headphone jack. It would put me off also.

      • -1

        I don't get why attaching a ponytail style USB C plug to your headphones is such a big deal …

        • +2

          Because I have many sets of headphones and it is just another thing that you have to carry around with you and you can easily forget to bring or lose it. And the adapter that comes with this phone is apparently quite bad for sound quality.

  • Are these water resistant?

    • +1

      No.

  • +1

    I bought one from last deal.
    I took 4weeks to got it.
    I am happy with this price and function but only one things to consider is the reception sensitivity of this phone.
    I used alcatel's cheap phone with telstra and the reception on grand floor in my house was good.
    But with this phone no reception on the same spot so I think the reception sensitivity of this phone is not good.

    • +10

      Sounds like you have a nice house.

      • +3

        one floor is grand

    • Have you put the sim in the slot 1? Slot 2 has only 3g.

  • A sim slut question, does anyone have 3G/4G working concurrently on this phone after the rom upgrade?
    Also does anyone have android pay working!

    Cheers

    • Google Pay is working fine on mine. Are you having issues with it?

  • It shows me as AU$ 207.27

    • You need to apply the USD$5 voucher code, but I have tried to sign up to get that and never got it?

    • go to home page then claim $5 coupon

  • +2

    Does anyone have the SAR rating for this phone?

    • Specs say 'Scrambled'… is that good?

  • Dammit it has a little notch

  • Who handle the postage once landed in Australia? I checked my tracking and see that it arrived. Purchase this phone as my second phone. Can't wait to change the firmware.

  • +1

    Hi OP, can you please guide me on how to get coupon code?

    • Hi OzSikh were you able to apply the coupon code? I signed up to the deal and it still shows USD$153 as the price :-( What is the coupon code to apply at the checkout?

  • Apart from price, how does this phone compare to the Nokia 6.1?

  • An upgrade from the moto g4 plus?

  • Anyone tried this phone with Android Auto?

  • Just wondering is the same Sharp that is the famous Japanese electronics company? Didn't realize they manufacture mobile phones.

    • +1

      reading online, seems they got sold to Foxconn (Taiwan)

      • Thanks. Based on my limited knowledge, they seem to be experienced in making tv screens. Not sure how they are with mobile phones but if Foxconn owns it now then should be no problem.

        • Foxconn make Apple products.

        • +1

          @spy: they make more than just apple products though.

          Notable products manufactured by Foxconn include the BlackBerry,[8] iPad,[9] iPhone, iPod,[10] Kindle,[11] Nintendo 3DS, Nokia devices, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Xbox One.[12

        • @xoom: only the hardware though.

  • I need these to come in less than 2 week, anyone offer this for similar price? Looking to buy 4

    • Maybe contact Joybuy and tell them this, they may offer you an one-off express deal.

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