The Oppo A16e and A17k are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer essential features at an affordable price, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your daily usage. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A17k edges out the A16e thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both are budget phones, the A17k provides a more responsive experience, making it the better overall value.
| 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 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| 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) | 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 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 (~83.0% 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 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 MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (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 | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 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 | 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 | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | CPH2421 | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Oppo A16e
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Oppo A17k
- Better performance than A16e
- Affordable price
- Good battery life
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
- HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). Expect similar viewing experiences, though color accuracy and brightness may vary slightly. The A17k might have a marginally improved display panel, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The A16e typically features a 13MP main camera, while the A17k also has a 13MP main camera. Both likely include depth sensors for portrait mode. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the A17k's slightly newer chipset might offer marginally better image processing. Both phones will struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The A17k's Helio G35 chipset is a clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration with a higher clock speed on some cores provides a noticeable performance advantage over the A16e's Helio P22. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the A17k.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A16e? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing on a tight budget. Who should buy the Oppo A17k? Those seeking a slightly smoother experience for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A17k worth the extra money compared to the A16e?
Yes, the A17k's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade if you value a smoother user experience. The difference in price is usually minimal, and the performance gains are noticeable.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
Both phones are best suited for light and casual games. Demanding titles will likely struggle with frame rate and graphical settings. The A17k will handle these games slightly better than the A16e.