The Oppo A12 and Samsung Galaxy A11 represent the lower end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance, battery, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the Oppo A12 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a more responsive experience than the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A11, especially considering the available RAM configurations. However, the A11's 15W charging is a notable advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 20. Released 2020, April 20 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| 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) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% 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) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | CPH2083, CPH2077 | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | $ 519.00 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | $ 539.00 | - |
Oppo A12
- Potentially better performance due to Helio P35 and available 4GB RAM
- More efficient 12nm chipset could lead to better battery life
- Availability of 64GB storage option
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less established brand reputation compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Well-known and trusted Samsung brand
- Potentially better color calibration on the display
- Less powerful Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Potentially limited RAM configuration impacting multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither the Oppo A12 nor the Samsung Galaxy A11 are display champions. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Samsung historically employs better color calibration in its budget displays, potentially offering a more pleasing visual experience, but this is speculative without direct testing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but both likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (potentially depth or macro) of limited utility. The focus should be on daylight photography, as low-light performance will likely be poor on both. Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally prioritize vibrant colors, while Oppo tends towards a more natural look. Without detailed specs, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; however, a larger primary sensor (if present on either device) would be the most significant differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A12’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU with a split core configuration (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This architecture aims to balance performance and efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy A11 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm), an octa-core CPU clocked at a uniform 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The 12nm process node of the Helio P35 *should* offer slightly better power efficiency compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 450, potentially translating to longer battery life under similar workloads. However, the higher clock speeds on the A12’s performance cores suggest a slight edge in responsiveness for tasks that can utilize them. The A12's availability with 4GB of RAM, compared to the A11's unspecified RAM, further strengthens its performance advantage, allowing for more apps to remain active in the background.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Oppo A12, but the Samsung Galaxy A11 supports 15W wired charging. This is a significant advantage, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the likely 10W or slower charging on the A12. While a larger battery capacity (mAh) is always desirable, the faster charging speed of the A11 can mitigate the impact of a smaller battery, providing more usable uptime throughout the day. The Helio P35’s potentially better power efficiency could also contribute to longer battery life on the A12, but the A11’s charging speed remains a key benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A12 if you need a phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage, and you value a slightly smoother user experience. The availability of a 64GB/4GB RAM variant provides more headroom for apps and storage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize a well-established brand reputation and faster charging capabilities, and your usage is primarily limited to essential communication and minimal multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A12 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio P35 in the Oppo A12 is not designed for high-end gaming. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and lag, especially in intense scenes. The Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A11 will offer a similar, if not slightly worse, gaming experience.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A11 a significant advantage in real-world use?
Yes, the 15W charging on the Galaxy A11 is a noticeable improvement over the likely 10W charging on the Oppo A12. It can reduce charging times by 30-50%, meaning you can get a substantial charge in a shorter period, which is particularly useful for users who frequently run out of battery during the day.
❓ How much storage space is realistically available on the 32GB/64GB models after system software?
Expect approximately 20-25GB of usable storage on the 32GB model and 50-55GB on the 64GB model after accounting for the Android operating system and pre-installed apps. This highlights the benefit of opting for the 64GB variant if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
