Review of the tablet Aquos Pad Docomo SH-06F

Introduction

Closer and closer to the ideal matched fans of the brand Sharp. At the time, the designers and engineers have developed an innovative technology EDGEST, whereby the width of the frame around the display device tends to a minimum. We are talking about the side and top of the screen. All of the traditional working elements, usually scattered on the front of a smartphone or tablet, moved down below the display. Thus, the useful area of ​​the gadget can reach 80% or more from the surface.

Today we will talk about the new Japanese tablet Docomo SH-06F Aquos Pad, which encompasses all the most current proprietary technologies Sharp. But first things first. The device went on sale in Japan in the country’s largest mobile operator NTT Docomo. Aquos Pad SH-06F – it’s the only tablet submitted Sharp in the summer lineup NTT Docomo 2014. As is the case with its predecessor, the model Sharp Aquos Pad Docomo SH-08E, the novelty was presented only in white color. In addition of updated specifications, Docomo SH-06F got what he wanted to see so many fans of such devices: economical IGZO screen with optimal resolution and a minimum amount of plastic around the edges, and the ability to make phone calls without a headset.

Let me remind you that the Sharp Aquos Pad SH-06F, as well as all members of the summer collection devices NTT Docomo in 2014, after the official otvyazki from the operator network are able to work with someone else’s SIM-cards.

Options

Already through the first demonstration photographs at the time of the new Aquos Pad SH-06F, will be posted in early 2014, it became known that the tablet will receive a minimalist desktop stand and a wire with connector microUSB. Subsequently it was found that the wire from the kit is an adapter for connecting a stationary television antenna, which in our case is useless, as well as telescopic antenna built into the tablet itself. A nice bonus was announced earlier and the cradle. Except for a brief instruction manual, it’s everything.Traditionally, NTT Docomo does not force manufacturers to supply their chargers or USB-cable. Even the manufacturers of special care for the client are no different. Standard for recharging any modern Japanese tablet or smartphone, you can use a universal cable with microUSB. Here the Japanese, unlike Apple, create a bike did not dare.

First impressions. Design

Sharp Aquos Pad SH-06F – this is the example by which you clearly understand that everything is relative. When as their primary tablet I’ve used the previous version of the tablet Aquos Pad Docomo SH-08E, for daily work seemed to me it is enough. To test a certain time, the new Aquos Pad SH-06F, I knew exactly what I was missing: the compactness and ease of use. However, to call a comfortable job with a 7-inch screen, I would not. It’s not 5 or even 5.4-inch Sharp Aquos Zeta SH-04F. There is almost always necessary to use the second hand. The obvious drawback was the lack of reduction to the screen image at least to acceptable 4.5-5 inches. Now using for some time smartphone Sharp Aquos Zeta Docomo SH-04F (review soon), I realize all the benefits of this chip.

Technical specifications of the tablet are comparable to those of average champions, produced at the moment. Aquos Pad SH-06F is powered by OS Android 4.4.2 KitKat paired with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 2.3 GHz 800. 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory is enough for most labor-intensive operations such as 3D games, watching MKV video, mobile surfing and many hours of listening to music in any format.

As for me, in the daily work of Sharp Docomo SH-06F proved to be perfect: smooth operation interface, heavy video plays without slowdown, actual games do not lag. But in AnTuTu Benchmark Sharp, as usual, gaining a very modest rates. Although, as it seemed to me at the speed of working here is not affected.

As an analogy Aquos Pad I would call the newly introduced Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Despite some disagreement in the specifications, its main competitor in its home market Sharp has an 8-inch (1080p) is really a higher quality color rendering display technology based TRILUMINOS. I note that the competition Sharp never stood their perfect color displays. Even modern IGZO screens do not convey the brilliance of that, that is noticeable to the naked eye from Sony. In addition, Tablet Compact also has the ability to work as a phone without using a headset, has protected against water and moisture body, similar in capacity battery (4500 mAh by Sony in 4200 against Sharp) and a lot of other branded goodies. The main difference between the two competitors noticeable exterior, size and weight.

