Sharp launches first US smartphone, Aquos Crystal
In America, Sharp is known for making television sets, but around the world, especially in Japan, the company dabbles in other areas as well. Sharp announced on Tuesday that they would be releasing their first smartphone in the US market in the form of the Aquos Crystal.
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The Aquos Crystal made its debut on Tuesday, and will be one of two handsets also launching in Japan. Right now, the Aquos Crystal will only be available through Sprint, as well as prepaid dealers Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile.
Sharp announced the device along with SoftBank, Sprint’s new owner, at a press event. With the tag line “take the edge off,” the company was likely referring to the Aquos Crystal design having a borderless HD display.
The phone runs on Android 4.4.2 “KitKat” as well as having a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Some advanced technical specs include a 8MP rear camera, a 1.2MP front camera, 1.5GB (RAM) and 8GB internal memory (with expansion capability up to 128GB).
Sharp
The Aquos Crystal will be available in either black or white and will run $199 through Boost Mobile or Virgin Mobile. The other device Sharp announced was the Aquos Crystal X, but at this time, that device is exclusive to Japan.
It is always interesting to see what happens when a new form of competition comes into an existing market. With Sharp not being synonymous with smartphones in America, it will be interesting to see how the brand is received.
At this point, only time will tell. Pick up your Aquos Crystal today.