The Oppo A16 and A16s are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver value. While they share a core chipset, subtle differences exist that could sway your decision. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A16s generally edges out the A16 due to slightly improved camera capabilities and often a more refined design. However, the A16 might be a better choice if you find it at a significantly lower price, as the core performance is virtually identical.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 17 | 2021, August 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 17 | Available. Released 2021, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black | Pearl Blue, Crystal Black |
| Models | CPH2269 | CPH2271 |
| Price | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) | - |
Oppo A16
- Affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display
- Expandable storage
- Basic performance
- Slow charging
- Average camera
Oppo A16s
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially improved design
- Large battery
- Expandable storage
- Basic performance
- Slow charging
- Can be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar, the A16s sometimes boasts a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance and reduced fingerprints. Viewing angles and color accuracy are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The A16 typically has a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The A16s often features a slightly upgraded 13MP main camera with improved image processing algorithms, resulting in marginally better photos, especially in low light. Both offer a 8MP front-facing camera.
Performance
Performance is nearly identical. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, meaning app loading times, multitasking, and general responsiveness will be very similar. Don't expect flagship-level performance; these are entry-level devices designed for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are typically around 10W, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time with typical use.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A16 is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone functionality. The Oppo A16s is better suited for those who want a slightly better camera experience and potentially a more modern aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A16s worth the extra money?
If camera quality is a priority, the A16s' slightly improved camera makes it worthwhile. Otherwise, the A16 offers similar performance at a potentially lower price.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the Oppo A16 and A16s support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
