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Global Version: SHARP AQUOS S3 6" Snapdragon 630 4GB + 64GB B28 NFC Oreo8.0 US $147.89 (AU $208 Delivered) @ AliExpress

1030
aliexpress19084

Use store $1 coupon to get price in title. Includes B28, NFC & USB-C port. Note: if want to pay with Paypal then grab it from ebay, cafago or Banggood for a similar price.

Display:6.0 inch FHD+ 2160*1080 Gorilla Glass
CPU:Snapdragon 630 Octa Core up to 2.2GHz for 4GB RAM 64GB ROM Version;
GPU:Adreno™ 508 for 4GB RAM 64GB ROM;
Storage:4GB RAM 64GB ROM
Selfie Camera: 16.0MP f/2.0
Main Cameras: 12.0MP f/1.8 + 13.0MP With Dual LED Flash Light
Battery: 3200mAh Battery
OS-Android 8.0
Other Features: GPS, AGPS, GLONASS, Fingerprint, NFC, Dual rear camera,Bluetooth, Type-C USB, dual-SIM, glass-back, FDD_LTE, Multi-Languages Menu, Google Play Store etc

Bands from specs on back-of-box indicate B28 support

Reviews of Sharp S3
* seller's unboxing and review
* Sharp S3 Android One Korean version review and another (inc youtube vid)
* Sharp D10 (EU version with a smaller battery)

Latest Android 8.0.0 firmware? Ships with 00WW_1_460 which can also be downloaded

Sharp S3 discussion at 4pda.ru (use translator) and whirlpool

Android One Korean Sharp S3 is a HH6 FS8032. Can we load it's Android 8.1.0 or 9.0 firmware?
This AE phone's unboxing stickers show it's a HH1 FS8032. Korean S3 is a HH6 FS8032 confirmed with Geekbench Android 8.1.0 and Android 9 results. Korean S3 variant has Android 8.1.0 build FS8032R0530O.

A 4pda.ru user wrote Sharp-TW requesting the One Android firmware with reply:

I wrote to Koreans, they say, send the firmware, it is not on the site - they answered - walk in the woods or go to our service. Or update the firmware over the air.

Dear
We don't support S3 firmware on our website.
Customers can upgrade from FOTA or our AS center only.
and that firmware is specialized in Korea Network.
I'm sorry i can't help you
thank you.

If can get the Korean firmware, root this S3 to mimic being a HH6, then likely can update to 8.1.0 or 9.0.. 4pda.ru users are already at it here:

The HH6 firmware is already being adapted to our model. The problem is with the fact that the unlocking of the bootloader
is still paid… But testers will be needed. And those who are willing to risk war on the common good.

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closed Comments

  • +13

    that's pretty damn good.

    don't forget ANNIVERSARY2019 coupon code US$9 off

    • +1

      Code ended I believe

  • Great deals on these phones, wish they had Australian stock in these phones available.

  • Can anyone give any feedback regarding the rear camera quality on this particular phone

    • +2

      I have the S2 and the camera is terrible. Can’t imagine the S3 being much better

      • Cheers bisaya I currently have the Nokia 6.1 2018 and it wouldn't be worth me upgrading then. Just a note the 6.1 has a rubbish camera too

        • +2

          My wife has my old 6.1. Side loading gcam for her has enabled her to take some great pictures of our little ones (portrait mode).

          Def worth giving a go if you have a few spare minutes.

          • @psnatch: Any helpful links to assist with side loading gcam onto 6.1?

            • +5

              @ozhunter68: 1)Enable installing files from unknown source
              2)Download gcam apk
              3)ignore the warning of installing unknown file and continue with install.

            • +3

              @ozhunter68: Got stuck doing actual work at work :(

              APN Adelaide is bang on, but I have to apologise because I've just remembered it's a 6.1 plus (not 6.1 2018)… so YMMV.

              IIRC I trawled Reddit to find a gcam APK that people were reporting success with for the 6.1+ … I'd do the same for your Redmi 4x Jeepers.

        • +1

          I would have thought a Nokia 6.1 would be better than this S3

      • +6

        S2 camera is quite good, of course it can't compare to the flagship but at <$250 price range I'm sure it is the best. Xiaomi camera in midrange phone is really crap.

        • +5

          root+gcam radically improves the s2 camera

          • @Cheaparoo: Not expecting and bootloader hacks to hit this for a while. Hope I'm wrong however!

        • +3

          I think that was up until the Redmi Note 5, after that they dramatically improved to above average in the Note 6 and Mi A2.

        • +2

          S2 camera was significantly better than mi A1 after owning both, especially low light. Not sure how S3 vs A2 compares though.

          S2 screen was miles ahead of A1 also.

  • Excellent price. Good mid range phone (with some compromises). Too bad it's Aliexpress. Just so many complaints about them.

    • +4

      Aliexpress is like Ebay. Many different merchants. Although I must say Ive ordered like 20+ times from them and may have had one issue but I can't recall specifically. The items get there but sometimes can get there slowly if you dont pay extra for shipping.

