This was posted 6 years 24 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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SHARP Aquos S2 Mobile Phone - Blue 64/4GB, 5.5", Android 7.1.1, NFC, B28, USD $159 (~AUD $211.90) Shipped (China) @ Joybuy

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SHARP Aquos S2 Mobile Phone - Blue 64/4GB, 5.5", Android 7.1.1, NFC, B28, USD $159 (~AUD $211.90) Shipped (China) @ Joybuy
Go to Deal
[Deactivated] on 09/04/2018 - 14:43 joybuy.com (6188 clicks)
Last edited 22/04/2018 - 22:59 by 4 other users

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 with Android 8.0 Oreo coming soon) 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 630 4/64GB White plastic/Silver alloy AUD ~$241
Snapdragon 630 4/64GB Black plastic/Black alloy AUD ~$266
Snapdragon 660 6/128GB Black glass/Black alloy AUD ~$340

Review
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

Whirlpool thread
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2664378
xda developers thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/sharp-aquos…
For additional info (and if you speak Russian and/or have translate working in Chrome), you can 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
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/

Mobile Mobile Phone Sharp Android

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closed Comments

      • murkywater on 10/04/2018 - 14:35
        +1

        Yep aware of that. But this received an update to Oreo and Treble has been confirmed on xda.

  • ro0sta on 09/04/2018 - 22:13
    -5

    Great pricepoint, I can see why its posted. But not enough boxes ticked for me. 1080p screen? What are we in, 2014? All phones have VR capacilities and it will never look good enough on sub 2K screens.

    • Diji1 on 09/04/2018 - 22:29
      +13

      That's nice except strapping a phone to your face is something people do for about 30 minutes and then never do it again.

      • ro0sta on 10/04/2018 - 00:25
        -2

        Haha yeah so far thats me. 1080p screens perfect for $100 phones. I have P10 + and wouldn't go backwards. It's just an additional way to release a lower. Model in a flagship series, too.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2018 - 22:36

      Not really 2014.
      Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Mi6, Huawei P10, OnePlus 5T all have similar FHD/FHD+ resolution.
      Additionally, the SD630 cannot drive above this.

    • aong152 on 09/04/2018 - 22:39
      +6

      1080p is a major plus for me. The text is sharp enough at this size and it saves a buttload of battery life. I'd also be ok with 720p (though most people wouldn't)

      • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2018 - 22:54
        +1

        The battery life on these appears to be outstanding. I think it is a combination of the 630/660, 3020mAH, and the IGZO tech panel to deliver huge SoT.

  • aong152 on 09/04/2018 - 23:11

    Also note its not 87.5% screen to body ratio, that's an outright lie. its around 80% (vs 82% of iPhone X / Xiaomi Mi Mix 2)

  • socheap on 09/04/2018 - 23:58

    What is the camera like?

  • MrZ on 10/04/2018 - 02:30

    The screen notch is a complete deal breaker. I just recently bought a refurb Galaxy S6 64GB for the same price as this - great phone with superior 1440p resolution and AMOLED screen. Though it only has 3GB RAM and can't be upgraded to 8.0.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2018 - 10:57

    Anyone find a case?

    • shiznit on 10/04/2018 - 20:20

      There's a case included with the phone.

  • Mario1234 on 10/04/2018 - 12:58

    This is a very informative + fun vid for all the complainers about the notch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIvaQ1Hv2Ug

  • Mario1234 on 10/04/2018 - 13:00

    The little edges on the top right/left of the phone ruins it for me, not completely edge to edge.

    • ESEMCE on 10/04/2018 - 13:03
      +1

      Sure it looks a little naff but it's a pretty minor downside on such a cheap unit.

      Someone on Whirlpool commented that they'd installed Cornerfly to round off the corners and improve the aesthetics

  • beebul on 10/04/2018 - 14:32
    +1

    So tempted, the headphone jack is the only real annoyance… for the price, I could get rid of my slow as shit Sony Xperia XA!

    • ubcool on 23/04/2018 - 20:59

      ha yeah me too

  • GeneralKeen on 10/04/2018 - 15:05
    +1

    Just pulled the trigger with Paypal, the only downside is the Warranty and long waiting period.

  • beebul on 10/04/2018 - 16:14
    +1

    Watched some videos on YouTube that mention issues with notifications .. anyone know if this issue has been fixed?

