The Oppo A3 Pro (China) and vivo S18 Pro represent compelling options in the competitive mid-to-high range smartphone market. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but with significant architectural differences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging speed, and overall user experience to determine which device offers the most compelling package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the vivo S18 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9200+ chipset delivers a substantial performance uplift over the A3 Pro’s Dimensity 7050. However, the A3 Pro’s robust build quality and potentially lower price point make it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 12 | 2023, December 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 19 | Available. Released 2023, January 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 74.3 x 7.5 mm or 7.9 mm | 164.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g or 182 g (6.24 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Immortalis-G715 MC11 |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 14, OriginOS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
50 MP, f/2.0, (ultrawide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD, 56% in 20 min
Reverse wired | 80W wired, PD
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Mint | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | PJY110 | V2344A |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 410 EUR |
Oppo A3 Pro (China)
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Robust build quality (based on Oppo's reputation)
- 67W fast charging with reverse wired charging
- Less powerful Dimensity 7050 chipset
- Likely inferior display technology
- Potentially weaker camera performance
vivo S18 Pro
- Significantly faster Dimensity 9200+ chipset
- 80W SuperVOOC charging for quicker top-ups
- Likely superior display and camera capabilities
- Higher price tag
- Potential for increased thermal throttling under sustained load (though mitigated by 4nm process)
- May lack the same level of ruggedness as the A3 Pro
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S18 Pro's positioning, it likely features an AMOLED panel with a higher peak brightness and potentially LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates. The A3 Pro, being more budget-focused, may utilize a standard AMOLED or LCD panel. Bezels and color accuracy will likely be superior on the S18 Pro, reflecting its higher price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. However, the S18 Pro, positioned as a more premium device, likely features a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). The Dimensity 9200+ also offers a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) capable of superior noise reduction and dynamic range. The A3 Pro will likely rely on software processing to compensate for a potentially smaller sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically poor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo S18 Pro’s Dimensity 9200+ (4nm) boasts a significantly more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x3.35 GHz Cortex-X3 prime core, 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 performance cores, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 efficiency cores. This contrasts with the Oppo A3 Pro’s Dimensity 7050 (6nm) which uses 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 4nm process node of the 9200+ offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance, translating to sustained performance under load. The Cortex-X3 core in the S18 Pro provides a substantial single-core performance advantage, crucial for responsive UI and app loading. While both phones likely utilize LPDDR5x RAM, the 9200+'s superior memory controller will further enhance performance.
Battery Life
The vivo S18 Pro’s 80W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Oppo A3 Pro’s 67W charging. While both support PD, the 80W system will deliver a significantly faster 0-100% charge time. The A3 Pro claims 56% charge in 20 minutes, suggesting a full charge will take around 35-40 minutes. The S18 Pro should achieve a full charge in approximately 30-35 minutes. Battery capacity is not specified, but the S18 Pro’s more efficient chipset will likely offset any capacity difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3 Pro (China) if you need a durable, reliable smartphone with decent performance for everyday tasks and value longevity. It’s ideal for users who prioritize build quality and aren’t demanding mobile gamers. Buy the vivo S18 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for demanding applications, gaming, and content creation, and if faster 80W charging is a key requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 9200+ in the vivo S18 Pro get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9200+ is a powerful chip, the 4nm manufacturing process and vivo’s thermal management system are designed to mitigate overheating. Expect some warmth during prolonged gaming, but it shouldn’t result in significant throttling or performance degradation. The A3 Pro's Dimensity 7050, being less powerful, will generate less heat but also offer lower sustained performance.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Oppo A3 Pro sufficient for daily use, or is the 80W on the S18 Pro a must-have?
67W charging is still quite fast and will adequately charge the phone overnight. However, the 80W charging on the S18 Pro provides a noticeable time saving, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. If you often find yourself needing a quick charge during the day, the S18 Pro’s 80W is a significant advantage.
❓ How does the Dimensity 7050 perform in popular games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 7050 can handle PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. Genshin Impact may require slightly lower settings to maintain a consistent 60fps. While playable, the experience won't be as smooth or visually rich as on the S18 Pro with its Dimensity 9200+.
