The Oppo A3 (China) and Honor 7C represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A3 brings 5G connectivity and a modern chipset to the table, while the 7C focuses on providing essential functionality at an extremely competitive price point. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A3 (China) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers a dramatically faster and more responsive experience than the Honor 7C’s Snapdragon 450. While the 7C offers a lower entry price, the A3’s future-proofing and improved performance justify the extra investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 02 | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 75.4 x 7.2 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.28 in) | 158.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Green | Black, Red, Gold, Blue |
| Models | PKA110 | LND-AL30, LND-AL40, AUM-L41, LND-L29, LDN-AL20, LDN-TL00 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Oppo A3 (China)
- Significantly faster 5G performance with Snapdragon 695
- 45W fast charging with PD support
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life and thermal management
- Potentially higher price point
- Availability limited to China
Honor 7C
- Lower price point
- Simple and functional for basic tasks
- Widely available
- Outdated Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are detailed in the provided data, so we must infer. Given the A3’s more modern chipset and target market, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the 7C. The 7C, being an older device, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. The A3’s more recent manufacturing likely benefits from improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of specifics makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the A3 likely offers a more visually pleasing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the A3’s more modern chipset likely includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), enabling better image processing and noise reduction. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the A3’s ISP will likely extract more detail and dynamic range from its sensors. The Honor 7C, being a budget device, likely relies on simpler image processing algorithms. It’s reasonable to assume the A3 offers a superior camera experience, even if the sensor resolutions are similar.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Oppo A3’s Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is built on a far more advanced process node than the Honor 7C’s Snapdragon 450 (14nm). This translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management. The 695’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) is architecturally superior to the 7C’s octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53, offering faster processing speeds and better multitasking capabilities. The 6nm process also allows for higher clock speeds without excessive heat generation, meaning sustained performance is far more likely on the A3. Users will notice a dramatic difference in app loading times, web browsing speed, and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Oppo A3’s 45W wired charging with PD support is a significant advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost. The A3 also supports reverse wired charging, adding to its versatility. The Honor 7C likely features slower charging speeds, potentially requiring several hours to fully charge. While a larger battery capacity on the 7C could offset the slower charging, the A3’s fast charging capability provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3 (China) if you prioritize 5G connectivity, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more. It’s ideal for users who stream video, play mobile games, or want a phone that will remain usable for years to come. Buy the Honor 7C if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you’re on a very tight budget. It’s a functional device for those who don’t demand high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A3 (China) a good choice for mobile gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 5G is a capable chipset for mobile gaming, offering a significantly better experience than the Snapdragon 450 in the Honor 7C. While it won’t match the performance of flagship processors, it can handle most popular titles at medium to high settings.
❓ Does the Honor 7C support 5G connectivity?
No, the Honor 7C utilizes the older Snapdragon 450 chipset, which does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE networks. The Oppo A3 (China), with its Snapdragon 695 5G, offers significantly faster download and upload speeds on compatible networks.
❓ What are the implications of the 6nm vs 14nm process node?
The 6nm process node used in the Snapdragon 695 is far more efficient than the 14nm process in the Snapdragon 450. This means the A3’s chipset consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in better battery life and reduced heat generation. It also allows for higher clock speeds and more complex designs.
