Sharp MS1 Complete Specs Pricing and User Insights

Introduction to Sharp MS1

The Sharp MS1 is a fascinating smartphone that stretches back to its release in October 2016. This device, though discontinued, still captures the intrigue of tech enthusiasts with its unique offerings and specifications. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Sharp MS1, examining its design, hardware, software, and what made it stand out during its time.

Design

The Sharp MS1 sports an elegant design with dimensions of 155 x 76.9 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 151 grams, making it relatively light for a smartphone with a 5.5-inch screen. It is constructed with a combination of glass and metal, delivering a premium feel that's both sleek and robust. The availability of colors like Hanayome White and Pure Pink appealed to a wide range of consumers seeking style diversity in their choice of devices.

Display

The device features an IPS LCD display, which is known for offering good color reproduction and viewing angles. The 5.5-inch screen holds a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 pixels per inch. This makes for a crisp and vibrant display, ideal for media consumption and sharp viewing. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, although the specific version is unspecified.

Performance

Under the hood, the Sharp MS1 is powered by the MediaTek MT6753 chipset, built on the 28nm process. It features an Octa-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and is accompanied by a Mali-T720MP3 GPU. This setup provides decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 3GB of RAM facilitates good multitasking, and the device includes 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card that uses a shared SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

One of the significant attractions of the Sharp MS1 is its camera setup. It houses a single 13 MP main camera with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR features. This camera allows for 1080p video recording at 30fps. The selfie camera also boasts a 13 MP sensor, providing users with clear and sharp selfies under various lighting conditions, though lacking advanced video capabilities.

Battery Life and Management

Powering the Sharp MS1 is a non-removable Li-Ion 2600mAh battery. While this capacity may seem modest by today's standards, it was adequate for moderate use back when the phone was released. Users could generally expect a full day of usage from a single charge, depending on how intensively the device was used. Energy efficiency was managed through Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and the chipset's optimization.

Software

The Sharp MS1 runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, a platform that was widely praised for its user-friendly interface and features. This version of Android brought in various improvements from its predecessors, such as better app permissions, improved web experience, and advanced battery management features like Doze mode. However, it must be noted that with the device being discontinued, software updates are no longer provided, which may affect software security and performance over time.

Connectivity and Sensors

In terms of connectivity, the Sharp MS1 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it compatible with most carriers worldwide. It includes standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS. The presence of an FM radio caters to those who appreciate terrestrial radio services. Notably, the device lacks NFC, which might be considered a drawback for users who value contactless payment services.

As for sensors, the phone is equipped with essential ones such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, aiding in various apps' functionality and enhancing the user's interactive experience with the device.

Pricing and Market Reception

The Sharp MS1 was priced at approximately 240 EUR at launch, placing it within the affordable smartphone segment. The device’s combination of style, decent performance, and camera capabilities appealed to consumers looking for value for money. However, being released in a market crowded with competitors, the Sharp MS1 had its share of challenges in maintaining popularity against rival brands with more aggressive marketing and better product evolution.

Conclusion

The Sharp MS1 remains a noteworthy device from its era, balancing style and functionality. Despite its discontinuation, it serves as a reminder of the competitive dynamics of the mid-range smartphone market in 2016. For those who appreciate technology history and the evolution of smartphones, the Sharp MS1 represents an interesting study of design and functionality juxtaposed against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving tech landscape.