Created: 12 January 2013 · Last edited: 14 September 2026

Released in early February 2013, the Smartphone for Juniors SH-05E is, as the name suggests, a smartphone designed specifically for children. Based on the AQUOS PHONE si SH-01E, it retains much of the hardware of its adult-oriented sibling while adding a rather extensive collection of parental controls and safety features.

The SH-05E features a 4.1-inch QHD CG Silicon LCD with a resolution of 540 × 960 pixels. Underneath is a dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 processor running at 1.5 GHz, accompanied by 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of built-in storage. Additional storage is available through microSDXC memory cards.

The camera hardware is rather more impressive than you might expect from a children's phone. The rear camera uses a 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor with autofocus, face detection and image stabilisation, and can record 1920 × 1080 Full HD video at up to 30 fps. A 0.32-megapixel camera is provided on the front.

Connectivity is somewhat unusual. The SH-05E supports LTE as well as FOMA 3G and GSM networks, with LTE download speeds of up to 75 Mbps. It also provides Bluetooth 3.0, infrared communication and GPS, but there is no Wi-Fi. This means that the phone's internet access is deliberately kept under Docomo's mobile-network controls, making it easier for parents to manage what their children can access.

The phone supports FeliCa and Osaifu-Keitai mobile wallet services, as well as Docomo's Area Mail emergency warning system. A built-in emergency buzzer can also be activated when necessary.

Parental controls are at the heart of the SH-05E. Parents can restrict the times of day during which the phone can be used, limit the duration of voice calls, control email and internet access, and restrict calls and messages to contacts already stored in the address book. The sp-mode filter blocks access to harmful websites, while a long press of the emergency button can automatically call a pre-set contact.

Android has been heavily customised for its intended audience. The phone does not provide Google Play or unrestricted access to Gmail, while downloading and launching applications can be restricted. Instead, Docomo supplies a selection of educational and child-oriented applications, with additional approved applications available through a dedicated menu.

The SH-05E runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich with Sharp's Feel UX user interface. It is powered by a 1660 mAh battery, measures 117 × 63 × 10.6 mm and weighs 120 grams. It is available in Blue, Pink and White.