Created: 29 April 2010 · Last edited: 17 October 2026
The W-ZERO3 line by Sharp has made a glorious return after a nearly two-year silence on that front. This new generation is named the HYBRID W-ZERO3, reflecting a device built around combining more than one radio technology in a single unit — the exact combination differs by market and carrier version.
The HYBRID W-ZERO3 flaunts, as is usual for a Sharp-made device, an impressive display: the 3.5-inch screen has an FWVGA (854 x 480 px) resolution. This is the first and only Windows Mobile device to have this high a resolution — other brands only support up to 800 x 480 px, made possible by a special collaboration project between Sharp and Microsoft.
Another substantial upgrade over earlier W-ZERO3 models is that the Mobile ASV display can now reproduce 262,144 colours – four times as many as the displays on the WS020SH and earlier models.
The HYBRID W-ZERO3 has a five-megapixel camera with autofocus and image stabilisation that can detect faces and recognise QR codes and business cards.
The HYBRID is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200A processor clocked at 528 MHz and has 256 MB RAM and 512 MB of built-in storage space.
It runs on Windows Mobile 6.5.
Supported near-field connectivity methods include IrDA 1.2, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (b/g). Also available is the USB host function.
It measures 53 x 120 x 16.9 mm (when closed, thinnest part) and weighs 159 grams.
Specifications
- Display: 3.5 inches, 854 × 480 px — Mobile ASV LCD
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 (MSM7200A) — 528 MHz
- Rear camera:
- 5 MP CMOS, AF, SR
- 480p @ 30 fps
- Battery: 1240 mAh (removable)
- Operating system: Windows Mobile
- OS version at launch: 6.5
Advertisement
SHARP
HYBRID W-ZERO3
WS027SH
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 256 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 512 MB
- External storage: microSDHC, 16 GB
Released by carrier Willcom, on sale in Japanese stores from late January 2010, the WS027SH combines PHS with WCDMA radio technology — hence "Hybrid." Importantly, the WCDMA module is not SIM-locked, meaning you can use Willcom's PHS system and 3G from a different carrier simultaneously. In Japan, the HYBRID W-ZERO3 supported Docomo's FOMA frequency bands (800 MHz (Band VI) and 2100 MHz (Band I)).
The device runs a proprietary GUI jointly developed by Sharp and Willcom, using the so-called "x-Crawl" jog dial. It also has Wi-Fi and GPS. Now, that's a gadget I'd really like to lay my hands on.
Usability outside of Japan is made possible by a special GSM radio module — the CM-G100, sold by Willcom, which can be inserted in the PHS module slot.
* The CM-G100 W-SIM GSM module is manufactured by IAC and sold by Technico Japan Corp., http://www.technicojapan.jp/GSM/CM-G100.html
SHARP
HYBRID W-ZERO3
SH80iUC & SH81iUC
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 256 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 512 MB
- External storage: microSDHC, 16 GB
At the end of June 2010, Sharp released a reworked version of the HYBRID W-ZERO3 for the Chinese market — the first smartphone Sharp made specifically for Chinese users, though it's just a tad less smart than we'd like it to be.
Keeping the same core specs as the WS027SH, Sharp swapped the Willcom PHS radio for GSM and WCDMA modules, and removed WLAN connectivity entirely. I personally consider that a crippling of the phone of sorts, but it comes down to Chinese government requirements (mandating WAPI security for Wi-Fi connections) that Sharp apparently couldn't be bothered to implement — pretty short-sighted of them.
Since x-Crawl was a joint Sharp-Willcom creation, and Willcom obviously has no presence in China, the Chinese models trade it for a simple 4-directional cursor instead.
The SH80iUC has a single SIM slot for GSM connectivity only, has no GPS module, and is shipped in silver.
The SH81iUC, unlike its smaller sibling, has two SIM slots as on the original Hybrid W-Zero3 — one for GSM, one for HSDPA/WCDMA — and includes a GPS module. It is shipped in black with white trim.
Despite their attractive looks, this makes them nothing but two average smartphones that could hardly compete on the world market.
SHARP
HYBRID W-ZERO3
WS027SH S
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 256 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 512 MB
- External storage: microSDHC, 16 GB
A revised version designated WS027SH S was released in October 2010, following SoftBank's agreement to support Willcom's restructuring and take over 3G network provision for the device. While the original WS027SH used Docomo's FOMA network for 3G connectivity, the S version switched to SoftBank's network (1500 MHz band (Band XI) and 2100 MHz band) and required a different Willcom service plan.