2 December 2011 / Japan

AQUOS Phone SH-01D

The DoCoMo version of SoftBank's 102SH is code-named SH-01D and rolls out in stores throughout Japan in the beginning of December 2011. It is offered in black, blue, or white.

The SH-01D supports both 3G and GSM frequencies (2G Network: GSM GPRS EDGE 900, 1800, 1900 MHz / 3G Network: WCDMA HSDPA 800, 850, 1700, 2100 MHz).

The SH-01D weighs 137 g (with battery), which is about 2 grams heavier than the SoftBank version, and measures 128 mm × 65 mm × 9.7 mm.

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Here are my personal observations about this phone: It is quite fast and powerful (booting time is less than 30 seconds all together), there is no lagging. The screen is great - the size and pixel density account for a great viewing experience, the 3D is spectacular, whether you are looking at photos or watching films or video. The phone has no problem playing Full HD (1080p) 3D films.

The camera is great – and the built-in optical image stabilisation means you can take blur-free photos in every shooting mode – well, of course, you still need a steady hand. 3D conversion works perfectly – take a regular 2D photo and convert it into a 3D image at the press of a button (takes about 5–7 seconds). You can shoot 1080p videos with amazing clarity.

One noticeable problem the phone has is the heating up issue – if you start playing some graphics intensive game (HD games look amazing on it!), expect the phone to start warming up quickly. 20–25 minutes into the game, you will feel the bottom left side very hot (display side and speaker side on the back). If you continue playing, you will see a system warning that the phone is heating up and brightness has been reduced. If it gets too hot, you might get kicked out of the game. The problem is not as apparent when watching a film or simply browsing, or even playing a slower game.

The other issue with the phone is battery life: the 1520 mAh will last you very long if the phone is in standby mode (data sync ON), and you are receiving an occasional email (5–10 a day in my case), and make an occasional call. But if you start playing a game, or browsing, or anything that keeps the screen on, expect to lose between 15% and 20% of the battery per every half hour.

Notwithstanding the above, it is a great phone. Very lightweight and very thin (even with the silicone case I have on).

If you are the timid type of user, and you think having antivirus protection on your phone makes sense (really?), DoCoMo has a free gift for you – the Anshin Scan. You need to activate the app and download it. It has various settings, very much like any PC antivirus. If you are not using your phone on the DoCoMo network, you will not be able to upgrade the app itself to the latest version, but antivirus definitions update without a problem.

16 December 2011 / Japan

AQUOS Phone 102SH

The 102SH has a W-CDMA and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) radio, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, One Seg TV, and Mobile Wallet.

The 102SH measures 9.7 X 128 X 65 mm (D x W x H) and weighs 135 grams.

12 July 2012 / Japan

AQUOS Phone 102SH II

The main reason for the new model is support for SoftBank's newly introduced 900 MHz "Platinum Band". The original 102SH supports W-CDMA at 1.5 and 2.1 GHz, whereas the 102SH II adds 900 MHz, giving it better coverage and signal penetration, particularly indoors and in areas where the higher-frequency bands are less effective. SoftBank's new 900 MHz service is scheduled to begin on 25 July 2012, shortly after the 102SH II itself goes on sale.

Otherwise, the 102SH II remains identical to its predecessor, with the same basic hardware and specifications. It comes in three new colours - Classy Black, Silver and Pink – replacing the Innocent Purple, Black and White options of the original 102SH.