Sharp AQUOS Crystal Review

I have used a lot of cell phones over the years, but I can’t remember another phone that has caused strangers to stop me and ask me about my phone — twice in one day. Sure, friends and family ask about my phones all the time, but a stranger was a first. 

The edge-to-edge screen on the Sharp Aquos Crystal is really that impressive. The 5-inch HD frameless LCD display clearly makes this phone stand out compared to any high-end Android or iPhone.

The Sharp Aquos Crystal is also no slouch in the spec department either with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor, HD Voice, Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g/n), 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, Dual Cameras, Stereo Bluetooth, Embedded 2,040mAh battery and Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat. Plus this sleek smartphone rings in at less than $240 without a contract on Sprint, or for only $149.99 on their prepaid brand, Boost Mobile, which is less than half of the price of  the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy 5. 

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal comes with several other notable features including: 

• Clip Now – a feature that allows you to take screenshots with one swipe and saves them with an embedded URL for easy sharing 
• App Pass – a U.S. Sprint exclusive subscription service that allows customers access to a hand-selected catalog of premium apps and games for one low monthly fee.
• Wi-Fi Calling – allows users to use their voice and messaging services over existing home, office and public Wi-Fi networks.
• Harman Kardon’s LiveStage with Clari-Fi Technology  – provides a more lifelike headphone listening experience by adding dimension to the sound.

The Sharp AQUOS crystal also comes preloaded with Google Mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Google Talk, Google Calendar, Google+ and YouTube, which are all must haves for me. (How did anyone get anywhere before Google Maps?)

The one thing I was asked by the doorman who inquired about my phone is whether or not the phone is fast. And I was happy to report to him that the phone is a zippy as you could want. Well that and the price, which really amazed him!

I have to mention that for me the one drawback for the phone is the camera. Because I take pictures everywhere I go, a top-quality camera is important to me. I admit to being a bit of a camera snob. While the camera on this phone doesn’t compare to the Samsung Galaxy 5 or the iPhone, you have to remember that the phone is also half the price. It is an ok camera, it just isn’t amazing. 

All of that said, if you are looking for a phone with a fantastic screen (you should see this thing stream video), solid features, and a reasonable price, the Sharp AQUOS Crystal is the phone for you. 

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Sprint. I received a sample device to facilitate this review.