Sharp announces a water-resistant Android One smartphone

Android One, the phone category that Google defined to make affordable Android devices available to the masses, has its latest entrant in the form of a waterproof device. The Sharp 507SH is a phone with modest specifications, but with the unique distinction of being water resistant.

The phone is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 platform, with 2GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a microSD slot, a 13-megapixel main camera and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It uses a 5-inch screen with an IGZO HD (720p) display.

But the piece de resistance is its IPX5 water and dust resistance, and it doesn’t even use port covers. The IPX5 rating allows for a water jet to sprayed on the device from any direction, so it should ideally survive a downpour. Or at least a frantic water pistol fight.

This phone is built specifically for the Japanese market, incorporating the Japan-only “1-Seg” wireless digital television broadcasting specification via a proprietary antenna cable that is bundled with the handset. The device will be sold exclusively by Ymobile and will be available in white, black, and bright blue color options.

While Sharp’s other range of Aquos phones can be purchased here in India, it’ll be interesting to see if this kind of phone--both potentially affordable and able to withstand a bit of inclement weather--would make its way to India.