Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Oppo A36 and A96 share a common chipset, but offer distinct features. This comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A96 edges out the A36 thanks to its significantly faster charging, reverse wired charging capability, and generally more refined design. While both offer similar performance, the A96's added convenience and features justify its slightly higher price point.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, March 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB 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) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, PD, 50% in 26 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Starry Black, Sunset Blue |
| Models | PESM10 | CPH2333 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 560 EUR |
Oppo A36
- Affordable
- Decent display
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slow charging
- Basic camera system
- Less premium design
Oppo A96
- Faster charging (33W)
- Reverse wired charging
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly more premium design
- Slightly higher price
- Performance similar to A36
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+). Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The A96 might have a slightly better coating or protective glass, but overall, the display experience will be comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A96 typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 48MP vs. potentially 13MP on the A36) and additional lenses for ultrawide and macro photography. The A36 will likely have a simpler camera setup, focusing on basic photography needs. Image quality in good lighting should be acceptable on both, but the A96 will likely offer better low-light performance and more creative options.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 680 chipset and octa-core CPU, both phones offer similar performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they should handle most common apps without significant lag. RAM and storage configurations will likely vary, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the A96's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker top-ups compared to the A36's slower charging speed (likely around 10W).
Buying Guide
The Oppo A36 is ideal for users prioritizing a basic, reliable smartphone with a decent display and camera for everyday tasks. The Oppo A96 is a better choice for those who value faster charging, reverse charging for accessories, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 chipset good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 680 is suitable for casual gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings. It can handle less intensive games smoothly.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable.
