The Oppo A3 4G and Nokia 7.2 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they take different approaches. The Oppo A3 4G prioritizes fast charging and a newer chipset, while the Nokia 7.2 focuses on a refined display experience and a historically reliable brand reputation. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A3 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its newer Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 chipset offers a performance edge, and the 45W fast charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While the Nokia 7.2 boasts a respectable display, the A3 4G’s overall package provides better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - version 1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROW |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - version 1 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps or LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - IN |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 20 | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 20 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 159.9 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM-6115 Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Zeiss optics, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) | Yes (excl. India) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, PD2.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sparkle Black, Starry Purple, Starlight White | Cyan Green, Charcoal, Ice |
| Models | CPH2669, CPH3669 | TA-1193, TA-1178, TA-1196, TA-1181 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 69h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1342:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 139495 (v7), 164484 (v8)
GeekBench: 5440 (v4.4), 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A3 4G
- Faster Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 processor
- Ultra-fast 45W charging
- More modern chipset architecture
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera details are limited
Nokia 7.2
- Bright and high-contrast display (585 nits, 1342:1)
- Reliable brand reputation for software
- Good battery endurance (69h)
- Slower Snapdragon 660 processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Older chipset technology
Display Comparison
The Nokia 7.2’s display is a standout feature, achieving a measured peak brightness of 585 nits and a 1342:1 contrast ratio. This translates to a vibrant and easily viewable screen, even outdoors. However, the Oppo A3 4G’s display specifications are not provided, so we can only assume it will be a standard LCD panel. Given the price point, it’s unlikely to match the Nokia 7.2’s brightness or contrast. The Nokia 7.2’s contrast ratio, while nominally stated, is well-defined by our measurements, suggesting good black levels and color depth.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia 7.2’s brand history suggests a focus on image processing that prioritizes natural colors. The Oppo A3 4G, typical of Oppo, likely employs more aggressive image enhancement algorithms. The absence of details on the Oppo A3 4G’s camera system makes it difficult to assess its capabilities beyond basic smartphone photography. We can assume the Nokia 7.2 will offer a more consistent and reliable camera experience.
Performance
The Oppo A3 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 (11nm) represents a generational leap over the Nokia 7.2’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 6s Gen 1 utilizes newer Cortex-A73 cores alongside A53 cores, offering improved single-core and multi-core performance. The 11nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. While both chips are octa-core, the A3 4G’s architecture is more modern, resulting in snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. The Nokia 7.2’s Snapdragon 660, while capable, will show its age in demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 69 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. However, the Oppo A3 4G’s 45W wired charging with PD2.0 and PPS support is a significant advantage. This allows for a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, drastically reducing downtime. The Nokia 7.2’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring considerably longer to fully replenish the battery. While both offer comparable longevity, the A3 4G’s charging speed provides a far superior user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3 4G if you need rapid charging and a more responsive user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its newer processor will handle multitasking and app launches more efficiently. Buy the Nokia 7.2 if you prioritize a consistently bright and well-calibrated display and prefer a brand known for software stability, even if it means sacrificing some processing power and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 in the Oppo A3 4G powerful enough for modern mobile games?
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 is capable of running many popular mobile games, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings for more demanding titles. It’s a significant improvement over the Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7.2, offering a smoother gaming experience overall, but it’s not a flagship-level gaming chip.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Oppo A3 4G compared to the 10W charging on the Nokia 7.2?
The 45W charging on the Oppo A3 4G is dramatically faster. It can charge the phone to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, while the Nokia 7.2’s 10W charging will take several hours to achieve a full charge. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Does the Nokia 7.2 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Nokia is known for providing relatively clean and timely software updates, including security patches, even for its budget devices. However, the update schedule may not be as frequent as on higher-end models. The Oppo A3 4G’s software support is less predictable, and updates may be less frequent.