The Oppo A3x (China) and vivo S18 represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim for a balance of features and affordability, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities, making the choice dependent on user priorities. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the vivo S18 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the Oppo A3x’s Dimensity 6300, especially in demanding tasks. The 80W charging further solidifies its lead.
| 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, July 27 | 2023, December 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, December 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.30 in) | 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 185.8 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 720 |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 14, OriginOS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c) |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min | 80W wired, PD
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, White | Black, Blue/Green, Silver, Purple |
| Models | PKD130 | V2323A |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Oppo A3x (China)
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset for everyday tasks
- 45W fast charging is still respectable
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- 6nm process may lead to more thermal throttling
- Slower charging speed than vivo S18
vivo S18
- More efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm)
- 80W SuperVOOC charging for rapid replenishment
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience
- Likely a higher price tag
- Performance gains may not be noticeable for basic users
- Software bloat (typical of vivo)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are currently unavailable for both devices. However, given their market positioning, we can anticipate both will feature AMOLED panels. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and refresh rate. The vivo S18, being positioned slightly higher, may offer a higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting current design trends. Color accuracy will be crucial, and we'll need independent testing to determine which device delivers more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, the focus should be on the main sensor. While megapixel count isn't everything, a larger sensor generally captures more light and detail. We anticipate both phones will feature multi-camera setups, but the quality of the image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset will heavily influence image processing. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 typically offers superior ISP capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The Oppo A3x may rely more on software enhancements to compensate for a potentially less powerful ISP. We expect both to include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the implementation and effectiveness will vary.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo S18’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) boasts a more modern architecture and a smaller fabrication process compared to the Oppo A3x’s MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, and 4x1.8GHz Cortex-A510 – is designed for improved single-core and multi-core performance. The Dimensity 6300’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55, while capable, will likely exhibit more thermal throttling under sustained load. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 translates to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life during intensive use. RAM type and speed (likely LPDDR4X or LPDDR5) will also play a role, but the chipset is the primary performance determinant.
Battery Life
Battery capacities are currently unknown. However, the charging speeds are a significant differentiator. The vivo S18’s 80W wired charging with PD and reverse wired charging is substantially faster than the Oppo A3x’s 45W wired charging with PD. This means the vivo S18 can replenish its battery from 0-100% much quicker, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to top up their phones. Even with a slightly smaller battery capacity, the faster charging of the vivo S18 could result in a more convenient user experience. The reverse wired charging on the vivo S18 adds versatility, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A3x (China) if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming, and value a more conservative price point. Buy the vivo S18 if you prioritize smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, and significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means a slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo S18 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but expect to make some compromises. While it can likely handle medium settings consistently, high settings may result in frame drops and thermal throttling. The 4nm process helps mitigate throttling, but it won't eliminate it entirely. The Oppo A3x’s Dimensity 6300 will struggle more with sustained high-performance gaming.
❓ Does the vivo S18’s 80W charging generate excessive heat during charging?
vivo employs multiple layers of safety protocols and thermal management to mitigate heat generation during 80W SuperVOOC charging. While the phone will warm up during charging, it's designed to remain within safe temperature limits. The charging process is optimized to balance speed and thermal safety, preventing damage to the battery.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and Dimensity 6300 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference in performance will be minimal. Both chipsets are more than capable of handling these workloads smoothly. However, when multitasking, opening multiple apps, or performing more demanding tasks, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will exhibit a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and fluidity.