      • +4

        A key to have better chances with Ali Express is choosing a seller with a very high positive percentage, and being very friendly and kind in communicating when you order the item. Personally I never had problems, just a long delivery time

  • +6

    Would recommend a Xiaomi Note 5 Pro for a little more vs this. Much better phone.

    • +9

      in what way? Lacking band 28, no NFC. How can it be much better phone than this? Igzo Panel on Sharp is really good, it is much better than the Xiaomi.

      • +5

        I had the S2, was a great phone till I did the new android update. Nothing but problems ever since, wifi/bluetooth refuses to connect to anything.
        I think there are instructions to downgrade but I haven't had a chance to try. It's just sitting in my bag now.
        I'm still using my Redmi 4, and I'm still getting updates and it's over 2 years old.

      • +5

        Band 28 is available on the Taiwan version of the Xiaomi Note 5. Snapdragon 636 is an update of the 630 on the s3. Other than that, I can't comment on the other differences.

        Here you are:

        https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8893&idPhone2…

        • +3

          Igzo panel on this phone is way superior to the RMN5 and not to mention the price of the RMN5 and camera compare to this. The battery life on my S2 is great partial because of the display on sharp.

          Screen, B28, NFC, Camera that is more than enough to blow all other midrange phones out of the water. I will get this phone if not because I already upgraded to the Mi Mix 2.

          • @samehada: While NFC and b28 is better, the cameras of 2018 midrangers were about the same. Not that noticable difference. Moto got praised for being best midranger camera for the year again, and meh. You're also losing a more powerful SoC, and better battery life.

            The real selling point of the S3 is the build. It is sleek and compact.

        • +13

          Yeah, you don't represent the majority. Don't speak for us.

          B28 is awesome on Telstra or Boost.

          NFC is awesome for quick transactions.

  • +2

    I am sooooooo tempted to replace my Aquos S2.

    No point for me but that price …

  • Is the battery easily replaced by the user like with the S2?

  • +1

    Wow that review is so comprehensive and I ended up reading the entire thing haha

  • Bugger, just bought a Nokia 7 Plus. Would have bought this instead.

    Couldn't see B28 in the specs though?

    • +1

      I think extra you paid for Nokia would be worth it.

      7 plus is great phone at $400 price point

      • +8

        Probably right, I'm just a tight arse and would rather pay $200 less :)

        • I was so close to doing the same, yesterday. But I seriously don't need to spend $400 on a personal phone, part time use (work supply iPhone 7, full inclusions). $200 is awesome!

          I 'never' upgrade my phones. So one could argue spend big. But the loss & damage risks are too rich for my blood.
          Samsung S1 -> 2nd hand Note2 - > OnePlusX… To this!

    • +1

      Can see B28 on the back of the box of another AE vendor selling the S3 (with a unboxing advert) here.

  • 4GB RAM..

    • +2

      …..is plenty for just about anythng on android

    • How is that a problem…?

      I've never known. Does it start running slow, or dropping apps in the background etc??

      Funny how phones keep coming with more stuff I've never needed previously.

  • It is android one.

    • +1

      I read some info on this phone but can't see android one mentioned. Where can I read that?

      • Just watched youtube review from here and that said android one, but to be sure need both exact model numbers as there might be various models running different roms like with the S2 and many other phones for China/Global/Other markets.

        I answered my own question same as below lol.

  • have a redmi note 4 and want to get away from the MIUI OS, should i just purchase this to get proper android or should i be looking at just putting a custom firmware on my redmi?

    • +1

      It is Android one I think so this would be good to replace

      • +1

        so this also means it will get updates for at least 2 years? if so yeah i will probably make the switch, get nfc aswell which will be useful going forwards

      • +2

        Where does it say android one for the Sharp?

        • Just watched youtube review from here and that said android one, but to be sure need both exact model numbers as there might be various models running different roms like with the S2 and many other phones for China/Global/Other markets.

          • +1

            @ozhunter68: From what I've read Android one is only for the Korean version, where it comes with Android 8.1. This model won't be.

    • Just flash a custom rom with Android 9 which is really smooth, I ditched MIUI long time ago

      • do u have any suggestions for a rom or can u pm link to guide/forum you used? thanks

        • +2

          Do you have a RN4 with SD625? I have that, but there is another variant with Mediatek I suppose. Just check the appropriate section at XDA developers and you will find all details :)

  • Does this have SharpUI like the S2?

    Can anyone with an S2 confirm that SharpUI is easy to remove to get a stock Android experience?

  • -4

    yaaaaaaaaawn

  • https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32995524272.html
    Only $2 more.
    4GB is so meh with phones nowadays. Having owned the S2, 4GB was absolutely the minimum as the ROM was unrefined and not very efficient.
    I'll wait until I get a better cash back offer or a price drop.

    • +9

      Sharing a mobile link. That's a paddlin'

    • Which phone for $2 more that has more than 4GB ram are you seeing in that link?

      I see same S3 with 4GB ram in that link, same as posted here.

