The Oppo A11 and Realme 5i represent a fascinating case study in brand differentiation. Both devices are positioned firmly in the entry-level smartphone segment and, crucially, utilize the exact same Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset. This comparison isn't about raw power, but about how Oppo and Realme tailor the experience around this common foundation, impacting user experience and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more refined software experience and potential for future software updates, the Oppo A11 edges out the Realme 5i. However, the Realme 5i remains a compelling option, particularly if found at a significantly lower price point, as the core performance is identical.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE (2CA) 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2020, January 06. Released 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 75 x 9.3 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Auxiliary lens | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple, Lake Green, Cloud White | Blue, Green |
| Models | PCHM10, PCHT10 | RMX2030, RMX2032 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo A11
- Potential for cleaner software experience with ColorOS
- May receive more consistent software updates
- Identical Snapdragon 665 performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Display specifications are likely basic
Realme 5i
- Likely more aggressive pricing
- Feature-rich Realme UI
- Identical Snapdragon 665 performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A11 and Realme 5i lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, we can assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The user experience will likely be similar, with neither device offering exceptional brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be noticeable, typical of this segment. The absence of high refresh rate technology is also expected.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't reveal sensor sizes or lens apertures. It's safe to assume the primary sensor is the most important component, and without knowing its specifications, a direct comparison is impossible. The inclusion of 2MP macro or depth sensors is probable, but these typically offer limited real-world benefit. Image processing will likely differ between Oppo and Realme, potentially leading to variations in color science and dynamic range.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) paired with an octa-core CPU configuration – 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. This means identical CPU and GPU performance. Real-world usage will be comparable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 11nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but sustained gaming will likely result in some thermal throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but will heavily influence multitasking capabilities; more RAM is always preferable. The identical chipset means neither device will excel at demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A11 and Realme 5i support 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed by today's standards, meaning a full 0-100% charge will take a significant amount of time – likely over two hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, we can estimate capacities around 4000-5000 mAh. The slower charging speed means battery life will be a more critical factor than quick top-ups. Users should expect a full day of moderate use from both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A11 if you value a potentially cleaner software experience and are willing to pay a small premium for it. Oppo's ColorOS, while not universally loved, often receives more consistent updates than Realme UI. Buy the Realme 5i if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with a more feature-packed, but potentially less polished, software experience. The Realme 5i is the choice for budget-conscious users who want the most for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in either phone struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 665 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. Sustained gaming will likely cause some thermal throttling, potentially leading to frame drops over time. Neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How does Oppo's ColorOS compare to Realme UI in terms of bloatware?
Both ColorOS and Realme UI are based on Android, but they come with pre-installed apps (bloatware). Historically, ColorOS has been perceived as having slightly less bloatware than Realme UI, but this can vary depending on the specific software version and region. Users can often uninstall or disable many of these pre-installed apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the fast charging technologies available on many modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take over two hours. This is a significant drawback for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
