The Oppo A36 and A16 are both contenders in the competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A36 takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost over the A16's Helio G35. While both offer decent battery life, the A36's efficiency further solidifies its advantage for smoother daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2021, July 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2021, July 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | PESM10 | CPH2269 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A36
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Potentially slightly higher price
Oppo A16
- Slower performance (Helio G35)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.52-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. However, the A36 may offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to its newer chipset and potentially better panel technology. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for demanding visual tasks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 13MP. The A36's newer chipset may offer slightly improved image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in certain lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, with both offering 1080p recording.
Performance
This is where the A36 truly shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G35. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the A36. The A16 will feel noticeably slower, especially when handling more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the A36's more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset may translate to slightly better battery life compared to the A16's 12nm Helio G35.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A36 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The Oppo A16 is a good choice for those seeking a very affordable option for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and who are less concerned with speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A36 worth the extra money compared to the A16?
Yes, if performance is important to you. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G35, making the A36 a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A36 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and improved graphics capabilities.
