Released in 2018, the Oppo A3 and Samsung Galaxy A7 represent competing visions of the mid-range smartphone. Both aimed to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they took different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for today's user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and potentially smoother multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) edges out the Oppo A3. Its Exynos 7885, built on a 14nm process, offers a slight CPU advantage, despite both phones sharing a 93-hour endurance rating. However, the A3 remains a viable option for lighter users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A750F/DS, A750FN/DS |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - A750F/DS, A750FN/DS |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/100 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - A750G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, April. Released 2018, May | 2018, September 20. Released 2018, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 75.3 x 7.8 mm (6.14 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 159.8 x 76.8 x 7.5 mm (6.29 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 91.4 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Exynos 7885 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G71 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), ColorOS 5 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 24 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 18mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Knight Black, Soybean Meal, Stardust Silver, Garnet Red | Black, blue, gold, pink |
| Models | PADM00, CPH1837, PADT00 | SM-A750F, SM-A750FN, SM-A750G, SM-A750GN, SM-A750C, SM-A750X, SM-A750N |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 93h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.324 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 123883 (v7)
GeekBench: 4446 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A3 (2018)
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio P60's 12nm process *could* offer slightly better efficiency
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slightly weaker CPU performance compared to the A7
- Limited information available on camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)
- More powerful Exynos 7885 processor
- Potentially better optimized software experience
- Samsung's historical strength in display technology
- May be slightly more expensive
- 14nm process could lead to slightly higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A3 and Samsung Galaxy A7 boast displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, measured at 4.324 in sunlight. This suggests both utilize AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, specific details like resolution and screen size are missing. Samsung's history suggests a focus on display quality, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles, but without further data, this remains speculative. The identical contrast ratios indicate similar outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or specific feature details, a direct comparison is difficult. Samsung historically emphasizes camera features, suggesting the A7 might offer more refined image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors in this era suggests both phones likely include them, but their utility is limited. A deeper analysis requires sample images and detailed specification sheets.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A7 utilizes the Exynos 7885 (14nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Oppo A3, conversely, is powered by the MediaTek MT6771 Helio P60 (12nm) with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While both employ the same core architecture, the Exynos 7885's higher clock speeds on its performance cores provide a theoretical advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The Helio P60's 12nm process *should* offer better power efficiency, but the larger process node doesn't necessarily translate to real-world gains given the Exynos's architecture. The A7's CPU configuration suggests a slight edge in multitasking and responsiveness.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Oppo A3 and Samsung Galaxy A7 share an endurance rating of 93 hours. This suggests similar battery capacity and power management efficiency despite the different chipsets. Without knowing the actual battery capacity (mAh) or charging wattage, it's impossible to determine 0-100% charging times. The 93-hour rating indicates both phones can comfortably last a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3 (2018) if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) if you prefer a slightly more powerful processor for smoother app switching and occasional gaming, and value the potentially better optimized software experience Samsung provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7885 in the Galaxy A7 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7885 is a capable chip, its 14nm process isn't the most thermally efficient. Moderate gaming should be fine, but extended, graphically demanding sessions *could* lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The A3's 12nm Helio P60 might handle sustained loads slightly better, but both phones were not designed for hardcore gaming.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones from this era are limited in their capabilities. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They're more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful tool for serious macro photography. Expect soft, often blurry results.
❓ Can either the Oppo A3 or Samsung Galaxy A7 handle playing PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
Achieving a stable 60fps in PUBG Mobile on either device will depend heavily on the graphics settings. Both phones *might* be able to run the game at low to medium settings with 60fps enabled, but expect frame drops during intense action. Higher settings will likely result in a choppy experience.
