This was posted 5 years 10 months 23 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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SHARP Aquos S2 Mobile Phone Blue 4GB+64GB, 5.5", Android 8.0, NFC, B28, USD $150 (~AUD $203) Shipped (China) @ Joybuy

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SHARP Aquos S2 Mobile Phone Blue 4GB+64GB, 5.5", Android 8.0, NFC, B28, USD $150 (~AUD $203) Shipped (China) @ Joybuy
Go to Deal
Cheaparoo on 18/06/2018 - 02:18 joybuy.com (5271 clicks)
Last edited 21/06/2018 - 17:58 by 1 other user

It's US$150 if apply the $5 off $35 welcome bonus (top right corner of opening page). Joybuy accepts Paypal making it a risk-free purchase. If the triangular screen corners bother you:

This app is perfect for rounding the corners. It's custom made for the Aquos S2, and makes the screen look so much better.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tools.buck…

A repost of the previous deal but now with a slightly better price as part of a 18.6 sale.

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 (and can update to Android 8.0 Oreo (third tab)) 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 6GB+64GB US$190/AU$255 AQUOS S3 mini, no cutouts, no NFC, better selfie cam

Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopH4KrMqQo
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

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) aluminium frame
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zeekmag/with/36539406016/

Sharp Aquos S2 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 -> turn on CC and auto-translate Russian->English

Whirlpool thread
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2664378

xda developers thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/sharp-aquos…

additional info in Russian
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

Protective case? Phone ships with one. Here's some alternatives
Shockproof cases:

Or as from whirlpool:

I ordered this cheap case (grey) which is suprisingly a perfect tight fit, accurate cutouts for buttons, mic holes etc, as well as having a frosted surface (fingerprint resistant) on the back, smooth (more grippy) around the sides. The downsides – there is a very faint moulding seam where the frosted joins the smooth surface around the perimter, the frosting seems to get smoothed/polished over time, maybe another colour would have been a better match with the blue. IMO it is lighter and much better in the hand than the included hard case, and around $2.

https://imgur.com/a/lPASSwm
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-Sharp-Aquos-S2-Case-Prot…

Q: When if ever is the black model likely to go on sale?

-Black and white are sold out. Blue is the only color with remaining stock.

Can get black or white for US$190 from geekbuying. Instead of paying more suggest install a black grippy case and all you'll see is the blue outline around the camera & ports.

Q: Can the battery be replaced? Yes, follow this youtube vid to fit one of these:

AU$16 SHARP Aquos S2 HE332 Battery Brand New
US$25 SHARP Aquos S2 HE332 Battery Brand New

Mobile Mobile Phone Sharp Android

Related Stores

Joybuy
Joybuy

closed Comments

  • willyroo on 03/07/2018 - 09:18
    +2

    Now US $149.77 AUD $209.21 + GST

    • Dr Techno on 04/07/2018 - 01:16

      ok whos gunna use that $470 HK deal to save on GST :P

  • jassssone on 03/07/2018 - 16:30

    Mine got delivered at home, just wondering is it comes with Google stuffs? If not, is there any way to install or flash? Thanks

  • KeRRR on 04/07/2018 - 15:55
    +1

    [ADVICE]: I received the Sharp Aquos S2 today and am giving it to my mum for her birthday. I connected it to wifi to see how videos looked (hadn't changed it to Taiwan/International firmware yet). While I was out, it OTA updated to Oreo 8.0!

    Can I flash from OTA Oreo 8.0 to Taiwan/International 8.0 or Taiwan/International 7.1.1?

    Advice would be greatly appreciated as XDA thread says: "DO NOT UPGRADE VIA OTA TO ANDROID OREO (8) (firmware 2000+) OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE NOT ABLE TO FLASH THOSE ROMS, UNLOCK OR TO DO ANYTHING NON OFFICIAL, UNLESS YOUR BOOTLOADER IS UNLOCKED".

    Current Phone Version:
    Oreo 8.0
    Build: 00CN_2_140

    Trying to set it up for my mum for her birthday, much appreciated guys and gals :)

    • jassssone on 04/07/2018 - 17:19
      +1

      I am on the same boat, need advice as well please

    • pongwaters on 06/07/2018 - 13:44
      +2

      I've got one in the same state. OTA upgrade is very aggressive out of the box.

