Sharp Z3 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing and Performance

Design and Build Quality

The Sharp Z3 boasts a sleek and elegant design, measuring 157 x 78.5 x 7.8 mm and weighing 185 grams. This weight to size ratio gives the device a substantial yet comfortable feel when held in hand. Its construction incorporates high-quality materials, with its exterior encased in elegant Champagne Gold and adorned with Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability. The front-mounted fingerprint scanner integrates seamlessly into its design, enhancing both security and ease of access.

Display Characteristics

The Sharp Z3 features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, boasting a pixel density of approximately 515 ppi. This resolution ensures high clarity, vibrant colors, and excellent viewing angles, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and day-to-day tasks. The sizeable 72.7% screen-to-body ratio maximizes display area while maintaining a manageable form factor.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Sharp Z3 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 chipset, featuring an octa-core processor configuration — 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 and 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. This combination ensures efficient multitasking and smooth performance across applications. The integrated Adreno 510 GPU provides adequate graphical processing power for casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. Without a doubt, the 4GB RAM complements this setup by providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously.

Software and Operating System

Running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the Sharp Z3 offers a blend of productivity features and performance enhancements native to this operating system version. Despite being somewhat dated by current standards, Nougat provides a stable and secure environment with features such as split-screen mode and enhanced notification management. The operating system is tailored to integrate seamlessly with the device’s capabilities, optimizing battery life, processing power, and storage efficiency.

Camera Performance

The Sharp Z3 is equipped with a noteworthy 16 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, complete with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). These features ensure faster focusing speeds and significantly reduced motion blur, especially in low-light conditions. The dual-LED flash, along with HDR and panorama capabilities, further enhances photo quality, allowing for more dynamic and well-lit images. The 13 MP front-facing camera also impresses with PDAF, designed to capture sharp and detailed selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

Fitted with a 3100 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery, the Sharp Z3 guarantees a decent amount of usage time, capable of lasting through a typical day’s requirements under moderate usage levels. Although the device supports 10W wired charging, it may not compete with more modern fast charging capabilities. Nonetheless, the battery life remains reliable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Storage Options

Providing 64GB of internal storage, the Sharp Z3 accommodates a large number of applications, photos, and multimedia files. Furthermore, the presence of a microSDXC card slot (utilizing a shared SIM slot) allows for extended storage capabilities, making it adaptable for users who require more space for their content.

Connectivity and Communication

The Sharp Z3 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options including LTE support, dual-SIM capabilities, and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for excellent wireless network performance. Bluetooth 4.0 provides standard wireless connectivity for all compatible devices, while GPS ensures accurate and efficient navigation services. Unfortunately, the device lacks NFC capability, though it compensates with FM radio and microUSB 2.0 connectivity.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio performance on the Sharp Z3 is delivered through a standard loudspeaker with the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack, providing the convenience of connecting to external audio devices without the need for adaptors. The audio quality, typical of mid-range devices, is decent for media consumption and voice calls.

Miscellaneous Features

The Sharp Z3 provides valuable sensor capabilities, with embedded accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors enhancing user interaction and experience. Additionally, the front-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick device unlocking and an added layer of security, ensuring that user data remains protected.

Market Position and Pricing

The Sharp Z3 was launched in April 2017 and priced at approximately 380 EUR, positioning it within the mid-range segment of the smartphone market. While newer models have since been introduced with advanced features and capabilities, the Sharp Z3 remains a viable option for those seeking reliable performance and satisfactory multimedia features at a competitive price point.