  • Cheaparoo on 10/04/2018 - 17:52

    mistake - pls ignore or mod delete

  • Ozyow on 10/04/2018 - 17:57

    The link provided for the google play store rom does not have the same file version stated on the joybuy site. www.sharpmobile.com.tw/%E6%9C%8D%E5%8B%99%E6%94%AF%E6%8F%B4-…, the files listed end with b01 not b02.

    • ocular on 11/04/2018 - 11:52
      +1

      I agree - looking at the detail joybuy have got it wrong - they link to a SAT file.
      from the https://4pda.ru site it would appear for the 630 4/64 phone
      "- for version 4/64 (processor Snapdragon 630 ) - SS2- ***** (for the vast majority of users it is this version of the phone) "

      I wouldnt get too concerned about the version of the file as there have been some new firmware releases along the way. In anticipation of having to install the Taiwanese global version firmware I have translated what I think is the current correct procedure and is what I will be using when the phone arrives.
      see http://whrl.pl/Re77Ek

  • beebul on 10/04/2018 - 18:47
    +1

    Oh well, thought about it today and ordered one… :)

    Hope the headphone issue and other quirks won't pee me off too much HA

  • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2018 - 19:28
    +3

    I ended up ordering the blue one.
    Hoping that :
    1. there is no PWM flicker in the (hopefully excellent) display
    2. it wont feel too much slower than my LG G5 (I know it is, just hope it isnt that obvious)
    3. the GPS works better than my G5
    4. there are some cheap and decent usb-c earphones.

    Looking forward to:
    1. GCam on the Aquos S2
    2. Oreo and Project Treble ROMs
    3. Dual SIM delight

    • murkywater on 10/04/2018 - 22:08

      Hey mate, do you know if/how well GCAM works?

      • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2018 - 23:47

        I dont know but will look into it when the handset turns up.

        • Perripotamus on 11/04/2018 - 01:36

          I have been looking for the answer to this all day. No info. It seems like it should be possible so hopefully someone will do it in time.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/04/2018 - 09:16
          +2

          @Perripotamus:
          The 4PDA forum looks like GCam 5.1.016 can work with it but requires root to edit build.prop and to change the line persist.camera.HAL3.enabled = 0 to persist.camera.HAL3.enabled = 1

          Used google chrome to translate
          Source: https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=896439&st=0#entry7…

          (post#6)

        • Perripotamus on 11/04/2018 - 14:29
          +1

          @pete2: I am very happy to be contradicted : )

          I am hoping to install GCAM on this when it arrives.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2018 - 21:32

    Thanks

  • Cheaparoo on 12/04/2018 - 12:36
    +2

    The next revision of this phone is the US$253 6GB/64GB Aquos S3 Mini. Comparing them we see for ~US$90 more you get:

    • no LCD edge cutouts
    • 2GB RAM more ram
    • 16MP(single)+20MP rear/front camera with less prominent lip, up from 12MP(dual)/8MP
    • rest of spec is the same (CPU, sim arrangement, speakers)
    • no NFC

    The Aquos S3 gets the bigger 6" LCD, SD630/SD660?, NFC and keeps a 12MP(dual)/16MP. Seeing prices > US$365 mentioned for it.

    This US$159 S2 Aquos looks to be a good deal.

    • beebul on 14/04/2018 - 13:37

      S3 mini sounds good but no NFC very annoying

  • lomie on 14/04/2018 - 10:50
    +1

    How is the purchasing experience so far? Lots of upvotes and click throughs, so assume that quite a few have bought one. About to take the plunge.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 19:23
      +1

      A whirlpool poster just got theirs today.
      Sounds good to me.
      https://whrl.pl/Re8ltE

      • lomie on 16/04/2018 - 20:50
        +1

        Thanks!

  • lomie on 17/04/2018 - 13:46

    Any UBS-C charging cables off ebay or the like that can be recommended? So far no USB-C device ownership yet.
    Also are the magnetic types worth getting or don't bother?

  • shiznit on 17/04/2018 - 18:31
    +2

    The price of the black and blue models has dropped to US$149 now!

    • samba on 17/04/2018 - 19:24

      Where's the price guarantee, lol.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/04/2018 - 07:49

      Looks like the black model has gone up to USD $199.78 / AUD $263.59.
      Blue model still USD $149 / AUD $196.64

      • lomie on 18/04/2018 - 08:01

        Only the white model left now. AUD238.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/04/2018 - 08:20

          Blue still available for $196.53 -
          Click on the blue phone (the first icon next to "Color"), then next to "RAM" click on the middle "4G+64GB"

        • lomie on 18/04/2018 - 08:25
          +1

          @pete2: Yes I can select it now. Previously the blue and black phone has a diagonal line through them.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2018 - 08:52
    +1

    The pricing for the blue model seems to be back to $209

  • d2joy on 20/04/2018 - 03:27

    both black and blue are priced at AU$ 210.69 now, which colour is better and should i buy?

