SHARP FX Pro Reviews

The Sharp FX is a great high-end messaging phone, but don't expect it to replace your smartphone. Expect the same limitations and shortcomings that come with all messaging phones.

The FX from Sharp bundles many features in one phone, and does a decent job with most of them, but does not shine in any area except the QWERTY keyboard. The camera and camcorder quality was disappointing now that more cutting edge handsets have high quality technology that almost competes with point-and-shoot cameras.

The Sharp FX is a somewhat unconventional slider phone with broadcast mobile TV, but its poor performance across the board means you should stay far away.

Since the Sharp FX is a mid-range offering priced at $99.99 after rebates, its performance and set of features make it a compelling offering over its rivals like the LG Vu Plus on AT&T. Not only are we witnessing a rebirth of some sort with the Sidekick line, especially when Sharp manufactured them, but they were able bring along all the things we loved about the youth oriented device – specifically the design and keyboard. However, the combination of an inaccurate touchscreen and confusing homescreen interface substantially shows off its inability to be a completely well rounded device. Naturally the Sidekick line of handsets catered to youthful individuals with its unique integration of services, but since the social networking experience on the Sharp FX is no different from other AT&T feature phones, it clearly doesn't have anything compelling to make it a superior offering.

The QMD lineup at AT&T is a puzzling mix. They all have QWERTY keyboards, and some have touch screens as well. The FX falls into this latter category. I suppose the primary target for QMDs -- tweens and teens -- might like the SMS/MMS and IM capabilities, and not care much about the weak (and costly) email support.

The Sharp FX has plenty of multimedia features and additional services to occupy socialites and text-happy users, but mediocre call quality and some usability flaws keep it from fulfilling its complete potential.