The Oppo A11k and Nokia 2.3 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices rely on Mediatek’s Helio series of chipsets, but a significant architectural difference in their CPUs dictates a clear performance hierarchy. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you determine which phone delivers the best experience for essential tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Oppo A11k emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Nokia 2.3’s quad-core Helio A22, justifying a potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 22. Released 2020, June 22 | 2019, December 05. Released 2019, December 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7 mm (6.21 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flowing Silver, Deep Blue | Cyan Green, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | CPH2083, CPH2071 | TA-1211, TA-1214, TA-1206, TA-1209 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 1.32 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A11k
- Faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Octa-core CPU handles apps more efficiently
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
Nokia 2.3
- Potentially longer battery life
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates (Nokia's strength)
- Lower price point
- Significantly slower processor
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, the focus here is on processing power, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is scarce, but it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The Oppo A11k may have a slight edge due to the increased processing power of the Helio P35, potentially enabling faster image processing and better low-light performance. However, neither phone is expected to deliver exceptional image quality. Focusing on the CPU difference, the A11k's processor can handle image processing tasks more efficiently, potentially leading to quicker capture times and slightly improved image clarity.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A11k’s Mediatek Helio P35 features an octa-core CPU comprised of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Nokia 2.3’s Helio A22, which utilizes a quad-core configuration of Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. The P35’s octa-core design allows for better multitasking and more efficient handling of background processes. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the P35’s architecture provides a significant performance advantage, particularly in app launch times and overall system responsiveness. The Nokia 2.3 will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the lower processing demands of the Nokia 2.3, it may achieve slightly longer battery life on a single charge, despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The Oppo A11k’s more powerful processor will consume more power, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with basic 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A11k if you need a smartphone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, or if you occasionally engage in light gaming. The extra CPU cores and higher clock speeds will translate to a more responsive user experience. Buy the Nokia 2.3 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and you prioritize a clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates (a Nokia strength, even at this price point).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A11k be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can technically run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. It's not optimized for gaming, and the experience will be far from ideal. The Nokia 2.3 would struggle even more.
❓ How important is the difference between the octa-core and quad-core CPUs in real-world use?
The difference is significant for multitasking. With the Oppo A11k, you can switch between apps more smoothly and have more apps running in the background without slowdowns. The Nokia 2.3 will exhibit noticeable lag when switching between even a few apps.
❓ Does Nokia offer more frequent software updates for the 2.3 compared to Oppo for the A11k?
Historically, Nokia has been committed to providing regular software updates and security patches, even for their entry-level devices. Oppo's update schedule for the A11k is less predictable. If timely updates are a priority, the Nokia 2.3 is the better choice.