    • ilikeit on 20/04/2018 - 06:32

      Which ever you prefer mate. And buy in US$

      • d2joy on 20/04/2018 - 19:48

        why buy i US$, ended up cheaper in AUD?

        • ilikeit on 20/04/2018 - 21:07

          I switched to my USD and paid with my CC which has no international transaction fee. The AU price listed is AU$ 211.85. I switched to the US currency and paid the US$ 159.00. This translated to $204.61 which is on my CC statement.

          I'm sure it was mentioned somewhere else in the thread. And of course, don't use the PayPal currency conversion. They just rip you one.

          I bought the black, but would take any colour except rose gold haha.

  • scrimshaw on 20/04/2018 - 16:02

    This deal extended by another 10 hours or so. Expires Saturday, 2 AM aest

    • [Deactivated] on 22/04/2018 - 21:32

      the deal has not expired

  • taron on 20/04/2018 - 16:15

    Anyone have this phone? Please share reviews. Comparing to other mid range phones, such as motorola phones?

  • OnTheMark on 21/04/2018 - 10:56

    Looks like it's back again - $212.49 for both black and blue.

  • d2joy on 21/04/2018 - 10:58

    any JOybuy.com's coupons and cashback?

  • expertreader on 23/04/2018 - 19:48
    +4

    ok everyone… got my phone and had hard time finding instructions until i finally found it on whirlpool…to save you from the trouble…here is what i followed —-

    1 – go here http://www.sharpmobile.com.tw/%E6%9C%8D%E5%8B%99%E6%94%AF%E6…
    2 – keep your cursor on the download button…the file that has "SS2" is for 4GB/64GB version, the "SAT" file is for 6GB/64GB phone.
    3 – Click software download
    4 – After downloaded, change the name of the file to 'SS2-136F-0-00CN-B01-update.zip'
    5 – connect phone to computer, on windows 10, your phone will be detected as a drive and also as a DVD/CD drive. Go to the drive(music player symbol). Clicking on this icon will show you "internal storage". double click on this folder - now you have reached the destination where file needs to be copied(keep it zipped)
    6 – Copy the file to phone.
    7 – on phone dialer dial ##874## and click update at bottom
    8 – Sit back and enjoy :)

    • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 08:59

      Just to confirm it's this download?

      https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/159813/58306/s2.png

      Thanks

      • expertreader on 24/04/2018 - 14:59

        Correct. If you leave your pointer on it, it will have ss2 in file name. That’s the one for 4gb/64gb. The other one will have sat in file name- this one is for 6gb/64gb but I don’t know what to rename the file.

        • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 15:07

          Thanks, I've grabbed that file..

    • Toph Beifong on 25/04/2018 - 16:34

      Would you need to delete the zip file after flashing it?

      • expertreader on 25/04/2018 - 17:37

        It hasn’t bothered me after install but you can if you want to gain space.

    • rensman on 30/04/2018 - 11:03

      step 7 doesn't work for me? where do you see "update" all i have is the dial icon????
      error msg "Connection problem or invalid MMI code"
      thanks heaps for your help

    • treeman on 02/05/2018 - 16:25

      I don't see an internal storage and when I try to drag it in the drive called FS8010 it says: Cannot copy item the device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected

      Any ideas?

      • treeman on 02/05/2018 - 18:03

        Nevermind just overreacting!

        • treeman on 02/05/2018 - 18:30

          Does the sim card need to be in to do the update?
          When I input the number it says you need a working cellular connection…?

        • treeman on 02/05/2018 - 22:34

          @treeman:

          Okay so I figured it out.

          Instead of typing ##874##

          I typed ##874##

          As per this video:
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6OCIg4akM

          Comes up with it straight away. Also make sure the file isn't .zip .zip which I initially called it.

          Good luck!

          Edit that's so weird no wonder I was finding it confusing for some reason ozbargain is getting rid of the *'s

    • ilikeit on 03/05/2018 - 16:53

      I had to delete '.zip' from the file ending or it wouldn't work.

      After updating, I had to delete the zip file from the phone or it would continuously try to update.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2018 - 23:00
    +1

    A whirplool review:
    http://whrl.pl/Re8EMK

  • treeman on 24/04/2018 - 11:20

    Hopefully mine comes today.
    That would be just great!

    • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 11:39

      Me too :D

  • Ozyow on 24/04/2018 - 13:13

    I ordered one on the 10th and iv received notification that it arrived into sydney yesterday.

  • c1480us on 24/04/2018 - 13:28

    I ordered one on the 9/4 and just come today Melbourne

  • stewartedin on 24/04/2018 - 13:28
    +6

    Ordered on the 12th and received my phone this am - used the easy to follow ajoesmith instructions from Whirlpool - one thing I would add to these instructions before you start is to do not set a password with the phone, and to temporarily change the phone screen sleep settings to NEVER sleep - that way you'll not be guessing what's happening looking at a blank screen :) Great phone, premium feel and a beautiful screen. I used this app to 'round off' the screen notches

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

    • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2018 - 15:55
      +1

      Perfect!
      Here is the result
      https://imgur.com/a/1UbmKa4

    • shiznit on 24/04/2018 - 22:27
      +2

      Thanks for the app link. I went through a bunch of other corner rounder apps but they rounded the wrong corners when in landscape mode. This one works great!

  • treeman on 24/04/2018 - 15:30

    I don't think mine is coming today. Ordered on the 10th and just saw the Australia Post truck go by.

    Hopefully mine comes Thursday.

    Anyone else from Adelaide receive theirs?

    • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 15:57

      Mine was delivered, Adelaide today and had ordered on the 10th April.

      Have you checked the tracking on Aus Post?

      • treeman on 24/04/2018 - 16:01

        Mine didn't have tracking…I thought you had to pay extra?
        Unless it's somewhere I'm missing?

        • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 16:02

          On the order, on JoyBuy you should have tracking info… I didn't pay extra..

        • beebul on 24/04/2018 - 16:08

          @treeman: Mine was

          2018-4-21 01:20:00 Chullora NSW,Processed through Australia Post facility[In transit]
          2018-4-20 12:17:00 SYDNEY NSW,Arrived at facility in destination country[In transit]
          2018-4-15 14:39:00 GuangDongShengShenZhenShi SHENZHEN,Despatch from Sorting Center

          Then I used Aus Post to track with the same tracking number..

        • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2018 - 16:09
          +1

          @treeman:

          these are the notes I had on my order up to delivery by Startrack driver.

          2018-4-23 15:32:00 COMMENWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AU[Postcode],Delivery
          2018-4-19 19:46:00 Chullora NSW,Processed through Australia Post facility[In transit]
          2018-4-19 15:15:00 SYDNEY NSW,Arrived at facility in destination country[In transit]
          2018-4-13 16:54:00 GuangDongShengShenZhenShi 51802168,Posting
          2018-4-11 17:54:00 SHENZHEN,Packet Arrived EWS Sorting Centre

        • treeman on 24/04/2018 - 16:11
          +2

          @pete2:

          Thanks everyone, I'll be lucky to get it by Friday by the looks!

        • stewartedin on 24/04/2018 - 17:02

          @treeman just to be safe you may want to delete your tracking id number from your earlier post as on the Auspost tracking site it could be used to access the 'redirect' package or 'leave in a safe place' options for your delivery (if those fields are 'live')

        • treeman on 24/04/2018 - 17:04

          @stewartedin:

          Thanks, for the tip, hopefully all is OK.

        • treeman on 02/05/2018 - 18:38

          @treeman:

          Now I'm getting connection problem or invalid MMI code.

  • jackychen on 25/04/2018 - 11:07
    +1

    Bought one, thanks OP!!

  • Toph Beifong on 25/04/2018 - 21:13

    Prices on Sharp phones plummet in such a short period of time! I might just wait a bit longer and see if it falls below $200.

  • nismohks on 26/04/2018 - 21:01

    ordered mine on the 12th april and just received today. not too bad!

    noticed however that if i hold it up and shake it a bit, there seems to be a slight rattle or something is loose somewhere.

    anyone else have this issue?

    • treeman on 27/04/2018 - 09:25

      Lucky! Ordered on the 10th and still nothing.
      Hasn't got to Australia yet.

      • treeman on 28/04/2018 - 13:54

        Arrived in Aus Thursday now.

    • navegante88 on 28/04/2018 - 16:46

      mine also rattles too but it's very slight.

    • maddykartik on 30/04/2018 - 17:29

      mine has too

    • navegante88 on 30/04/2018 - 20:13

      i realized my rattle is my simcard. my sim card was poorly cut by me so is smaller and doesn't fit in sim tray very well.

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