Released in 2018, both the Oppo A3 and Huawei nova 3i represent compelling options in the budget-to-midrange smartphone space. While both devices target similar consumers, they employ different chipsets – MediaTek’s Helio P60 and Huawei’s Kirin 710 – leading to distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly smoother experience, the Huawei nova 3i emerges as the better choice. Its Kirin 710, with its higher clocked Cortex-A73 cores, delivers a noticeable edge in everyday tasks and light gaming, despite the Oppo A3's efficient Helio P60.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/100 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, April. Released 2018, May | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, July 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 75.3 x 7.8 mm (6.14 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6 mm (6.20 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), ColorOS 5 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
2 MP, depth sensor |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Knight Black, Soybean Meal, Stardust Silver, Garnet Red | Black, Pearl White, Iris Purple |
| Models | PADM00, CPH1837, PADT00 | INE-LX1, INE-LX1r, INE-LX1, Sydney 6353, INE-LX2r, INE-AL00, INE-TL00 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo A3 (2018)
- Potentially better power efficiency with the Helio P60.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Oppo's ColorOS often offers a clean and customizable user interface.
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to the Kirin 710.
- Charging speed not specified, potentially slower than the nova 3i.
Huawei nova 3i
- Faster CPU performance with the 2.2 GHz Kirin 710 cores.
- More responsive user experience.
- Huawei's image processing can produce visually appealing photos.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially less efficient power consumption compared to the Helio P60.
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Huawei provided display specs in the context data. Given the 2018 release timeframe and target price points, both likely feature LCD panels with 1080p+ resolutions. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz. The real difference will likely lie in color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Huawei historically has a slight edge, but without specific data, it's impossible to definitively state.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a direct camera comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both phones relied on similar-tier sensors. The image processing algorithms will be the key differentiator. Huawei’s image processing is generally known for producing vibrant, sometimes oversaturated, images, while Oppo tends towards a more natural look. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, potentially impacting low-light performance. The usefulness of any 2MP auxiliary cameras (often depth or macro) on either phone is questionable given their limited sensor size and image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 3i’s Kirin 710 features four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Oppo A3’s Helio P60 with 2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores. This 10% clock speed increase translates to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. While both utilize the same Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency, the Kirin 710’s architecture provides a performance advantage. Both are built on a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the Kirin 710’s slightly more advanced design likely results in marginally better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 3300-4000 mAh range, typical for this era. The Huawei nova 3i’s 10W wired charging is a significant drawback compared to potentially faster charging solutions available on some Oppo A3 variants (though not specified in the data). This means the nova 3i will take considerably longer to fully charge, impacting convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3 (2018) if you prioritize a balance of efficiency and affordability, and your usage primarily revolves around basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Buy the Huawei nova 3i if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value the slightly faster processing speeds offered by the Kirin 710, even with its 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kirin 710 in the Huawei nova 3i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Kirin 710 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. The Helio P60 in the Oppo A3 will likely require even lower settings to maintain playable frame rates. Neither chipset is optimized for high-end gaming.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Huawei nova 3i a significant drawback in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the 18W or higher charging speeds commonly found in modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take over 2.5 hours, which can be inconvenient for users accustomed to faster charging technologies.
❓ Which phone is better for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The Huawei nova 3i offers a slightly smoother experience for everyday tasks due to its faster CPU. While the difference isn't massive, it's noticeable when switching between apps or scrolling through content.
