Sharp Aquos Crystal is a Fresh Take on Smartphone Design With Smaller Bezels For a Better Viewing Experience

Sharp Aquos Crystal is a Fresh Take on Smartphone Design With Smaller Bezels For a Better Viewing Experience

Once again, there’s another smartphone on the market trying to make a name for itself. In the oversaturation of the smartphone industry, you would think that companies would start running out of ideas. Once again, I am pleasantly surprised by the results. A new company is trying new things which forces everybody to keep pushing the envelope. The company is Sharp and, with their reputation in televisions, have decided to launch their first US smartphone in three years. It’s called the Aquos Crystal and it is an incredible looking device that takes the accepted smartphone design and flips it on its head, quite literally.

aquos-crystal1-100374827-orig

Edge to Edge

The defining feature of the Crystal is the edge to edge display. For once, this is literal statement, one that I have been waiting to make for some time now. The idea of a screen with any borders is not a new one but has yet to be implemented in the real world. Thank you, Sharp, for being the first of hopefully many to adopt this style choice. The result is a strikingly gorgeous design that emphasizes the 5 inch display

The lack of bezels on the top of the phone provide a bit of an issue when it comes to camera placement on the phone. Sharp has decided to place the cameras at the bottom, which actually makes a bit more sense with how I hold my phone. I’d be much less likely to touch the lens and let’s you grip around the main body of the phone as  Just goes to show you that not every smartphone design choice has been revealed yet.

sprint_sharp_aquos_crystal_full

Budget Friendly Beauty

On the inside, the specifications are mid range which may be disappointing for those who want absolute top end devices but that’s not what Sharp is trying to accomplish here. The internals are powerful enough to keep everything smoothly, there shouldn’t be any significant problems with most normal tasks. Part of this is possible because the screen is only 720p as opposed to the standard 1080p and the increasingly popular 2160p, aka Quad HD.

Before you disregard the Crystal as just another smartphone, let me tell you about the price. For only $239, you can buy this gorgeous, unique phone unlocked, not tied to any carrier and thus you can choose any network you wish and not have to pay any subsidies. There are options for discounts through different carriers but the unlocked price is quite impressive. I’m going to keep my eye out for when it goes on sale!

Weston is our professional gadget reviewer. Nothing thrills him more than being able to get his hands on the latest and greatest in electronics.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

Why you need a smart kitchen sink in 2025
Why you need a smart kitchen sink in 2025
Life gets messy, especially when you’re cooking. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had raw chicken juice on my hands and wished I didn’t have to touch the faucet handle. Or when I’ve tried to rinse dishes while..
The 9 best grant management software for nonprofits
The 9 best grant management software for nonprofits
For the millions of American nonprofits, effective grant management is critical to securing funding and ensuring compliance. Although these organizations exist to serve the greater good, they nevertheless must compete for limited resources. Those who streamline their processes to maximize..
How to prepare for WoW The War Within Season 2
How to prepare for WoW The War Within Season 2
Patch 11.1 is just around the corner, expected to drop in late February or early March, which means you still have plenty of time to get ready for the arrival of The War Within Season 2. Today, we’ll guide you..
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battle of best smartphones
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battle of best smartphones
If you ask around in an iPhone forum, you’ll hear that Apple’s latest flagship is the best for all kinds of reasons, while in a Samsung community, it’s all about the S25 Ultra. And honestly, neither side is wrong. Both..
Future-proof your lifestyle: the best eco-friendly tech gadgets in 2025
Future-proof your lifestyle: the best eco-friendly tech gadgets in 2025
Earth, it’s brimming with water, soil, and oxygen—everything we need to thrive. There’s no other planet quite like it, and caring for it is essential. Luckily, the tech industry is responding to consumer demand for eco-friendly products. From smart thermostats..
Samsung Galaxy S25 accessories you need: 10 must-have add-ons for your new phone
Samsung Galaxy S25 accessories you need: 10 must-have add-ons for your new phone
Thinking about grabbing a Samsung Galaxy S25? Whether you’re eyeing the S25, S25+, or going all out with the S25 Ultra, launch day is set for February 7—unless you’ve already locked in a preorder. So, now’s the perfect time to..