The Sharp Aquos sense10 sound experience represents a substantial leap forward for the company’s mid-range line. Sharp designed this device with a clear focus on media consumption and communication clarity. This comprehensive review examines the device’s audio hardware and software, detailing how they combine to deliver a compelling soundscape. We analyze the new dual box stereo speakers, the high-fidelity wireless and wired capabilities, and the innovative AI call enhancements. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering the Aquos sense10 as their next daily driver. This article provides all the necessary details to assess the audio quality of the Sharp Aquos sense10.
The Multimedia Powerhouse: Dual Box Stereo Speakers
The most immediate and noticeable audio upgrade in the Aquos sense10 is its integrated loudspeaker system. Sharp moved beyond typical mid-range solutions. The phone now features a true stereo configuration with dedicated acoustic hardware. This design choice dramatically impacts the user experience for videos, music, and gaming.
The Physical Upgrade: Dual Box Structure
Sharp has implemented dual box speakers. This is a significant first for the entire Aquos sense series. The speakers are strategically placed at both the top and bottom of the device. This symmetrical placement ensures a balanced, expansive soundstage when the phone is held in landscape orientation.
The “box” design is the key engineering innovation here. It refers to a specialized acoustic enclosure around the speaker driver. This enclosure provides internal volume, which is essential for sound quality. It counteracts the physical limitations imposed by a thin smartphone chassis. This design allows the drivers to move more air efficiently.
Sharp claims impressive acoustic gains from this structure compared to the previous Aquos sense9. The sense10 offers an approximately 25% increase in perceived sound pressure. Sound pressure directly relates to loudness. This means the phone can produce significantly higher volume levels. Furthermore, Sharp reports an 85% increase in bass sound pressure. This massive jump suggests a much richer and deeper low-frequency performance. This improvement directly addresses one of the major weaknesses in most slim smartphones: weak bass response.
Acoustic Performance: Volume and Clarity
The new dual box system delivers exceptional loudness for a compact mid-range device. Users can comfortably fill a small room with sound. They do not have to worry about missing alerts or dialogue in slightly noisier environments. The system expertly manages its output. It maximizes volume while keeping distortion to a minimum.
Distortion typically arises when speaker cones are pushed past their physical limits. The box structure helps regulate this movement, maintaining sound integrity even at maximum volumes. This prevents the metallic or “rattling” sound often associated with budget phone speakers. The result is a cleaner and more robust sound output overall.
The sound profile appears well-balanced. The significant improvement in bass means low frequencies are present and punchy. They add depth to music tracks and impact to movie explosions. Mid-range frequencies, which carry human voices and lead instruments, retain excellent clarity. Dialogue remains crisp and distinct. Treble frequencies, responsible for high notes and fine details, are cleanly reproduced. They avoid becoming harsh or overly sibilant. This balanced tuning makes the sense10 versatile for various types of media content.
Immersive Media Consumption
The impact of true, symmetrical stereo speakers is most evident during media consumption. When watching videos on the Aquos sense10’s Pro IGZO OLED display, the audio correctly flows from the left and right channels. This spatial effect dramatically improves immersion. A single, bottom-firing speaker can only deliver mono-like sound. The sense10, however, creates a proper sound image.
Gamers also benefit greatly from this audio configuration. Directional sound cues are crucial in many modern games. The stereo setup allows users to perceive the location of in-game events, such as approaching vehicles or footsteps. This spatial awareness provides a tactical advantage and a much more engaging gaming session. The sound upgrade moves the Aquos sense10 from a standard utility device to a dedicated multimedia companion.
Specialized Comparison: Sense10 vs. Sense9
The move from the Sharp Aquos sense9 to the sense10 is characterized by a fundamental shift in audio philosophy. The sense9, while competent, used a less sophisticated dual speaker arrangement. It often relied on the earpiece for the second channel without a dedicated acoustic enclosure. This limited its overall volume and especially its bass response.
The Aquos sense10 directly tackles this limitation. By integrating dedicated dual box speakers, Sharp completely revamped the user’s out-of-the-box listening experience. The 25% sound pressure and 85% bass improvements are transformative, moving the device’s internal sound quality closer to flagship competitors. This upgrade is easily the most compelling reason for multimedia users to choose the sense10 over its predecessor. The sense10 is simply in a different league for speaker playback.