At first, the really striking absence of unnecessary excess plastic on the front of the chassis. 81% of the working surface of the screen make themselves felt. Fingers anyway borne directly on the screen. Do not feel that the fingertips touch randomly edges of the screen and the plate will react to incorrect simultaneous touch. To comfortably navigate the menu Aquos Pad, better use of just two hands.Honestly, I got a little something to get him, using only one hand. Vain.

Just hold the tablet with one hand comfortably. Large and ring fingers are gripping the body together. Sharp edges do not allow the tablet to slip out of your hands, as this could happen in the case of Docomo SH-08E.

It is worth noting the changes for the better exterior entire line of Sharp devices of the summer season 2014. Visually smartphone Docomo SH-04F and tablet Docomo SH-06F are very similar. The same line, the same thin metallic frame around the perimeter of the housing. Single style can be traced throughout. Incidentally, after their predecessors Docomo SH-01F and Docomo SH-08E many fans of Sony style look to the side of the new devices is Sharp.

Build quality is, as usual, at a height. Nothing crunches and creaks in his hand. However, from experience I can say that all Japanese manufacturers are punctures. Most often, it refers to the screens. For example, starting commercial samples first smartphone with Sharp IGZO screen Docomo SH-02E had some flaws with backlight. Sometimes while working were noticeable twitching brightness. At the same Aquos Pad SH-08E on a white background screen was clearly visible difference in brightness between the left and right of the display. All these problems were treated without warranty.

Talk about some errors in the new Aquos Pad SH-06F is too early. Model entered the market not so long ago and so far sold in small quantities by hand. Still, the device has a small audience of fans. Usually in the comments on my reviews or directly to product descriptions people leave questions, we are interested in the solution of a problem.

Many are interested in the country of the manufacturer. After examining the entire body of the plate up and down, I have not found confirmation of his Japanese ancestry. There is a suspicion that the Japanese moved the assembly process SH-06F in China, as is the case in recent years with the majority of the company’s flagship. Take the same 5.4-inch Aquos Zeta Docomo SH-04F. Nevertheless, the “Chinese” assembly Sharp had no effect on its quality. The Japanese, as before, the technique does not collect for themselves as for the rest of the world. Take for example the model released in time for the Russian (Sharp Aquos Phone SH530U, SH631W or SH837W).

Tablet weighs 233 grams and the dimensions 174x106x8,4 mm. Taking into account all the plastic casing and built-in lithium-ion battery capacity of 4200 mAh Weight 7-inch gadget is not so big. Availability display IGZO, which gives the main increase in battery life on a single charge up to 6-7 days, the tablet promises a good future. It’s a shame that the Japanese are not officially deliver such devices outside the country. Recognition and popularity of these gadgets outside of Japan is minimal, making Sharp outsiders market. Nonetheless, connoisseurs of Japanese subjects appreciated and loved Sharp for its innovation and technology.

Display

Traditionally, for all models of smartphones and tablets Sharp last three generations under the transport film hides the screen covered with glass. Unfortunately, any advertising copy or technical characteristics of the Sharp does not indicate the manufacturer, but it is, by and large, is not so important. In addition, the entire surface is covered with a protective film which, nevertheless, under vandalnom style operation is used to scratch. Idealists strongly recommended to roll screen broneplenku. The same applies to the plastic surface of the tablet. Small Scratchy on such surfaces are inevitable. Silicone or leather case is designed to keep for as long as the virgin of the device.

Performance style EDGEST brought some changes in the layout of the main elements of the facade of modern flagships Sharp. To reduce the distance between the edges of the screen and housing all the operating elements to the upper part of the housing had to be moved to the bottom. In the case of Docomo SH-06F over the screen, it was decided to leave the only speaker for phone calls. Unlike Docomo SH-08E, which has a similar dynamic was not at all, because interlocutor sound play through the main speaker on the back wall or using a normal / Bluetooth headset, the new Docomo SH-06F decided to meet his admirers, adding a classic speaker, which dramatically simplify the use of the tablet as a phone. As an alternative could be to use the technology for sound output directly on the surface of the screen, as it was done in Sharp Docomo SH-02E or Sharp Aquos Crystal. However, apparently, there were some reasons why this option was not implemented.

