Sharp SH530U Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network

The Sharp SH530U supports GSM and HSPA technology, ensuring that users could connect to mobile networks efficiently. It includes coverage for multiple 2G bands (850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz) for both SIM slots, while its 3G capability applies to the 900 and 2100 MHz bands, available only on SIM 1. The device supports HSPA data speeds up to 7.2 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads, offering moderate browsing and data transfer capabilities for the time it was released.

Launch

Announced and released in October 2012, the Sharp SH530U entered a competitive smartphone market. As of now, the device has been discontinued. During its lifespan, it was a mid-range offering that aimed to provide a practical smartphone experience at a reasonable price point, catering particularly to users in Asia where Sharp had a significant market presence.

Body

The Sharp SH530U boasts a sleek design, with dimensions measuring 146.5 x 81 x 9.9 mm and weighing 168.8 grams. The device is equipped with a dual SIM option, using Mini-SIM cards in a dual stand-by configuration, making it a practical choice for individuals juggling personal and work numbers or those who frequently travel internationally.

Display

The device features a 5.0-inch TFT display, occupying approximately 60% of the front surface, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. It provides decent viewing angles and color reproduction suitable for daily tasks such as browsing, messaging, and streaming. With a pixel density of approximately 187 ppi, the display is clear, though it may not compare to the higher-resolution screens available in flagship models at the time.

Platform

Operating on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Sharp SH530U delivers a user-friendly interface with access to a plethora of applications via the Google Play Store. The device is powered by a Mediatek MT6577 chipset, which includes a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. This setup handles most everyday tasks and light gaming efficiently, although it may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.

Memory

The SH530U comes with 512MB of RAM and 20GB of internal storage, more than ample for storing apps, photos, and basic media content. Furthermore, a dedicated microSDHC slot allows for expanded storage, ensuring users can meet their personal data needs by adding external memory cards.

Main Camera

Equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, the SH530U is capable of capturing reasonable quality images and recording video content. While it may not excel in low-light conditions or offer the richness of detail found in higher megapixel cameras, it provides sufficient performance for capturing everyday moments and sharing on social media.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing VGA camera fulfills the basic requirements for video calling and selfies. Although not delivering high-resolution images, it offers a functional solution for users seeking basic video communication.

Sound

The Sharp SH530U incorporates a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to those who use their devices for media consumption such as music and video playback. The audio performance, while adequate, aligns with industry standards for mid-range smartphones during its release period.

Communications

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, GPS for location services, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Notably absent are NFC and radio features, reflecting its budget-friendly status.

Features

The device includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, offering basic smartphone capabilities to enhance user interaction and experience. These sensors enable features such as auto-rotate and navigation accuracy to perform adequately.

Battery

The removable Li-Ion 1950 mAh battery provides satisfactory performance for its class, with up to 560 hours of standby time and approximately 9 hours of talk time. This capacity should suffice for daily usage, given the phone's moderate power requirements.

Miscellaneous

Available in Snowy White and Cherry Red color options, the Sharp SH530U presents a visually appealing choice for consumers. At launch, the device was priced at approximately 320 EUR, positioning it within the mid-tier market segment, appealing to cost-conscious buyers seeking essential smartphone functionality without premium features.