The Oppo A16 and A17k are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer a compelling entry point for users seeking affordability, but subtle differences can impact your daily experience. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A17k edges out the A16 primarily due to slightly improved software and potentially minor design refinements. While the core hardware is nearly identical, the A17k's newer software and potentially better availability make it the marginally better choice for most budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 17 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 17 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| 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 MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Triple | 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 |
| 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 | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | CPH2269 | CPH2471 |
| Price | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) | - |
Oppo A16
- Lower price point
- Triple camera setup (potentially more versatile)
- Decent battery life
- Older software
- Slower charging
- Less refined design (potentially thicker bezels)
Oppo A17k
- Slightly newer software
- Potentially better design
- 50MP main camera (higher resolution)
- Slightly higher price
- Dual camera setup (less versatile)
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The A17k *might* have a slightly brighter panel, but this is often difficult to discern without testing. The A16 may have slightly thicker bezels.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A16 typically features a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) while the A17k often has a dual-camera setup (50MP main + depth sensor). While the A17k boasts a higher megapixel count on the main sensor, image quality will depend on software processing. Expect decent daytime photos from both, but low-light performance will be limited. Video recording capabilities are likely similar (1080p at 30fps).
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both are powered by the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, which is adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or seamless multitasking with either device. RAM and storage configurations are likely similar (e.g., 4GB RAM / 64GB storage).
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are likely around 10W, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A16 is a good choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price and are comfortable with a slightly older software experience. The Oppo A17k is ideal for users who want a more modern software experience and potentially a slightly more refined design, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A17k worth the extra money compared to the A16?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a slightly newer software experience and potentially a more refined design, the A17k is worth the small premium. If you're solely focused on the absolute lowest price, the A16 remains a viable option.
❓ What kind of performance can I expect from these phones?
Both phones offer basic performance suitable for everyday tasks. Don't expect to play demanding games or run resource-intensive applications smoothly. They are best suited for browsing, social media, and light usage.
