Sharp Intros Android-based Aquos SH-12C 3D Phone

Sharp has just become the third mobile phone maker in the world to announce a 3D-capable smartphone powered by Google's Android operating system.

Following the unveiling of Optimus 3D from LG, or the EVO 3D from HTC, Sharp announced the upcoming availability of Aquos SH-12C, a handset packing dual cameras on the back, capable of shooting in 3D.

But first thing first. The new mobile phone from Sharp is powered by Google's latest Android flavor for smartphones, namely Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

The handset also includes a Qualcomm MSM8255 chip, with the processor clocked in at 1.4GHz, which should provide it with great performance levels, and which is complemented by 512MB of RAM.

Moreover, the handset would arrive on shelves with a 4.2-inch touchscreen display that can deliver a qHD (540 x 960 pixels) resolution, with glasses-free 3D capabilities.

On the back, the mobile phone would include dual cameras of eight megapixels for 2D and 3D video and picture capturing.

The specifications list of the new device would also include 2GB of ROM, and a microSD memory card slot with support for additional storage space.

At the same time, the device is expected to arrive on shelves with HSDPA 14Mpbs connectivity capabilities, complemented by WiFi and Bluetooth, HDMI port, and built-in GPS receiver.

It might also include an infrared port, a popular feature on handsets released in Japan.

The Sharp Aquos SH-12C is expected to arrive on the market in Japan on the airwaves of NTT DoCoMo starting with May 20. No info on its possible arrival in other markets around the world emerged for the time being.

Sharp also announced that the new mobile phone would hit the shelves in two color versions, and that it would sport the TapFlow UI on top of the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system.

The Sharp Aquos SH-12C measures 64 x 127 x 11.9mm (13.8mm at its thicker point) and weighs in at 138 grams.