The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Oppo A15 and the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo A15’s Helio P35, despite the A15’s slightly lower price point. While the A15 offers acceptable performance for basic tasks, the Moto G Power delivers a smoother experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 27 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dynamic Black, Mystery Blue | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Models | CPH2185 | - |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Oppo A15
- Potentially lower price point.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Less powerful chipset (Helio P35).
- Slower charging (10W).
- Likely less efficient power consumption.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- More powerful and efficient chipset (Snapdragon 662).
- Faster charging (15W).
- Smoother multitasking and app performance.
- Better long-term software support potential.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Larger size due to potentially larger battery.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on efficiency. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the real difference lies elsewhere. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth and macro sensors (the latter often being of limited utility). The Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Helio P35’s, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. However, the overall image quality will be heavily dependent on software optimization.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm), while the Oppo A15 uses the MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662’s 11nm fabrication process is more efficient than the Helio P35’s 12nm process, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. The CPU architecture also favors the Snapdragon: Kryo 260 Gold cores offer a performance advantage over the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio P35. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon’s cores run at 2.0 GHz versus the Helio P35’s 2.35 GHz – the architectural improvements outweigh the clock speed difference. This means smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface on the Motorola.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) supports 15W wired charging, a step up from the Oppo A15’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, Motorola’s ‘Power’ branding suggests a larger battery, likely around 5000mAh. The combination of a more efficient chipset (Snapdragon 662) and potentially larger battery capacity gives the Moto G Power a significant advantage in battery life. The faster charging also reduces downtime, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A15 if you need a basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize absolute lowest cost. It’s suitable for users who rarely engage in demanding applications. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or anticipate using your phone for more than just basic tasks. The Snapdragon 662 offers a significant performance boost and better long-term usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Oppo A15 struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio P35 is likely to struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty, even at lower settings. The Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G Power will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience, though it’s still not a gaming powerhouse. Expect frame drops and lag on the Oppo A15.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) compared to the Oppo A15 in real-world use?
The 15W charging on the Moto G Power will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the Oppo A15’s 10W charging. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, you can expect the Moto G Power to charge approximately 30-40% faster, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G Power offer better software update support than the Helio P35 in the Oppo A15?
Generally, Qualcomm chipsets receive longer and more consistent software update support from manufacturers. While neither phone is guaranteed extensive updates, the Moto G Power has a higher probability of receiving security patches and potentially even a major Android version update compared to the Oppo A15.
