The Doogee U9 and Oppo A17k represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The U9 utilizes a Rockchip RK3562, while the A17k opts for MediaTek’s Helio G35. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance, efficiency, and overall usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A17k is the better choice. While the Doogee U9 offers a different chipset, the Helio G35 in the A17k provides a noticeable performance advantage with its octa-core configuration and more efficient 12nm process, translating to a smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 245.3 x 163.3 x 9.9 mm (9.66 x 6.43 x 0.39 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 509 g (1.12 lb) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | RK3562 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5060 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Black, Purple | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2471 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
Doogee U9
- Potentially lower price point.
- RK3562 may offer good idle power efficiency.
- Different software experience (may appeal to some).
- Quad-core processor limits performance.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Likely less responsive user experience.
Oppo A17k
- Octa-core Helio G35 provides better performance.
- More efficient 12nm process.
- Established brand reliability (Oppo).
- Likely faster charging.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- ColorOS may include bloatware.
- Basic camera system.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar, though not specified. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority for either manufacturer.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A17k is largely marketing fluff; its image quality will be limited. The primary sensor’s aperture and size are critical, but absent that data, the Helio G35’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) likely offers better overall image processing capabilities than the RK3562’s, resulting in slightly better photos and videos from the A17k.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A17k’s MediaTek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This contrasts sharply with the Doogee U9’s RK3562, a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor. The Helio G35’s higher core count and more modern architecture provide a significant advantage in multi-tasking and app responsiveness. While the RK3562 may be more power-efficient in *idle* states, the Helio G35’s efficiency gains at 12nm will likely offset this during active use. The A17k will handle everyday tasks and light gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both will likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The Doogee U9’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than what the A17k likely offers (Oppo typically includes at least 10W, potentially higher). While a larger battery on the U9 *could* offset the slower charging, the Helio G35’s efficiency means the A17k will likely require less frequent charging cycles, making the charging speed less of a concern.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U9 if you need a device for extremely basic tasks like reading ebooks or simple messaging, and prioritize a potentially different software experience. Buy the Oppo A17k if you prefer a more responsive device for social media, light gaming, and general app usage, and value the established reliability of the Oppo brand and its ColorOS software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k overheat during prolonged use of apps like TikTok or Facebook?
The Helio G35 is a relatively efficient chip. While it will generate heat during extended use, it’s unlikely to overheat significantly under typical social media usage. The 12nm process helps manage thermal output, and the phone’s passive cooling system should be sufficient for these tasks. However, demanding games may cause noticeable throttling.
❓ Is the RK3562 in the Doogee U9 capable of running popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The RK3562 is not well-suited for demanding games. While it *might* be able to run PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a generally poor gaming experience. The quad-core CPU and limited GPU power simply aren’t sufficient for these titles.
❓ How much storage does the Oppo A17k typically come with, and is it expandable via microSD card?
The Oppo A17k typically comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is standard for this price range. It *does* include a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 1TB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What version of Android does the Doogee U9 ship with, and is there a guarantee of software updates?
The Doogee U9 likely ships with Android 12 or 13 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support from Doogee is often limited; don't expect major Android version upgrades or frequent security patches. This is a common trade-off for ultra-budget devices.
