Created: 11 September 2020 · Last edited: 24 September 2026

It's the Winter 2020/Spring 2021 collection and we're back to our senses, no less than five of them: a "lite", a "basic", a standard (2x), and a "plus", grouped into two separate models that I will again call the smaller and the bigger.

The AQUOS sense4 models were all announced on 11 September 2020, together with the AQUOS sense5G models, but the former reached the shelves in November, whereas the latter started selling in February 2021.

The smaller variants of the AQUOS sense4 include the AQUOS sense4 lite, AQUOS sense4 basic, and AQUOS sense4 – they all come with a 5.8-inch IGZO display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 px. Together with a 4570 mAh battery, it's advertised to last a full week on a single charge. Rich Color Technology Mobile is employed for faithful reproduction of a rich colour gamut that's compliant with digital cinema. The Outdoor View contrast and backlight control system automatically adjusts the display so that's easy to see even outdoors, in the sun. And Relaxed Auto automatically reduces blue light to prevent eye fatigue as bedtime approaches. Well, well, well — all of this in a mid-range phone sold at the rather attractive price of 37,224 Yen (approx 359 USD).

The notch at the top of the display is now as small as it gets and it accommodates the front-facing camera: an 8-megapixel, f/2.0, wide-angle 78° sensor with a focal length equivalent 26 mm, which is more than decent for a mid-range phone. It has improved aperture but a slightly smaller angle of shooting in comparison with last year's sense3.

The big advancement in the camera department is found on the back of the phone, though: the Aquos sense4 has evolved to feature up to three camera sensors: two on the "lite"/"basic" and three on the standard model.

• a standard camera with a 12 MP sensor, f/2.0 lens, wide-angle (83°, focal length equivalent 24 mm), equipped with electronic image stabilisation;
• a telephoto camera with an 8 MP sensor, f/2.4 lens, telephoto 45°, focal length equivalent 53 mm), 2x optical zoom, equipped with electronic image stabilisation.
• [not on the "lite"/"basic"] a wide-angle camera with a 12 MP sensor, f/2.4 lens, ultra-wide angle (121°, focal length equivalent 18 mm), equipped with electronic image stabilisation;

There's been a significant upgrade in terms of processing power, too: the previous model's Snapdragon 630 (mid-range, 14 nm tech, made in 2017) is now replaced by a Snapdragon 720G (higher-mid-end, 8 nm tech, made in 2020). Sharp claim that the new processor ensures about 2.2 times better performance than the previous Aquos sense3 model. Graphics processing has been improved 4.2 times. But no change in RAM/ROM: still 4 GB/64 GB (except the Y!mobile A003SH). Storage can be expanded using microSDXC cards of up to 1 terabyte now.

An improved heat dissipation design guarantees that the Aquos sense4 won't feel like a hot brick in your hands after half an hour of watching video or playing a game.

The Aquos sense4 is made from aluminium and has alumite dyeing with a texture that is difficult to peel off or scratch. It is also resistant to bending and twisting.

The Aquos sense4 is naturally equipped with face recognition and fingerprint recognition. A long-press of the fingerprint sensor activates the payment application, there is the Scroll Auto function that automatically scrolls content while reading, the Clip Now feature for quick and easy screenshots, and the Easy Mode that enlarges text and icons to make them easier to read for the elderly.

This device is also suitable for corporate use thanks to compatibility with the sXGP standard for a high-security level and stable network communication.

It is waterproof, dust-proof, and shock-resistant – all variants.

This is the first model in quite a while to feature an FM radio tuner – however, only on the Docomo version, the SH-41A.

Initially released running Android 10, the AQUOS sense4 will receive two OS upgrades as guaranteed by Sharp.

The Aquos sense4 measures 148 x 71 x 8.9 mm, and weighs 177 grams.