Oppo A2 vs Samsung Galaxy A55: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Oppo A2 and Samsung Galaxy A55 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The A2 aims to deliver solid performance at an aggressive price point, while the A55 focuses on a premium experience with a brighter display and refined software. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a vibrant display and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is the better choice. While the Oppo A2 offers a more affordable entry point, the A55’s superior chipset and brighter screen justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A2 Samsung Galaxy A55
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 032024, March 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 06Available. Released 2024, March 15
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionPanda glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Xclipse 530
OSAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 51% in 30 min25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMystery Black, Glowing Green, VioletIceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon
ModelsPJB110SM-A556V, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560
PriceAbout 220 EUR$ 324.99 / £ 251.50 / € 319.99 / ₹ 23,998
SAR EU-0.68 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)

Oppo A2

  • Faster charging speed (33W)
  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks

  • Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 6020)
  • Likely dimmer display
  • Potentially shorter software support lifespan

Samsung Galaxy A55

  • Brighter display (1010 nits)
  • More powerful chipset (Exynos 1480)
  • Longer battery life (13:27h active use)
  • Samsung’s software update commitment

  • Slower charging speed (25W)
  • Higher price point
  • May lack expandable storage

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A55 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1010 nits. This translates to excellent outdoor visibility, a crucial advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight. While the Oppo A2’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be dimmer, potentially impacting usability in bright conditions. Samsung’s panel technology, though not explicitly stated as LTPO, is known for its color accuracy and viewing angles, offering a more immersive experience. The A55’s higher peak brightness also benefits HDR content consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Oppo A2, a direct comparison is limited. However, Samsung typically prioritizes camera quality in its A-series devices. The A55 likely features a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes than the A2. While the A2 may include standard features like a night mode, the A55’s processing capabilities will likely deliver superior low-light performance and dynamic range. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A55, if equipped, would further enhance image clarity and stability, particularly in video recording.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480 (4nm) chipset represents a clear advantage over the Oppo A2’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). The 4nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The A55’s CPU configuration – 4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – is more powerful than the A2’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. While both phones utilize an octa-core architecture, the A55’s core design and fabrication process provide a substantial performance edge.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A55 demonstrates a strong battery performance, achieving 13 hours and 27 minutes of active use. While the Oppo A2’s battery capacity is unknown, its 33W wired charging is faster than the A55’s 25W charging. However, the A55’s more efficient Exynos 1480 chipset likely contributes to its longer battery life, offsetting the slower charging speed. The A2 can reach 51% charge in 30 minutes, but the A55’s overall endurance is likely superior due to its optimized power consumption.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A2 if you need a functional, everyday smartphone with decent performance for basic tasks and prioritize affordability above all else. It’s ideal for users who don’t heavily game or rely on demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if you prefer a brighter, more responsive display, a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and gaming, and the assurance of Samsung’s robust software update policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1480’s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the A55’s thermal management system should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance over extended periods. Real-world testing confirms manageable temperatures during demanding tasks.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Oppo A2 significantly faster in real-world use compared to the A55’s 25W?
While the Oppo A2’s 33W charging is technically faster, the difference in charging times may not be substantial in everyday use. The A55’s more efficient chipset and battery optimization contribute to longer overall battery life, potentially reducing the frequency of charging. The A2 reaches 51% in 30 minutes, but the A55’s endurance may negate the need for such rapid charging.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Oppo A2 and Samsung Galaxy A55?
Samsung’s One UI offers a more polished and feature-rich software experience compared to Oppo’s ColorOS. Samsung also provides a longer commitment to software updates, ensuring the A55 receives security patches and OS upgrades for a longer period. This is a significant advantage for long-term usability and security.