The Oppo A11k and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at the lowest possible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on where each phone excels – and where it falls short.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A11k is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the A11k offers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 22. Released 2020, June 22 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 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 |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flowing Silver, Deep Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | CPH2083, CPH2071 | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.32 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A11k
- Significantly faster processor (Helio P35)
- More efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially longer battery life
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance likely average
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow and sluggish performance
- Inefficient 28nm chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. However, the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The A11k's more powerful GPU, paired with the Helio P35, will likely result in fewer stutters during scrolling and animations compared to the A01 Core. The A01 Core's older chipset may struggle with even basic UI elements at times.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups, and detailed image quality analysis is limited by the available specifications. It's safe to assume both rely heavily on software processing to enhance images. The A11k likely has a slight edge due to the Helio P35’s image signal processor (ISP) being more capable than the MT6739’s. However, the real-world difference will be minimal, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Avoid placing too much emphasis on any macro or depth sensors present on either device, as their 2MP resolution limits their usefulness.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A11k’s Mediatek Helio P35 is an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. The Helio P35’s higher clock speeds and additional cores translate to significantly better multi-tasking and app launch times. Crucially, the 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio P35 is far more efficient than the MT6739’s 28nm process, leading to lower power consumption and potentially less thermal throttling under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the target market, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The A11k’s more efficient Helio P35 chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A01 Core. The 28nm MT6739 is a power-hungry chip, and its inefficiency will be noticeable in everyday usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A11k if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly better experience with multitasking or light gaming. The Helio P35 chipset offers a tangible improvement in performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if your absolute priority is minimizing cost and you only need a phone for the most basic functions – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It's a functional device, but heavily constrained by its older hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the MT6739 chipset is quite limited. While it can run these apps, expect noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially when multitasking. The Oppo A11k will provide a much smoother experience with these applications.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Candy Crush and similar casual games are playable on both, but the A01 Core will likely exhibit more frame drops and stuttering. The A11k’s Helio P35 offers a more consistent, albeit still basic, gaming experience. Don't expect to play demanding 3D games on either device.
❓ Is the difference in manufacturing process (12nm vs 28nm) really that important?
Absolutely. A smaller manufacturing process (like 12nm) means more transistors can be packed into the same space, leading to increased performance and significantly improved power efficiency. The Helio P35's 12nm process is a major advantage over the A01 Core's 28nm chip.