      I'm searching for ways to use this phone usefully. Struggling to get Google Apps running on the Chinese firmware. If I could work out how to get those installed it would be good enough.

      Theres no clear way to get off the Chinese firmware once your on Oreo 8. Lots of long forum threads but much of it is about custom roms.

      • Dr Techno on 06/07/2018 - 13:57
        +2

        ok so it doesnt come with 8 out of the box ? seems the first thing that one should do is plan installing a custom rom before configuring for wifi/mobile data.

        Edit - thinking about buying one

        • pongwaters on 07/07/2018 - 09:00
          +2

          Comes with 7.1.1 out of the box. You need to keep it off wifi and do what needs to be done, then you can upgrade to Oreo. Minimum to do is to swap to the Taiwan Firmware before going to Oreo. You can also install twrp from the starting 7.1.1 point so your system remains open. However if you allow it to OTA to Chinese 8.0.0 you seem pretty stuffed. The gApps install guide on via "google go" as shown on the Joybuy page does not work once on Oreo, says unsupported. I have got google apps running via "google space" (translated) app. Some sandbox type app that allows google apps to run. The google services framework does not seem to install properly.

          Good phone. Just comes with some effort to kick things off, and you need to avoid OTA.

      • KeRRR on 09/07/2018 - 18:04
        +1

        Let me know if you find a way to downgrade on CN oreo 8.0, still searching…

  • Shiny Mew on 04/07/2018 - 17:44

    Recommended screen protector? Have had this phone for nearly two weeks but haven't used it due to difficulties in trying to transfer two phone to this new one.

  • Cheap Skate on 06/07/2018 - 15:50

    Anyone still waiting for theirs? I ordered 18/06 with the latest update being "Processed through facility, Fri 22 Jun • 04:56am, SHENZHEN (CN)" usually I receive rackets within 2 weeks.

    • c64 on 06/07/2018 - 16:49

      i ordered on 18/6 and got mine a couple of days ago. what does australia post tracking say?

      • Cheap Skate on 06/07/2018 - 20:17

        This is what AusPost says
        "Processed through facility, Fri 22 Jun • 04:56am, SHENZHEN (CN)"
        Whatever that means…

        • c64 on 06/07/2018 - 20:54

          my auspost tracking went as:
          2018-06-22 In transit CN-518021, CHINA Received by overseas carrier
          2018-06-23 In transit SHENZHEN (CN) Processed through facility
          2018-06-29 In transit Chullora, NSW Processed through Australia Post facility
          …
          delivered 2018-07-03

    • jassssone on 06/07/2018 - 20:53

      I ordered 19/6, and received 2/7, don't use Joybuy app to check status, download 17Track app to track, it has more detail about shipment.

  • ilikeit on 07/07/2018 - 11:45

    I got the Android 8 update today. Face ID and split screen are welcome. Still loving this phone.

  • tragic on 07/07/2018 - 18:08

    I got the update but haven't rebooted yet.
    I just don't want to lose the hide navigation buttons functionality, or cornifly lol
    Guess it's inevitable since I don't want to muck around with root port custom roms

    • tragic on 07/07/2018 - 18:10

      PS. The reason I want to hide nav buttons is it gives far more screen real estate, making the most of the screen. That's my main point

    • ndoan on 07/07/2018 - 23:45

      You can use this app to hide the Nav buttons in Oreo.
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.tsdo.elw
      Need to grant the permission through adb command because phone doesn't have root.

      • c64 on 08/07/2018 - 09:06

        the navigation bar is the bar at the bottom? how do you switch apps if that is hidden?

        • ndoan on 08/07/2018 - 23:31

          Swipe = Menu to switch app.
          One tap = Back
          Long tap = Home

  • philo on 11/07/2018 - 21:17

    Mine arrived Monday but is a dud.
    Updated to Taiwan firmware, updated to Oreo, inserted SIM but couldn't make or receive calls or texts.
    Now it shows no network but detects the Optus SIM

    Never again, Chinese junk can stay in China for me in future.

