Conclusion

The Sharp AQUOS wish5 isn’t trying to be the flashiest phone on the market. It’s the phone you want if you care about safety, battery life, durability, 5G compatibility with Singapore networks, call screening and recording features, 8x digital zoom, stable HD video recording, Pixel-like interface, Gemini/Circle search tools, and flexible SIM/microSD options — all for a really affordable S$289, making it probably the cheapest 5G phone supporting eSIM that I’ve come across. Perfect for travellers, outdoor lovers, or anyone who wants a phone that’s reliable, tough, and won’t break the bank.

I really liked that this phone works on Singapore 5G networks (both SA and NSA) and features a brilliant shake-to-alert safety function. The AI call assistant is convenient, offering recording and automated answering, while scam call blocking and voicemail-to-text add extra peace of mind. Its 8x digital zoom is reminiscent of the Google Pixel 4, and video recording up to HD 60fps remains stable even when walking. The interface is clean and Pixel-like, with easy access to Gemini and Circle search. It supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, with the SIM tray also accommodating a microSD card. The phone is seriously durable, offering strong waterproofing and drop protection, has long battery life, an eco-friendly design, and is surprisingly affordable for a 5G device.

On the downside, the screen resolution is HD+ LCD and can get dim under strong sunlight, the depth camera is basic, low-light photos can be noisy or blurry, and it’s not suitable for heavy gaming.

Pros

  1. Works on Singapore 5G (SA & NSA) + supports eSIM + physical SIM + microSD
  2. Affordable price at S$289, probably the cheapest 5G phone with eSIM
  3. Shake-to-alert safety feature and AI call assistant with recording/auto-answer
  4. Durable build with waterproofing + drop protection
  5. Long battery life with eco-friendly design

Cons

HD+ LCD screen that looks dim under bright sunlight

  1. Low-light photography is noisy and blurry
  2. Basic depth camera with limited portrait effects
  3. Not suitable for heavy gaming
  4. Overall display and performance feel entry-level

Pricing S$289 – S$319

Shopee

Lazada

Performance – ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Smooth enough for daily tasks and stable video recording, but struggles with heavy gaming and has only basic camera hardware.

Design – ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Not flashy, but very durable with waterproofing, drop resistance, and eco-friendly materials. Screen is only HD+ and dim under sunlight.

Features – ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strong safety and AI call features (shake-to-alert, call assistant, scam blocking, voicemail-to-text), plus eSIM + physical SIM + microSD flexibility.

Usability – ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Clean Pixel-like interface, easy access to Gemini/Circle search, long battery life, reliable for travellers and outdoor use.

Value for Money – ★★★★★ (5/5)
At S$289, it’s probably the cheapest 5G phone with eSIM support in Singapore — excellent deal for what it offers.


Overall average rating: 4.0/5