Created: 17 October 2018 · Last edited: 22 September 2026
A new flip keitai is coming after almost a year and a half of silence on that front. It is sequentially released by Docomo as the SH-02L, by SoftBank as the 806SH, and again by Docomo as the SH-03L – this time as a "business-class" camera-less phone.
Not much is happening in this department – and not much can happen, which is why the display size remains limited to 3.4", with a QHD resolution of 960 × 540 pixels. The technology is Sharp's New Mobile ASV, as usual – IGZO is perhaps too expensive to put in this type of phone.
So, the main selling points here are "easy-to-hear phone", "easy-to-see screen", and "easy-to-use keys".
It is also a sturdy phone – this AQUOS keitai, like its closest predecessors, is waterproof, dust-proof, and shock-proof.
The camera has a humble 8-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor with autofocus, continuous autofocus with subject tracking, and shake reduction for photos. It also offers HDR for stills and time-lapse shooting, with video recording up to Full HD.
Looks like Sharp have bought too many Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processors – now over four years old. The first phone they built with it was the second AQUOS keitai in December 2015, and it powers the SH-02L, SH-03L, and 806SH too! No, they didn't increase the amount of RAM or ROM, either: it's still 1 gigabyte and 8 gigabytes, respectively.
This new AQUOS keitai has intelligent charging to prolong battery life and comes bundled with a charging cradle. Is this why they've put in a smaller battery, down to 1680 mAh from 1800 mAh?
LTE radio frequencies are supported, allowing the SH-02L/806SH to reach download speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s. It can also tether its data connection.
Features include FeliCa, infrared, and OneSeg TV. The supported version of Bluetooth is 4.2.
The AQUOS keitai SH-02L/SH-03L/806SH runs a heavily customised version of Android 8.1, with Google apps removed, including Google Play.
Specifications
- Display: 3.4 inches, 960 × 540 px — New Mobile ASV LCD
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 (MSM8909) — 4 × 1.1 GHz
- Rear camera:
- 8 MP CMOS, continuous AF, SR, HDR, f/2.4
- 1080p @ 30fps
- Battery: 1680 mAh (removable)
- Operating system: Android
- OS version at launch: 8.1
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AQUOS
Keitai
SH-2L
- Waterproofing: IPX5/IPX8
- Dustproofing: IP5X
- Shock-resistance: MIL-STD-810G
- Operating memory (RAM): 1 GB
- Built-in storage memory: 8 GB
- External storage: microSDHC, 32 GB
The Aquos Mobile SH-02L is available in gold, black, and pink.
The following radio frequencies are supported:
- FDD-LTE: 2100 (B1) / 1800 (B3) / 800 (B19) MHz
- W-CDMA: 2100 (I) / 850 (V) / 800 (VI/XIX) MHz
- GSM: 1900 / 1800 / 900 / 850 MHz
AQUOS
Keitai3
806SH
- Waterproofing: IPX5/IPX8
- Dustproofing: IP6X
- Shock-resistance: MIL-STD-810G
- Operating memory (RAM): 1 GB
- Built-in storage memory: 8 GB
- External storage: microSDHC, 32 GB
The phone is available on both SoftBank and Y!Mobile as AQUOS Mobile 3, code name 803SH, in green, black, and white.
The following radio frequencies are supported:
- FDD-LTE 2100 (B1) / 1800 (B3) / 900 (B8) MHz
- W-CDMA 2100 (I) / 900 (VIII) MHz.
- GSM 1900/1800/900/850 MHz.
AQUOS
Keitai
SH-03L
- Waterproofing: IPX5/IPX8
- Dustproofing: IP5X
- Shock-resistance: MIL-STD-810G
- Operating memory (RAM): 1 GB
- Built-in storage memory: 8 GB
- External storage: microSDHC, 32 GB
The Aquos Mobile SH-03L is the new iteration of the business-class secure camera-less feature phone. Its predecessor was the SH-02K, released in the Winter 2017/2018 collection.
This line of mobile phones is stripped of all entertainment functions and lacks a camera in order to be able to be used in maximum-security premises where you are now allowed to carry any type of photographic device. What the SH-03L is focused on is then security and durability.
This model features a larger receiver ("deka receiver"), which is about 15% bigger than that on the SH-02K, and a "smooth talk" functionality thanks to advanced VoLTE, to improve ease of listening and clarity of speech, especially in noisy environments.
The vibrator has also been enlarged by 40% (in comparison with the SH-02K), so it is easy to detect in incoming call.
Both the phone storage and the microSD card have their contents encrypted to prevent information leakage in case of loss or theft. Using the function restriction tool, it is possible to disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, tethering, browser, etc. and enforce a screen lock or restrict calls to certain destinations (e.g. only existing phone book contacts).
The SH-03L has a convenient voice memo shortcut – press and hold the side key and recording starts, with the voice recording specially developed for convenient use at meetings/negotiations.
The phone has full support for international radio frequencies, so it will work on LTE, 3G, and GSM networks worldwide. VoLTE compatibility is implemented for high-quality audio during calls. To further aid clarity of hearing, the SH-03L comes with a high sound pressure level received, which enables you to hear the other party even in noisy environments.
In addition to standard email protocols such as POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, the SH-02K also supports MS Exchange profiles (enterprise email for the business) so that you don't miss out on those high-priority company emails.
The quick-open push button on the hinge now also activates manner mode, in the unlikely event you forget to enable it in a meeting or on the train.
The SH-03L is only available in blue-black. Business as usual!