The Honor Play6C and Oppo A97 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware choices, particularly in their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Oppo A97 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor Play6C’s Snapdragon 480+. While the Honor Play6C offers a respectable experience, the A97’s superior chipset and 33W charging give it a clear edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 15 | Available. Released 2022, July 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5 | Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 12 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 12 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Blue, Black |
| Models | VNE-AN40 | PFTM10 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 310 EUR |
Honor Play6C
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Reliable Qualcomm chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset compared to the A97
- Potential for more thermal throttling
Oppo A97
- Faster 33W charging
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset
- Smoother performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Mediatek chipsets sometimes have less software support (brand history)
- No specified OIS
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like refresh rate or resolution suggests a focus on cost optimization. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment. The real difference will be in viewing angles and peak brightness, which are unknown but likely similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software processing. The A97’s chipset likely provides more processing power for computational photography, potentially leading to better low-light performance and image quality. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment are unlikely to deliver significant detail and are primarily for marketing purposes.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Oppo A97’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) holds a significant advantage over the Honor Play6C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially less thermal throttling during prolonged use. The Dimensity 810’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also provides a performance edge over the Snapdragon 480+'s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Oppo A97. While both support 5G, the Dimensity 810’s more advanced modem may offer slightly better connectivity in certain scenarios.
Battery Life
The Oppo A97’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor Play6C’s 22.5W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency may offset a potentially smaller battery in the A97, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging speed of the A97 is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play6C if you need a reliable, basic 5G smartphone with a focus on affordability and are less demanding in terms of gaming or intensive multitasking. Buy the Oppo A97 if you prioritize smoother performance in everyday tasks, enjoy occasional gaming, and value faster charging speeds to minimize downtime. The A97 is the better choice for users who want a phone that feels more responsive and future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Oppo A97 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 810’s 6nm process is more efficient than the Snapdragon 480+’s 8nm process, meaning it generates less heat. While some throttling is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the A97 is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods than the Play6C.
❓ Is the 22.5W charging on the Honor Play6C slow compared to other phones?
Yes, 22.5W is relatively slow compared to the 33W charging on the Oppo A97 and many other modern smartphones. Expect a significantly longer time to fully charge the Honor Play6C from 0 to 100%.
❓ Does the Oppo A97 support higher refresh rate displays for smoother scrolling?
The context data does not specify the display refresh rate for either device. However, given their price point, it's unlikely either phone features a high refresh rate display (90Hz or 120Hz). Both likely operate at the standard 60Hz.
❓ Which phone is better for running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Oppo A97, with its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, is better equipped for multitasking. The more powerful CPU and efficient architecture allow it to handle multiple apps running in the background without significant slowdowns.
