The Oppo A16 and A16s are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver value. While they share many similarities, subtle differences might make one a better choice for you. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A16s offers a slightly improved design and potentially more RAM configurations, leading to marginally better multitasking. However, the core performance is virtually identical. If you can find the A16s at a similar price, it's the slightly better pick, otherwise, the A16 remains a solid budget option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 14 | 2021, July 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 14 | Available. Released 2021, July 17 |
| 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, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 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 | 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, 26mm (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 | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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, Crystal Black | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | CPH2271 | CPH2269 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A16s
- Potentially more RAM configurations
- Slightly improved design (subjective)
- May have a slightly better main camera sensor
- Still uses a Helio G35 chipset
- Slow charging speed
- Limited camera capabilities in low light
Oppo A16
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Basic design
- Limited performance
- Slow charging speed
- Mediocre camera quality
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 this price range. The A16s might have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A16 typically features a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 1MP macro lens. The A16s often includes a similar setup, but some variants may have a slightly improved main sensor. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps on both.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset and an octa-core CPU, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speed. RAM configurations vary (2GB, 3GB, 4GB, 6GB), and this is where the A16s *might* have an edge with potentially more options. Real-world performance will be largely indistinguishable.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with 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 similar battery performance from both devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A16s? Users prioritizing a slightly more refined design and potentially more RAM for smoother multitasking. Who should buy the Oppo A16? Those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone with a focus on essential features and a budget-conscious purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A16s worth the extra money?
It depends. If you can find the A16s at a similar price to the A16, the potential for more RAM and a slightly improved design makes it a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the A16 offers excellent value for its price.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
The core performance is virtually identical due to the same chipset and CPU. The difference in RAM (if available on the A16s) might result in slightly smoother multitasking.