    • tragic on 12/07/2018 - 02:20
      +1

      Sorry to hear yours has been a bad experience. there's gotta be a fix, surely.
      I'm quite content with mine, particularly for $200 odd. (I'm relishing the b28 after coming from xiaomi phones missing that band.)

    • NeBlackCat on 12/07/2018 - 16:53
      +1

      Try reseating the SIM (and maybe give the contacts a gentle wipe with a soft cloth).

      • philo on 12/07/2018 - 18:41

        Yeah finally got it going, cleaned contacts, reset phone a couple of times, cleaned contacts again but still couldn't make or receive calls or texts then noticed that if Wifi was on then the S2 dropped the mobile network.
        Turned off WiFi at the router and the mobile network reappeared on the S2, calls could then be made successfully.
        Reactivated the WiFi network, moved to a different room and the S2 worked and has been working since.

        Must admit Android is a massive come-down after Windows10 Mobile and my Lumia 950XL, nice to have more apps but sad to lose the usability and elegance of W10 Mobile.

        • NeBlackCat on 12/07/2018 - 18:44
          +1

          I hear you, I loved Winmo. The best thing about Android is custom ROMs though.

          BTW my Oppo did something similar (losing network access). Got it back by reseating the SIM and sacrificing some chickens.

        • philo on 12/07/2018 - 18:52

          @NeBlackCat:

          I'm unable to install a custom ROM on mine now as I didn't unlock the bootloader, read instructions but it was too confusing for an old bloke of my advanced years.
          No chickens sacrificed here but the S2 came very close to having an intimate encounter with the hammer last night!

        • tragic on 12/07/2018 - 19:56

          @philo:
          Glad to hear you got it sorted in the end!

        • NeBlackCat on 14/07/2018 - 02:17

          @philo:

          I didn't actually sacrifice a chicken with my own hands, I just ate one that Woolies had already done, which still worked (slowed me up enough to not install Oreo too soon ;-) )

          I'm doing lots of reading and will get back if I see a way to do this.

        • NeBlackCat on 31/07/2018 - 01:25

          @philo:

          Have you seen this?:

          https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2664378#r57019504

          That seems to be a way to unlock the bootloader if you got OTA-ed to CN or TW Oreo before unlocking it.

    • philo on 19/07/2018 - 11:48
      +1

      Well a week has passed since that little dummyspit/bitch/whinge/moan session and I'm pleased to report that I'm really enjoying the S2 now.
      It's an excellent value well-featured mobile phone compared to what's available locally at a similar price.

      Recommended.

      • illumination on 19/07/2018 - 12:12

        LOL can I ask what changed? The things you initially pointed out do sound like genuine concerns.

  • illumination on 13/07/2018 - 13:05

    Another reference for anyone if they happen to be in a similar scenario:

    • Ordered 18 June
    • Received 12 July

    I'm in Singapore though lol

  • illumination on 13/07/2018 - 13:07

    Couple of questions to other people that like to root/install custom ROMs..

    • From what I've gathered so far (read all the comments in the last 3 deals), it seems to be able to unlock bootloader you have to do it while still on 7.1.1?
    • Is there anything like Magisk available for the phone? Asking because I'm wary of apps that don't like/reject rooted phones (e.g. banking apps, 7-Eleven Fuel app)
    • No LineageOS (yet)? :( What other custom ROMs are good for this phone?
    • NeBlackCat on 14/07/2018 - 02:08

      It's certainly easier to unlock the BL before upgrading to Oreo. But there may be ways to still do it (eg. via OST tool).

      Yes Magisk is available. But iirc you'd need the BL to be unlocked.

      No LOS but there are other custom ROMs available, if you're really dead set on shortening your life.

      For all the above see the main xda thread. If your Chenglish Geekspeak isn't good, get drunk first or it won't make sense.

      https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/sharp-aquos…

      • illumination on 14/07/2018 - 02:29

        It's certainly easier to unlock the BL before upgrading to Oreo. But there may be ways to still do it (eg. via OST tool).

        Yes Magisk is available. But iirc you'd need the BL to be unlocked.

        Sweet. Thanks for the info/confirmation.

        if you're really dead set on shortening your life.