The distance between the visible part of the screen and the edge of the body at the sides and top is approximately 5 mm. This is enough to confidently hold the tablet in your hand randomly without touching the screen. Bottom margin has about 13-15 mm. These designers have moved all the remaining work items: 2-megapixel camera, event LED, light sensor and proximity.

Unfortunately, the pictures convey the realism of the new Sharp Aquos Pad SH-06F with the help of pictures I could not. When to take pictures at an angle, changed the general lighting and color rendering real distorted. In the video review above, I managed it better.Undoubtedly, the quality of the pictures and the shipping influenced film, which, unfortunately, be removed from the display did not give me opportunities.

Nevertheless, I will try to briefly describe their impressions of what he saw. Screen Resolution – 1920×1080 pixels at a diagonal 7. “I think in the Sharp could offer display with higher resolution, but the real reasons for this fact, we learn not to be. Most likely screen with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels Japanese marketers are left for future generations Aquos Pad, in order to prolong the pleasure.

As for image quality Sharp Aquos Pad SH-06F, here, as in the case with other devices, the tablet should be compared with competitors, or at least close to the size of peers. As I said earlier, called IGZO screen color reproduction can not be perfect. In Docomo SH-06F uses the same IGZO matrix, as in the smartphone Docomo SH-04F. When compared with the Aquos Zeta Sony Xperia Z2 Docomo SO-03F realize that puppy joy of quality screen Sharp should not wait. This is a clear minus Sharp. Plus IGZO displays in the other. The main problem that, in my opinion, the Japanese managed to solve fully, this stretch the battery life of the tablet. At the maximum load (3G internet surfing, mail, camera, music and watching a movie in one day), I managed to squeeze out two and a half days. If the tablet used in the normal mode, the operating time increases up to 5-6 days.

By itself, the color rendition IGZO screens and overall impression of the pictures are not bad, but putting a plate next to something else, the difference can be seen with the naked eye.

I will not claim that the screen Sharp Aquos Pad is inferior competitors. When you angle the picture does not fade in the sun image does not disappear, it is quite watchable.

Apart from some amendments to the “flatness” (horizontal orientation, increasing the number of icons on the desktop, etc.), the interface Aquos Pad Docomo SH-06F is almost 100% repeats interfaces smartphones Sharp previous generations. Again, to the disadvantages include the lack of usability features to reduce the screen image and some branded chips associated with tactile panel, located on the sides of the hull. Details about it in this review I will tell smartphone Sharp Aquos Zeta Docomo SH-04F later. It is sad that such “goodies” are not moved from the younger to the older brother.

Traditionally, Japanese smartphones and tablets Sharp, Fujitsu, NEC, Casio, Kyocera and Toshiba manufacturers do not represent a choice location. You can only select English or Japanese version of the interface. 99% of the owners of such gadgets are an English interface, but russifyi, albeit partially, the interface can be. For this fit common pattern of localization program morelocale in conjunction with manual reset via ADB drivers and connection cable to a PC USB.

The result is a completely Russified services Google (Gmail, Google Play, Maps, Youtube, Google+, etc.). All originally Russified software installation is also Russian. In the basic configuration the device will only add Russian keyboard, and the unit is ready for operation.English will be only the settings menu, all pop-up menus desktop and other auxiliary content that the average user costs only when you first set up your device.

At the top end in the left corner of the case hid a telescopic TV antenna. Nearby there is nothing covered headphone jack. Housing of the tablet is not protected from dust, so staying at the resort, try not to sculpt their sand castles. Water connector protects the silicone rubber inside. On the opposite side of a tight-fitting cap housed slots microSIM card and memory card format microSD. The tablet is able to recognize the card capacity up to 128 GB.

