The Oppo A15 and Nokia 3.4 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie crucial differences in their core components, specifically the chipsets. This comparison dives deep into the Mediatek Helio P35 powering the Oppo A15 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 in the Nokia 3.4, revealing which phone delivers a smoother, more responsive experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 3.4 emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer a basic Android experience, the Snapdragon 460’s more modern architecture and efficient 11nm process provide a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo A15’s Helio P35, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking.
| 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, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 27 | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dynamic Black, Mystery Blue | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | CPH2185 | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A15
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Older, less efficient chipset
- Noticeably slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Nokia 3.4
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 460
- Smoother user experience
- Better long-term performance potential
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies beneath the surface: processing power impacts UI smoothness. A faster chipset, like the Snapdragon 460, will render animations and transitions more fluidly, improving the perceived display quality even on an identical panel. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting cost-cutting measures in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 460 generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio P35’s ISP, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. The Nokia 3.4’s chipset is more likely to support advanced features like HDR video recording.
Performance
The Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) holds a significant architectural advantage over the Oppo A15’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 460 utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores alongside four A53 cores, while the Helio P35 relies solely on Cortex-A53 cores. The A73 cores are substantially more powerful, offering a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 460 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. While both are octa-core, the *type* of core matters significantly.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – slow by modern standards. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but given the similar form factors, they are likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Snapdragon 460’s superior power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, especially during demanding tasks. However, the difference will likely be marginal, and both phones will require overnight charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A15 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a chipset built on a more efficient manufacturing process, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.4 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 460 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate dips during intense action. The Oppo A15’s Helio P35 will struggle significantly with PUBG, offering a less enjoyable experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 460 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 460’s faster cores and efficient architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and less lag when switching between applications. The Helio P35 will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours for both devices. 10W charging is a slow standard, and neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Nokia has a better track record for software updates, promising at least two years of OS upgrades and three years of security patches for the Nokia 3.4. Oppo’s update policy for the A15 is less clear, and it may receive fewer updates.