        What do you mean by this lol

        For all the above see the main xda thread. If your Chenglish Geekspeak isn't good, get drunk first or it won't make sense.

        Haha nice. Had a good laugh.

        • XCelR8 on 14/07/2018 - 12:51

          Do you have a link to unlock the bootloader in China Oreo 8.0? i dont believe there is a way.

  • NeBlackCat on 14/07/2018 - 02:23

    Got mine today, 2.5 weeks.

    The status bar is a disaster on this phone. Contents way too small, can't keep it set to a black background afaics (for better legibility, and notch hiding), the network throughput (if enabled) isnt actually truly on the statusbar (you can drag it off!) and that notch reminds me of an ex girlfriend who had a really annoying mole on her forehead.

  • tragic on 14/07/2018 - 09:13
    +1

    Can't (won't) try to change someone's opinion, but for a $200 phone, I reckon it's pretty bloody good. After a succession of budget phones, this one is the best imo (including Motorola, xiaomi, Oppo, Sony). I even prefer it over my last couple of iPhones, ignoring the ecosystem difference.
    Yet it is the second cheapest of those I've mentioned. Probably a 8-12 month phone for me, but that's how I like it. I can't afford or justify upgrading a flagship every year anymore (priorities changed) so I get my kicks with little gems like this. My only sore point is the low light picture quality, which is really quite poor.

    • whooah1979 on 15/07/2018 - 13:12

      I even prefer it over my last couple of iPhones

      would you consider the s2 an upgrade or downgrade compared to an 6s+.

      • tragic on 15/07/2018 - 18:34

        I had a 6s and a 6 plus. Battery life really poor on the 6s. Hard to compare ecosystems really.
        I prefer this phone, but for different reasons overall. I probably prefer Android overall, but I'd happily use a new iPhone if someone else paid for it lol

  • willyroo on 18/07/2018 - 12:15

    Got mine today - bought 3/7, arrived 18/7.
    Much more impressed than I thought I would be.
    The Vention DAC sounds really good - worth the purchase…

  • NeBlackCat on 19/07/2018 - 09:14

    Anyone else finding that the touchscreen often doesn't register presses ?

    I'm often finding myself pressing things 2 or 3 times before it works. Using global Oreo.

    • Dr Techno on 20/07/2018 - 11:48

      I've heard that for chinese domestic products they will use lower quality parts as oppose to for products to be exported to overseas markets.

      • NeBlackCat on 20/07/2018 - 15:58

        Well that's not very nice of them. I had to press a button 4 times just now, to get it to register (it was a massive web page button as well, so not an issue of just not hitting the right pixels - couldn't have missed).

        So nobody else getting this?

        • Usemame on 20/07/2018 - 20:53

          I don't get that but I get this partial screen flickering which is not a big deal but bothers me when it seldom occurs. Joybuy wants me to post a video of this happening for my dispute claim but I don't think it will be possible without screen-recording whole day using it etc

  • Dr Techno on 20/07/2018 - 11:45

    I think the Deal is finally done.. Out of stock

    • Dr Techno on 20/07/2018 - 13:43

      opps back in stock now

  • baldur on 23/07/2018 - 17:42

    so what to do when we got the phone? we are gonna update the OS without connecting to the wifi?

  • tragic on 31/07/2018 - 17:55

    I don't understand Quick charge.
    I think once, I got a heap of charge (50% in maybe 15 mins?!) But that was a one off. Each and every other time it seems to charge at a regular rate (~60% per hour).
    Have blitzwolf charger QC 3.0 and blitzwolf cables.

    • NeBlackCat on 05/08/2018 - 16:23

      Sounds about right, I think mine takes about 2hrs to charge 0-100% on the Blitzwolf QC 3 charger.

      Maybe there was an initial calibration issue (did you update the ROM?) that caused a single spurious value?

  • hello007 on 05/08/2018 - 15:32
    +1

    Advice re: Sharp AQUOS S2

    Problem with Tripview App - won't show maps in the app. Other functions work.

    Does anyone know why this happens and a solution?

    Is there a phone setting that needs to be changed?

    Welcome feedback thanks.

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