Because housing of the tablet is being protected from ingress of moisture (IPX5) and water (IPX7), the only openings capable scoop remain connectors for both cards. Plug traditionally for all similar devices equipped with Japanese silicone sealant. All other slots and openings are protected inside.

On the left side of the heart is to change the volume rocker.

At the bottom there is the microUSB connector and a microphone.

On / off button on the right side seemed to me quite tight. At some point, it may prove to be very comfortable.

Around the perimeter of the body side stripe runs remotely resembling metal. Upon closer inspection, however takes its toll. Strip along the body is part of the framework, and a strip on the cap covering the slot for the SIM-card – just painted decoration.

The rear wall of Aquos Pad SH-06F is made in a minimalist style: 8.1-megapixel CMOS camera, LED flash, microphone, and the main speaker. Material of the rear part of the housing – plastic. In the sun, the white paint with pearl shade all colors of the rainbow. Looks good.

Sharp has finally decided to break the head with his devoted fans, while not causing a country of origin label next to the name of the model, as it was before. Several generations of devices Sharp followed this a bad practice. Apparently, the Japanese marketers think that the words “Made in China” they infringe own ego, especially in light of recent political events related to Japan and China.

Chrome around the camera lens, I think, over time, begin to peel, because developers were not governed by any technological projections on which the tablet can be based in the supine position. Because of this, incidentally, is severely affected and the sound coming from the speaker. Lying on a flat table surface, speaker hole is almost completely blocked, and the sound wave goes out, creating a nasty ringing squeak. In the free position the sound from the speaker is decent enough, but not as strong as we would like. It should be noted that the low-quality and quite faint sound was always accompanied by almost all Japanese manufacturers of mobile devices.Can be counted on the fingers really successful model. For example, a 10-inch Android tablet Arrows Tab Docomo F-02F from Fujitsu compared to other Japanese competitors gives a much more significant result.

Luggage

Engineers and marketers Sharp definitely not suffer gigantomania. In the case of Aquos Pad, it was decided not to pursue maximalist, installing fashionable now 13, 16 and especially 20-megapixel optics. Here is a simple cost of 8.1 megapixels. Compared with its predecessor, Docomo SH-08E, the quality of the camera is just standing at attention. This is especially evident in the video. Picture has become much clearer. Unfortunately, due to the installation of the budget optics tablet has lost the ability to record video in 4K, is gaining momentum. Maximum video resolution – 1920×1080 pixels at 30 frames / sec. Recording sound is in mono. Sampling frequency – 48 kHz.

As a conclusion

Updated Aquos Pad Docomo SH-06F to be a rather ambiguous and even contradictory. On the one hand, this format, in principle, can not become popular. However, he is able to kill two birds with one stone, namely, to be both small tablet while remaining albeit exaggerated, but the phone. I will say for myself, I would be very uncomfortable somewhere on the street talk, accompanied by the head such that there to hide the shovel.

But on the other hand, Sharp managed to offer something really unique. When comparing Docomo SH-06F Competitors first thing that comes to mind – a compact, devoid of unnecessary plastic casing around the display. Screen that takes up almost the entire front surface, has the advantage of weight and dimensions. The tablet is easy to carry in the inside pocket of his jacket, and even, if necessary, can not find the first time in Kings purse, even though the latter are not easy to quickly find something useful.

As obvious drawbacks of the tablet is worth noting screen bleknuschy in the sun, but well worked out in different conditions. The camera may seem uncompetitive. Although Sharp Aquos Pad is not intended to photographic flagship. That quality 8 mega pixels that provides fablet, enough for most needs. The absence of Russian localization is not critical, of course, if you are at the time did not skip class foreign language. In any case, the problem is solved with improvised means.

Categorical advantage, as with all such devices company, was the presence of IGZO display technology. This development is really capable display Aquos Pad SH-06F to the leaders in the “thirst for life.”

In a future review I will try to compare the details of two Japanese: Sharp Aquos Pad Docomo SH-06F and the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.