Sharp 825SH Comprehensive Review Specs & Value Analysis

Design and Build Quality

The Sharp 825SH presents a sleek design that stands out with its compact dimensions of 102.9 x 48 x 14.9 mm, making it easy to handle and carry. Weighing just 105 grams, the device is relatively lightweight compared to other phones of its era, offering a balanced and comfortable grip. Its build quality is robust, and the device comes in a variety of colors such as Black, White, Peach Pink, Rose Red, Lime Green, and Lemon Yellow, allowing users to express their personal style. The use of premium materials in its construction presents a feel of sophistication and durability.

Display

The Sharp 825SH features a 2.8-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio. The screen offers vibrant colors with 16 million colors, which makes viewing media a more pleasurable experience. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 45.2%, the display is sufficient for reading texts and browsing pictures. The resolution provides a pixel density of around 167 ppi (pixels per inch), adequate for basic phone operations and viewing needs.

Performance and Memory

Operating as a feature phone, the Sharp 825SH is designed for basic functionality rather than intensive smartphone tasks. It offers an internal storage capacity of 50MB, which might seem minimal by today's standards, but was adequate for storing essential contacts and messages. This storage can be expanded thanks to the microSDHC card slot, perfect for users who need extra space for additional contacts, messages, or media files. Additionally, the phone can store up to 1000 phonebook entries and track the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls for easy access.

Camera Capabilities

The Sharp 825SH is equipped with a single 2 MP autofocus main camera, allowing for basic photography. While it cannot match the high-resolution images captured by modern smartphones, it provides decent photo quality suitable for everyday moments. The camera also supports video recording at 320p at 15fps, which was quite satisfactory for its time. The device includes a front-facing camera, albeit without a defined megapixel count, which was a typical feature of phones during this era.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 680 mAh battery, the Sharp 825SH's battery is capable of providing a standby time of up to 290 hours on 2G networks and 240 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extends up to 3 hours and 50 minutes on 2G and slightly less on 3G networks at 3 hours and 10 minutes. While these numbers might appear low compared to modern smartphones, they were considered sufficiently long-lasting for feature phones. The ease of removing and replacing the battery also added a level of convenience for users on-the-go.

Connectivity and Communication

The Sharp 825SH supports basic connectivity options, equipped with GSM and HSPA technologies. It operates on 2G bands of GSM 900/1800/1900 and a 3G band of HSDPA 1900, providing sufficient coverage for voice calls and text messaging. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP is available for wireless audio connection and data transfer, while the inclusion of an infrared port allows for traditional data exchange with other infrared-enabled devices. However, it lacks WLAN and radio capabilities, which might limit connectivity options for some users. The USB 2.0 port supports connection to a computer for file transfer and charging needs.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone OS, the Sharp 825SH provides essential functions such as SMS, MMS, and email support (limited to POP3). The device comes with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, and its Java MIDP 2.0 support allows users to download and run simple Java-based applications and games. Additionally, it features an accelerometer sensor, enhancing the user experience by enabling motion-based commands and applications.

User Experience and Conclusion

The Sharp 825SH stands as a testament to the transition phase of mobile technology, bridging the gap between simple feature phones and the more sophisticated smartphones that followed. Its design and features were aligned with consumer needs of the late 2000s, focusing on basic communication, moderate media playback, and a touch of personalization in color options. Although it does not compete with modern devices in terms of performance or features, the 825SH served its purpose well during its time, offering reliable and straightforward functionality to its users. As we look back, it represents a step in the evolution of mobile devices, paving the way for the innovations we see today.