Sharp unveils the Sharp Aquos SHT21 Pad, a slick 7 inch tablet with a revolutionary IGZO LCD display technology that is scheduled for release in mid-December by Japanese KDDI network operator. With some impressive specs to brag about, the Aquos pad’s key feature lies in its low-powered display which will more than double the battery life than its predecessor.

 

After the debut of AQUOS Phone Zeta SH-02E last week, a high-end phone with the same low-power IGZO display; Sharp decided to bring forth the same display technology to tablets, starting with the Aquos SHT21 Pad. Thanks to its IGZO display, the tablet just weighs just 280gm, which is even lighter than Google Nexus 7. It boasts a screen resolution of 1280×800 pixels and is powered by Snapdragon S4 processor, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, microSDXC slot for storage expansion, Wireless-N, 4G LTE capable, NFC Support, 8mp rear camera for taking vivid and crisp pictures and a front camera for video calls, pen input, Bluetooth 4.0, TV Tuner, MHL, LTE modem and a 3,460mAh battery for extended use.

The secret behind energy efficient IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) display is that it is composed of a semiconducting material which is more translucent than LCD displays, thus requires less brightness but at the same time produces crystal clear image with less battery consumption. This is makes it perfect for broad daylight viewing and on road.

There is no word yet if Sharp’s Aquos tablet would hit the US market any time soon but its impressive IGZO display deserves a coveted place among the Apple’s iPad mini and Google Nexus 7.