Review of Sharp's 903SH / SX833

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

The red SmarTone-Vodafone SX833 sold in Hong Kong is essentially the same as the Vodafone Sharp 903SH. We were able to put this phone through its paces on the local 3G network here in Hong Kong. Except where noted, everything that you read about the SX833 for the Hong Kong market should also apply to the 903SH that is available in Europe.

Physical aspects

The Sharp SX833 is an upgrade to the company's earlier SX813 model, which was a rebranded version of the Sharp 902SH. The concept of the SX833/903SH handset is basically the same: a folder with a rotatable screen. One of the first things you notice is the lack of an external display; instead the function is partly fulfilled by 2 LEDs, one on the side and the other that also serves as the camera assist lamp. They indicate incoming calls, missed calls, and new messages.

Based on the numbers, a 29mm (1.14") thickness would turn away a lot of people; but in reality, it doesn't feel as thick as Sony Ericsson's S700i, though it is 15g heavier at 148g (5.2oz). The contours on the back have improved the ergonomics of the phone; it actually feels more hand holdable than the 24mm (.94") thick SX813/902SH. It is still clumsy to flip open the phone with one hand, but it is easier to do than it was with the SX813/902SH.

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

Sharp SX833 / 903SH

The battery cover on the back of the phone is made of rough plastic, giving the machine a "high quality artificial leather texture" as claimed by the Japanese manufacturer. The texture improves your grip on the rather large handset. The Smartone logo is printed at the far end, whereas the coverless camera and assist lamp are located closer to the hinge. The infrared port can be found on top of the hinge, similar to SX813/902SH. The top cover with the Vodafone logo engraved is shiny and attractive, but inevitably prone to fingerprints. The stereo speakers are located on either side next to the display; the volume is louder than on SX813/902SH, but still insufficient. On the left side of the keypad you find all of the ports: a mini SD slot, hands-free, and TV-out. The SX833 supports the same optical line-in adaptor and LED display remote with microphone as does the Sharp 902SH. The right side is where you can find the usual shortcut keys: up/down, menu, shutter, and cancel buttons. The overall build quality of the device is solid and sturdy, and it feels less plastic-like than did the SX813/902SH.

The SX833/903SH follows the exact same screen and key arrangements as the SX813/902. The 2.4" QVGA ASV display is top of the class. My only complaint would be the lack of an anti-reflective coating. The keypad is unremarkable, but both the tactile feeling and the orange-red backlight are improved over the version in the SX813/902SH.

 

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