What we have here is the first tablet to feature an IGZO display; the very display that wowed audiences at IFA 2012.
There’s good reason for its warm reception. The Sharp-developed IGZO display delivers sharper picture than a traditional LCD screen and manages to do so using significantly less power. It is also more receptive to touch, recognising stylus strokes with pixel precision.
 A conventional LCD screen besides Sharp’s IGZO display |
The secret behind its incredible efficiency concerns the digitized layer that recognises touch gestures. Typically these require a constant stream of power, even when not in use. In comparison, Sharp’s IGZO display stays dormant up until the screen is pressed. According to a TechRadar report, Sharp’s new Aquos Pad will last 2.5 times longer than their previous tablet, despite using a relatively small 3,460 mAh battery.
 The IGZO moniker is an acronym of its materials: Indium, Gallium, Zinc and Oxide. |
The 1280×800 screen aside, the 7 inch Aquos Pad compares admirably to its rivals. It is equipped with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and has 16GB of internal memory. It also has space for expandable microSD memory, Near Fields Communications technology and a 4G LTE modem.
Unlike Google’s Nexus, Sharp’s Aquos has two cameras: an 8MP snapper on its rear versed in Full HD recording and a front-facing VGA up front.
The only downside is it runs Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) and not the current-day Jelly Bean.
Sharp’s Aquos Pad will be available in Japan first come December. Unfortunately there’s no word on international availability, but SmartHouse has reached out to Sharp’s local representatives for more information. Check back soon for updates.
Update: Following is Sharp’s comment:
“Sharp Australia have advised that at this stage, there has been no word either way on an Australian release of this product.”
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