The Oppo A16 series offers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. But with two models – the A16e and the A16 – which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will dissect their specs, performance, and overall user experience to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A16 edges out the A16e thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset and faster CPU speeds. While both are budget-friendly, the A16 offers a noticeable performance boost for smoother multitasking and gaming, making it the better overall pick.
| 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 | 2022, March 21 | 2021, July 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2021, July 17 |
| 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) | 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~83.0% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | CPH2421 | CPH2269 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A16e
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Slower chipset
- Basic camera
- Slow charging (10W)
Oppo A16
- Slightly better performance
- Triple camera setup (more versatile)
- Good battery life
- Still a budget phone (limited features)
- Average display quality
- Charging speed can vary
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A16 typically features a triple rear camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) while the A16e often has a dual camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A16's extra macro lens offers slightly more versatility.
Performance
The Oppo A16 boasts the Helio G35 chipset, which includes a faster CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) compared to the A16e's Helio P22 (Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). This translates to smoother app loading, better multitasking, and slightly improved gaming performance on the A16.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the A16e's slower 10W charging is a disadvantage compared to the A16's potentially faster charging capabilities (though charging speed can vary based on the charger used).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A16e? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Who should buy the Oppo A16? Those seeking a slightly better performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A16e good for gaming?
The Oppo A16e is suitable for very light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles. The Oppo A16 offers a slightly better experience.
❓ What is the difference between the Oppo A16 and A16e cameras?
The Oppo A16 typically has a triple camera setup, including a macro lens, offering more versatility. The A16e usually has a dual camera setup.