The Audiophile Connection: 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Audio
Beyond the powerful speakers, the Sharp Aquos sense10 is certified for Hi-Res Audio. It supports 24-bit/192kHz playback. This is a critical specification for audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking the highest quality sound reproduction. This capability applies to both wired and wireless listening setups.
Understanding Hi-Res Certification
Digital audio quality is determined by bit depth and sample rate. These two factors dictate how much of the original recording’s complexity the digital file retains. The Aquos sense10 excels in both metrics.
The 24-bit depth is a major differentiator. Standard CD audio uses 16-bit depth. Increasing the bit depth to 24-bit exponentially expands the audio signal’s dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest possible sounds. A 24-bit depth allows the phone to capture subtle details and nuances in complex musical compositions. It ensures a far lower noise floor, resulting in an exceptionally clean and unobscured audio signal. Listeners experience greater clarity and depth in the soundscape.
The sample rate is equally important. It is measured in kilohertz (kHz) and defines how many times the analog sound wave is measured per second during conversion. CD quality is 44.1kHz. The sense10 supports up to 192kHz. A higher sample rate captures a broader frequency range. This minimizes temporal errors during the sampling process. This high-frequency detail contributes to a smoother, more realistic, and analog-like sound reproduction. The 192kHz specification ensures the digital signal is as faithful as possible to the master recording.
Internal Audio Processing and the Chipset
The core of the sense10’s audio engine is the powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform. This processor includes Qualcomm’s integrated Aqstic audio technology. Aqstic is specifically designed to handle and process Hi-Res audio streams.
This integrated technology acts as a sophisticated audio codec. It manages the digital-to-analog conversion process. The phone must convert the digital music file back into an analog electrical signal that headphones or speakers can use. The Aqstic platform ensures this conversion happens with maximum fidelity. It minimizes noise and jitter, which are common issues in lower-quality audio circuits.
Sharp’s dedicated software tuning further optimizes this internal processing. This optimization guarantees the device outputs an extremely clean signal. This clean signal is critical. It serves as the foundation for both the high-quality wireless streaming via Bluetooth and the wired output through the USB-C port. The robust internal processing confirms the Aquos sense10 is built to preserve the source audio’s high fidelity.
Required Hi-Res File Formats
To fully utilize the 24-bit/192kHz capability, users must utilize appropriate audio source files. Standard compressed formats like MP3 or AAC (which are typically 16-bit/44.1kHz) cannot carry the necessary data. Playing these files will sound good, but they will not unlock the phone’s full potential.
The Aquos sense10 supports several Hi-Res Lossless formats. These formats ensure that no data is lost during compression or storage. Common supported formats include FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). FLAC is widely favored for its efficient compression without sacrificing data integrity. Uncompressed formats like WAV and AIFF also offer the highest fidelity but require much larger file sizes.
Accessing this content requires specialized sources. Users must subscribe to Hi-Res streaming platforms like TIDAL HiFi Plus or Qobuz. These services provide native 24-bit and 192kHz streaming options. Alternatively, users can purchase and download Hi-Res audio albums directly. A reader should know that while the phone supports 2TB of expandable storage via microSD, these large Hi-Res files will consume significant space quickly.
Cutting the Cord: Wireless Hi-Fidelity & Connectivity
The Sharp Aquos sense10’s approach to connectivity is a dual focus on seamless high-quality wireless transmission and the mandatory adoption of modern USB-C audio for wired connections.
The Snapdragon Sound Ecosystem
The sense10 features an advanced suite of wireless audio codecs, making it a stellar device for wireless listening. It supports the latest Bluetooth 5.2 standard, ensuring stable and reliable connections. Crucially, the phone utilizes advanced codecs including aptX Adaptive, LDAC, and the highly anticipated aptX Lossless.
aptX Lossless is the hallmark feature for wireless audio quality. It is part of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform. This codec is specifically designed to deliver bit-for-bit CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1kHz) over a wireless connection. It dynamically scales the bitrate up to 1Mbps. While true 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res streaming remains technically challenging wirelessly, aptX Lossless provides the highest fidelity currently achievable without a physical cable. This eliminates the major quality compromise traditionally associated with Bluetooth audio.