      • +2

        I'm saying it's available for a similar price elsewhere so I'm going to wait for the cash back offers or a further discount. Had it been 6GB, I'd been all over it.

  • +1

    One of the very few Japanese mobile phone manufacturers - specs are excellent for the price. Note it has expandable storage and a headphone jack.

    Edit: Showing as AU $199.52 now ?

    • -1

      Plus GST

    • +3

      Edit 2: it doesn't seem to have a headphone jack in the pictures (has a dongle) but GSMArena says it does.. not sure what the deal is there

    • FOXCONN owns Sharp mobiles and is Taiwanese thank you.

  • How are sharp with warranty. I got a z3 through coolicool I need to return. The microphone makes my voice all distorted and sounds like in underwater for whoever I talk to.

  • 43 to 60 days for delivery
    do they usually take this long from AliExpress?

    there are a few other listing which have 20 to 44 days that cost a few dollars more. Are days delivery list BS? or sellers just not reporting correctly to get buyers to shop from them instead?

    http://tinyurl.com/y5nk3py4

    http://tinyurl.com/y4ytjum8

    thanks

    • +2

      This is a preorder I think that's why it will take so long.

    • +1

      when I checked out on this deal, it changed to 22 - 40 days for me.

  • +6

    Android One Korean Sharp S3 variant is also a FS8032 - see it's running Android 8.1.0 and 9.0

    This aliexpress phone's unboxing stickers show it is model FS8032. What is the Korean model number? It's review here with linked youtube vid has this pic where can just see the model is a FS8032. To confirm, we lookup Geekbench scores for FS8032 and bingo.. we see Android 8.1.0 and Android 9 results.

    Also a trickle of Android 9 results appeared early in 2019 and a bunch new ones appeared in the last week. Are these new OTA updates of these AE phones? Meaning, there is a high chance of this being OTA upgradable (or hacked at least) to run the newer Android versions.

    Android 9.0/8.1.0 upgradability & it's price may make the S3 the standout bargain of 2019 like the S2 was in 2018.

    • Korean S3 variant has Android 8.1.0 build FS8032R0530O. A 4pda.ru user wrote Sharp-TW requesting the One Android firmware with reply:

      I wrote to Koreans, they say, send the firmware, it is not on the site - they answered - walk in the woods or go to our service. Or >update the firmware over the air.
      Dear
      We don't support S3 firmware on our website.
      Customers can upgrade from FOTA or our AS center only.
      and that firmware is specialized in Korea Network.
      I'm sorry i can't help you
      thank you.

      • What does that mean? Its geoblocked? VPN might help?

  • How does this compare with Samsung Galaxy M20 64GB Rom 4 GB Ram version sold in Asia?

    https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?&idPhone2=9506&idPhone…

    • +1

      Samsung is missing the same features typically missing in Chinadroids - no B28, seemingly no NFC. It does have a bigger battery & LCD with waterdrop, Android 8.1. Camera not sure about other than Sharp has 2x optical zoom feature.

  • It says USD139.99 when I click through.

    Also, pardon my dumbness, but does the phone come with the English language? Often I see that phones from China need to be rooted, is one of those?

    • Yes, had English language. Google Apps are included. No need to root the phone.

      • Thanks.

      • Next question is, will this get OTA updates when using and set up here in Australia?

        • +2

          Install VPN software, configure it to serve out of Korean, and see if the phone does an OTA update.
          As people get delivery of these, we'll see reports of how updateable they are.
          If they get Android 9 then it makes them a huge standout for value.

  • Korean version doesn't have B28. Is it different model or same model?

    2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
    3G WCDMA: 850/1900/2100
    4G FDD LTE: B1/3/5/7/8/17/26(MFBI)
    (http://www.sharpmobile.co.kr)

    • This and the Korean model report as FS8032.

  • +3

    You can stack the aliexpress19068 discount promo code for $7.15 discount as well as the sellers own $1.43 discount coupon so can get the phone for $211.21

  • +1

    Can we root the phone?

    • +1

      Scab would be the best one to ask about these things…

    • +1

      I've seen weirder things.

    • +1

      Did you compare the two links? If so, which is cheaper?

      • The one I linked appears cheaper but it only has 2 orders compared to 250 for the original. So it made me wonder why?

        • +1

          How is us$139.99 cheaper than us$139.99?

          • +2

            @Cheaparoo: My mistake. I recall seeing $185 AUD yesterday but it seems to have gone up. Or I could have just got it wrong. Thanks for the help.

  • He's sold 306 units in the last week with 1966 left. Will he do more discounting to move units faster?

  • +1

    Link was temporarily adjusted and now cannot revert it without a moderator fixing it. Can purchase from here in the meantime:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-SHARP-S3-SHARP-AQUO…

    • +1

      I've just notified the mods op. Cheers :).

    • +2

      Original link works for me.

  • Just note the advert on Banggood (Paypal) for this phone has changed from dual-SIM to single-SIM + SD expansion. The back of the phone pics now only show one IMEI. The Russian forum is perplexed at this - is it a single-SIM device or is it a neutered dual-SIM device?

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