The handsets, which are to be released by each Vodafone operator in Europe within the month, are part of Sharp’s aim to replicate its domestic success in overseas markets.

The manufacturer’s advanced color LCD and build in digital cameras have made its products highly regarded in Japan, where it supplies models to both J-Phone and NTT DoCoMo. Sharp is capitalizing on its domestic success by providing new products and services to mobile operators in Europe and other overseas markets.