The phone also supports LDAC, Sony’s high-resolution audio coding technology. LDAC allows for high-quality wireless audio transmission up to 990 kbps. This inclusion is important because it ensures compatibility with a wide range of premium wireless headphones and earbuds that support either the aptX or LDAC standards. This flexibility allows users to select the best possible codec based on their specific headphones.
Bluetooth 5.2 and Stability
The upgrade to Bluetooth 5.2 technology is critical for supporting these high-bandwidth codecs. Bluetooth 5.2 provides increased transmission speed and connection stability. Hi-Res wireless audio streams transmit large amounts of data very quickly. A stable Bluetooth connection is paramount to prevent audio dropouts or connection flickering. The enhanced reliability of Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a consistent, high-fidelity listening experience. This is especially true in crowded public spaces where radio frequency interference is common.
The Missing Jack: USB-C Necessity
Following modern smartphone trends, the Sharp Aquos sense10 omits the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This omission is a common design decision. It facilitates a thinner chassis and helps the device achieve its robust IP68 dust and water resistance rating. However, it requires a significant adaptation for users with legacy wired headphones.
Wired users must now rely exclusively on the USB Type-C port for audio output. This necessitates the use of a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, often called a dongle. The quality of this dongle is paramount. A simple, passive adapter merely converts the plug size. It still relies on the phone’s internal Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).
Audiophiles should consider investing in an active USB-C dongle or a portable external DAC/Amplifier unit. These devices contain their own dedicated DAC chips. A high-quality external DAC often surpasses the performance of the phone’s internal components. This external hardware takes the raw digital signal from the phone and performs the conversion outside the noisy electrical environment of the smartphone. Using an external DAC allows the user to bypass the phone’s conversion entirely. It is the optimal pathway for achieving the absolute highest wired audio fidelity with high-impedance headphones.
The reliance on external hardware adds cost and complexity. It is a definite trade-off for the phone’s design and durability benefits. However, the sense10 functions as an excellent Hi-Res digital transport. This makes it highly compatible with professional-grade external audio equipment.
AI-Enhanced Communication: The Vocalist Feature
The Sharp Aquos sense10 introduces an innovative software enhancement specifically for voice communication: the “Vocalist” AI function. This feature significantly improves call clarity and distinguishes the phone in the mid-range market.
The “Vocalist” AI System
The Vocalist system is an intelligent, AI-driven noise cancellation technology. It operates in two main phases. First, the user registers their voice with the phone. The AI learns the unique characteristics, timbre, and frequency signature of the user’s speech. Second, during a call, the AI actively isolates this registered voice.
The system then applies sophisticated noise filtering. It cuts out ambient background sounds and other people’s voices. This ensures that only the user’s speech is clearly transmitted to the other party. The feature works by analyzing the incoming audio in real-time. It uses its deep learning model to differentiate the desired voice signal from noise contamination.
Impact on Daily Calls
This technology is immensely practical for everyday use. It solves the common problem of taking important calls in noisy environments. Whether the user is in a busy coffee shop, on a crowded train, or walking down a windy street, the Vocalist feature maintains crystal-clear communication.
The benefit is two-fold. It ensures the person on the other end hears the Aquos sense10 user perfectly. It also likely applies noise reduction to the incoming signal. This makes listening easier for the user as well. This focus on communication clarity is particularly valuable for remote work or professional calls taken on the go.
Specialized Comparison: AI Call Clarity
Traditional smartphones use basic noise suppression algorithms. These algorithms typically target a fixed range of frequencies associated with background noise. They often struggle to distinguish between background chatter and the main user’s voice, sometimes cutting out parts of the speech itself.
The Aquos sense10’s Vocalist feature, by contrast, uses personalized voice registration. This makes the noise isolation highly accurate and targeted. It represents a significant step beyond generic noise cancellation. It provides a more tailored and reliable communication experience. This AI-driven approach sets a new standard for call quality in the mid-range segment.
Key Takeaways for the Buyer
The Sharp Aquos sense10 offers an audio experience that challenges devices in higher price brackets. Its proposition is multifaceted. It provides powerful immediate sound via speakers and high-end digital fidelity for personal listening. Buyers must understand the key strengths and necessary trade-offs before purchasing.
