The Oppo A5 (2020) and Tecno Camon 15 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets and how they translate to real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and future-proofing, the Oppo A5 (2020) emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in processing power and efficiency over the Tecno Camon 15 Pro’s 12nm Helio P35, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 21. Released 2019, October | 2020, February 21. Released 2020, February 25 |
| 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 77.7 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.06 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.3% 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 |
| 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 | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-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 | 48 MP, PDAF
5 MP
2 MP
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 | Motorized pop-up 32 MP |
| 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, 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 | microUSB 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Dazzling White | Ice Jadeite, Opal White |
| Models | CPH1931, CPH1959, CPH1933, CPH1935, CPH1943 | CD8 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A5 (2020)
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Display specifications unknown
- Camera details limited
Tecno Camon 15 Pro
- Potentially larger display size (assumption)
- Aggressive pricing
- May appeal to users prioritizing basic functionality
- Less efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- 2MP macro camera offers minimal benefit
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, but given their market segment, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Tecno Camon 15 Pro, historically, has focused on larger displays, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. However, without knowing the resolution, brightness, or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to definitively assess display quality. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely limited to standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Oppo A5 (2020) likely prioritizes overall image quality and processing, leveraging Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP). The Tecno Camon 15 Pro, while potentially offering more megapixels, may rely more heavily on software enhancements. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Camon 15 Pro is a common tactic in this segment, but its utility is limited due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A5 (2020) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, fabricated on an 11nm process. This translates to better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Tecno Camon 15 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P35, built on a 12nm process. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 665 utilizes Kryo 260 cores – a more modern architecture – with a clock speed configuration of 4x2.0 GHz and 4x1.8 GHz. The Helio P35 employs Cortex-A53 cores at 4x2.35 GHz and 4x1.8 GHz. The higher clock speed of the Helio P35 doesn’t necessarily equate to better performance; the architectural advantages of the Snapdragon 665, coupled with its more efficient manufacturing process, will likely result in a smoother and more responsive experience, especially during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 665’s superior power efficiency in the Oppo A5 (2020) will likely result in longer battery life, even with a similarly sized battery. The Oppo A5 (2020) also boasts reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the Tecno Camon 15 Pro, adding to its versatility. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to compare 0-100% charging times, but the more efficient chipset will likely contribute to faster overall charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 (2020) if you need a phone that can handle moderate gaming, smoother multitasking, and offers a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for users who value longevity and a slightly more refined software experience. Buy the Tecno Camon 15 Pro if your primary focus is on a potentially larger display (assuming a larger screen size, not specified in data) and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and are extremely price-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Tecno Camon 15 Pro struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp over time?
While the Helio P35 can handle basic apps initially, its limited processing power and RAM management may lead to slowdowns and lag as the phone fills up with data and apps over time. The Snapdragon 665 in the Oppo A5 (2020) is better equipped to handle long-term usage and maintain a smoother experience.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Oppo A5 (2020) useful for everyday scenarios?
The reverse charging feature, while not a primary selling point, can be surprisingly useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It provides a convenient way to share power without needing a separate power bank.
❓ How does the 12nm process of the Helio P35 affect the Tecno Camon 15 Pro's battery life during gaming?
The 12nm process is less efficient than the 11nm process used in the Snapdragon 665. This means the Helio P35 consumes more power for the same tasks, including gaming. Consequently, the Tecno Camon 15 Pro will likely experience shorter battery life and potentially more heat during gaming sessions.
