Created: 18 October 2012 · Last edited: 10 September 2026

Sharp are releasing two new models for the Winter 2012/2013 AU KDDI collection – a smartphone and a smart pad. Here's what the smartphone, dubbed the AQUOS PHONE SERIE SHL21, looks like.

The SHL21 is a high-end smartphone built around a 4.7-inch HD display with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels. The display uses Sharp's S-CG Silicon LCD system, which improves light transmission and power efficiency over the company's previous-generation CG Silicon displays. It is an impressive piece of display technology in its own right, although the SHL21 arrives at a slightly unfortunate moment: it goes on sale on just a few weeks before Sharp introduces its first smartphone using the new IGZO LCD technology. The SHL21 therefore represents the very latest generation of Sharp's CG Silicon technology rather than the newer IGZO system.

Underneath the display is a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 Krait dual-core processor, accompanied by an Adreno 225 graphics processor and 1 GB of RAM. Built-in storage is a generous 16 GB, while microSDXC cards of up to 64 GB can be used for additional storage.

The SHL21 is particularly well equipped in the camera department. Its 13.12-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS camera uses Sharp's ProPix image-processing engine and features optical image stabilisation, helping to reduce camera shake when taking photographs, particularly in low-light conditions. Sharp also makes a point of the extremely rapid camera start-up time: the camera can be launched from the lock screen in approximately 0.4 seconds.

The front-facing camera is unusually capable for the period as well. Its 1.24-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor is designed to produce brighter and clearer self-portraits, while a built-in mirror function can be used to check your appearance on the screen.

Connectivity is equally comprehensive. The SHL21 supports 4G LTE as well as au's WIN HIGH SPEED network, while Global Passport provides compatibility with GSM and UMTS networks when travelling overseas. Wireless connectivity includes dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, while high-speed infrared communication is also provided.

The Direct Wave Receiver found throughout Sharp's Winter 2012/2013 smartphone range is present here as well. Rather than relying solely on a conventional earpiece, it transmits the sound of the caller through vibrations in the phone's body, making conversations easier to hear in noisy environments.

The SHL21 also supports One Seg digital television and FeliCa-based mobile wallet services, with NFC adding support for newer contactless functions. Wi-Fi tethering is also available, allowing the phone to share its mobile connection with other devices.

As you would expect from a Japanese flagship of the period, the SHL21 is both water- and dust-resistant.

The phone launches with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Sharp's Feel UX user interface. An upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is subsequently made available.

The SHL21 is powered by a substantial 2040 mAh battery. It measures 68 × 130 × 11.2 mm (W × H × D), with a maximum thickness of 11.8 mm, and weighs 148 grams.

The AQUOS PHONE SERIE SHL21 is available in Clear Blue, Brilliant Pink and Matte Black.