Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The A36 and A78 are two contenders vying for your attention, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A78 edges out the A36 thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset, faster charging, and generally more modern features. While the A36 is a solid budget option, the A78 provides a noticeable performance boost and better overall user experience for a slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | IP54 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2023, January 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, PD, 52% in 30 min, 100% in 67 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Glowing Black, Glowing Purple |
| Models | PESM10 | CPH2483, CPH2495 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 188.99 / $ 102.92 / ₹ 16,290 |
Oppo A36
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Less future-proof chipset
Oppo A78
- Faster performance
- 33W fast charging
- More modern chipset
- Better display (likely)
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera improvements may be marginal
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the A78 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern panel. The A36's display is adequate for everyday use, while the A78 offers a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the A78 likely has a more capable main sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, from the A78. Both offer decent front-facing cameras for selfies.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the A78 is a clear winner here. Its 7nm process and Cortex-A76 cores provide significantly better performance than the A36's Snapdragon 680 and Kryo 265 cores. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the A78.
Battery Life
The A78's 33W fast charging is a major advantage. It can charge from 0 to 52% in just 30 minutes, a significant improvement over the A36's likely slower charging speed. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the A78's faster charging makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A36? Users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the Oppo A78? Those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more future-proof chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A36 good for gaming?
The Oppo A36 can handle basic games, but demanding titles will likely suffer from lag and stuttering. The Oppo A78 offers a much better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities, but the Oppo A78's faster charging makes it more convenient to top up.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The Oppo A78's Dimensity 700 is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Oppo A36's Snapdragon 680, resulting in better overall performance.
