The Oppo A5 (2020) and Samsung Galaxy A20s represent a similar segment of the market – affordable smartphones aimed at first-time buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. However, beneath the surface, significant differences in chipset architecture and features dictate which phone delivers a superior user experience. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on real-world impact.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A5 (2020) is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Samsung Galaxy A20s’ Snapdragon 450 (14nm), translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience. While the A20s offers 15W charging, the A5's superior processing power offers a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A207F/DS |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A207F/DS |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - SM-A207M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 21. Released 2019, October | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 163.3 x 77.5 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.05 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| 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 | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | No |
| 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 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Dazzling White | Black, Blue, Red, Green |
| Models | CPH1931, CPH1959, CPH1933, CPH1935, CPH1943 | SM-A207F, SM-A207M, SM-A2070 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A5 (2020)
- Superior processor performance with Snapdragon 665
- More efficient 11nm chipset for better battery life
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Charging speed not explicitly stated
- Likely similar display quality to the A20s
Samsung Galaxy A20s
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly weaker Snapdragon 450 processor
- Less efficient 14nm chipset
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The key difference lies under the hood. The Oppo A5 (2020) benefits from the more efficient Snapdragon 665, potentially allowing for slightly better power management of the display. However, without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Oppo A5 (2020) likely benefits from the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 665, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The presence of a more powerful chipset allows for faster image processing, which is crucial for features like HDR and night mode. The A20s’ Snapdragon 450 ISP is less capable, potentially resulting in softer images and less dynamic range. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Oppo A5 (2020)'s Snapdragon 665, with its 11nm fabrication process, is a clear upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A20s’ Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The 665’s octa-core CPU, split into 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, offers a more sophisticated architecture than the A20s’ uniform 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450 is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation and throttling under sustained load. Users intending to play even moderately demanding games will find the Oppo A5 (2020) a far more capable device.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are not provided, the Samsung Galaxy A20s’ 15W wired charging is a notable advantage. The Oppo A5 (2020) offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories, but doesn't specify a charging wattage. The Snapdragon 665’s improved power efficiency in the Oppo A5 (2020) could partially offset the A20s’ faster charging, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite a potential difference in battery capacity. However, the A20s will likely achieve a full charge faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 (2020) if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and future-proofing. Its more efficient chipset will handle app updates and demanding applications better over time. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A20s if you specifically value a slightly faster charging solution and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A20s struggle with newer Android updates?
Yes, the Snapdragon 450 is a relatively older chipset. As Android versions become more demanding, the A20s may experience slowdowns and lag with future updates. The Oppo A5 (2020)'s Snapdragon 665 is better equipped to handle these updates, offering a longer software support lifespan.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Oppo A5 (2020) actually useful?
The reverse wired charging feature is a niche but potentially useful addition. It allows you to use the A5 (2020) as a power bank to charge accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, though the charging speed will be slow. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it can be convenient in a pinch.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A20s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A20s can *run* PUBG Mobile, but likely at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant frame drops and stuttering, especially during intense action. The Snapdragon 450 simply lacks the processing power for a smooth gaming experience. The Oppo A5 (2020) will offer a noticeably better, though still not high-end, gaming experience.