Pros and Cons Summary
The strengths of the Aquos sense10 sound system are highly competitive. The dual box stereo speakers are a massive upgrade. They provide much-needed loudness and punchier bass. The inclusion of 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Audio demonstrates a serious commitment to sound quality. It supports the best available wireless codecs, including aptX Lossless and LDAC. Finally, the Vocalist AI feature solves real-world communication issues.
The primary drawback is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a common design trend but requires wired audiophiles to purchase external dongles or DACs. Hi-Res audio files also demand significant storage space, which can quickly fill up the phone’s internal memory. The physical limits of a smartphone still place a ceiling on speaker sound quality, even with the box design.
Purchasing Advice
Buyers should align their purchase decision with their primary listening habits. The phone excels in three distinct areas.
The Wireless Audio Enthusiast
The Aquos sense10 is an outstanding choice for those who rely on wireless audio. Its support for aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs is top-tier. These codecs maximize wireless bandwidth. They deliver audio clarity and detail far superior to basic Bluetooth setups. If you already own or plan to buy high-quality, compatible wireless headphones, the sense10 provides one of the best wireless streaming platforms available. You get high fidelity with total convenience.
The Wired Audiophile
If you own high-impedance, wired headphones, the phone’s full potential depends on an additional investment. You must budget for a high-quality, active USB-C Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) dongle. This is non-negotiable for achieving true 24-bit/192kHz fidelity. The phone provides a clean digital signal. The external DAC provides the necessary power and conversion quality to drive premium headphones. It is the optimal way to experience the maximum wired audio quality the phone supports.
The Casual Listener
For general users who listen primarily through the internal stereo speakers, the sense10 offers an immediate, highly noticeable upgrade. The stereo effect and improved bass and volume are excellent for watching YouTube, social media videos, and casual music playback. The robust speaker system is better than most competitors in the mid-range category. The Vocalist feature also guarantees clearer conversations, which enhances the fundamental functionality of the device. The Hi-Res capabilities serve as a powerful future-proof feature should the user decide to upgrade their audio gear later.
Conclusion
The Sharp Aquos sense10 sound features establish the device as a formidable contender in the mid-range market. Sharp successfully balanced mass-market appeal with high-fidelity specifications. The integration of true dual box stereo speakers delivers an immediate and immersive multimedia experience. This is complemented by the phone’s support for 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio, which caters to the most discerning listeners. The inclusion of next-generation wireless codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC also future-proofs the phone for high-quality wireless streaming.
The primary requirement for the user is adaptation. The missing 3.5mm jack pushes consumers toward the wireless ecosystem or the necessity of a quality external DAC. However, this design trade-off contributes to the phone’s sleek profile and durability. The sense10 is more than just a communications device. It is a highly capable audio platform. Users who embrace the USB-C connection or high-quality wireless audio will find the Sharp Aquos sense10 a deeply satisfying and versatile device for all their entertainment and communication needs. It provides a nuanced and powerful sound experience that significantly elevates daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the Sharp Aquos sense10 have a 3.5mm headphone jack?
No, the Sharp Aquos sense10 does not include the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users must connect wired headphones using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or use wireless Bluetooth devices.
2. How much better are the stereo speakers compared to the previous model?
The Aquos sense10 features new dual box speakers on the top and bottom. Sharp claims these offer approximately 25% higher perceived sound pressure and an 85% stronger bass response compared to the sense9 model.
3. What does 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Audio mean for the sound quality?
This specification means the phone can process and output audio with superior detail, dynamic range, and clarity. It captures more information from the master recording than standard CD quality, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound.
4. Does the Aquos sense10 support Hi-Res audio wirelessly?
Yes, it supports Hi-Res wireless audio. It uses advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC. When paired with compatible headphones, it can transmit near-lossless or high-fidelity audio streams over Bluetooth.
5. What is the “Vocalist” AI feature?
The Vocalist feature is an AI system that improves call clarity. It isolates the user’s voice and actively filters out background noise and other nearby voices. This ensures crystal-clear, uninterrupted conversations even in loud environments.
