The Oppo A5 (2020) and Nokia 7.2 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they take slightly different approaches. The Nokia 7.2 emphasizes display quality and a clean Android experience, while the Oppo A5 (2020) focuses on a newer chipset and reverse wireless charging, offering a different set of priorities for cost-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A5 (2020) emerges as the slightly better choice. Its newer Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on a more efficient 11nm process, provides a modest performance advantage and potentially better long-term efficiency compared to the Nokia 7.2’s older 14nm Snapdragon 660.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROW |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps or LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - IN |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 21. Released 2019, October | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 159.9 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Zeiss optics, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | Yes (excl. India) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Dazzling White | Cyan Green, Charcoal, Ice |
| Models | CPH1931, CPH1959, CPH1933, CPH1935, CPH1943 | TA-1193, TA-1178, TA-1196, TA-1181 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 69h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1342:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 139495 (v7), 164484 (v8)
GeekBench: 5440 (v4.4), 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A5 (2020)
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially better long-term software support (Oppo's ColorOS)
- Display likely inferior to Nokia 7.2
- ColorOS may not appeal to users preferring stock Android
Nokia 7.2
- Brighter and higher contrast display (585 nits, 1342:1)
- Clean, stock Android experience
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Lacks reverse charging
Display Comparison
The Nokia 7.2 boasts a demonstrably superior display, achieving a measured peak brightness of 585 nits and a 1342:1 contrast ratio. While the Oppo A5 (2020)'s display specifications are not provided, it's reasonable to assume it falls short of these figures given its lower price point. The higher contrast ratio on the Nokia 7.2 translates to deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, enhancing media consumption. The 585 nits brightness ensures good visibility even outdoors, a crucial advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Without this information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Nokia 7.2 may prioritize camera quality slightly more, given Nokia’s historical emphasis on imaging. The absence of details on either phone suggests neither is likely to excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
Both devices utilize Qualcomm’s Kryo 260 cores, but the Oppo A5 (2020) features the Snapdragon 665, fabricated on an 11nm process, while the Nokia 7.2 uses the Snapdragon 660 on a 14nm process. The smaller node size of the SDM665 generally leads to improved power efficiency and potentially slightly higher sustained performance due to better thermal management. The Nokia 7.2’s CPU clocks slightly higher at 2.2 GHz versus 2.0 GHz on the Oppo, but this difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday tasks. The real-world impact will be more apparent in prolonged gaming or demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A5 (2020) and Nokia 7.2 achieve an endurance rating of 69 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Oppo A5 (2020) offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Nokia 7.2. This allows the Oppo to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful convenience for users who frequently travel or rely on multiple gadgets. The Nokia 7.2 relies on slower 10W wired charging, while the Oppo A5 (2020)'s charging speed is unspecified, but likely similar or slightly faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 (2020) if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and the convenience of reverse wired charging. Buy the Nokia 7.2 if you value a brighter, higher-contrast display and prefer a stock Android experience with guaranteed updates (historically a Nokia strength, though not explicitly stated in the provided data).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7.2 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 660 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, users should expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 14nm process can lead to thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, potentially causing performance dips. The Oppo A5 (2020)'s Snapdragon 665, with its 11nm process, may offer slightly better sustained performance in these scenarios.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Oppo A5 (2020) useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, reverse wired charging can be a lifesaver when you're on the go and a friend needs a quick power boost, or you have multiple devices like wireless earbuds that need charging. While not a primary feature, it adds a layer of convenience that the Nokia 7.2 lacks.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the Nokia 7.2's 10W charging and the Oppo A5 (2020)?
The Nokia 7.2's 10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. While the Oppo A5 (2020)'s charging speed isn't explicitly stated, it's likely to be at least 10W, and potentially faster, resulting in a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time.
