The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A5 Energy and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The A5 Energy prioritizes charging speed and a newer chipset, while the A14 offers Samsung’s brand recognition and a choice of chipsets, including an Exynos variant. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A5 Energy emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A14’s Helio G80 or even the Exynos 850, coupled with significantly faster 45W charging. While the A14 benefits from Samsung’s software ecosystem, the A5 Energy’s superior processing power and charging capabilities make it the better all-around choice.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 18 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.49 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g or 196 g (6.84 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Crystal Shield Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, ColorOS 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, BLE Audio | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 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 | 45W wired, 33W UFCS, PD | 15W wired |
| Type | 5800 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flower Pink, Mocha Brown (Mocha Chocolate), Jade Green (Moss Green) | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | PKV110 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A5 Energy
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Likely better thermal management due to 6nm process
- Brand recognition isn't as strong as Samsung
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung’s established brand and software ecosystem
- Potentially lower price point
- Larger screen size (6.6 inches)
- Slower 15W charging
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Potential for thermal throttling with the Helio G80
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details regarding peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. The A14’s larger screen size (6.6 inches vs. the A5 Energy’s likely 6.5-6.6 inch range, based on similar models) may appeal to media consumers. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro). The A14’s potential for a higher resolution main sensor (based on Samsung’s typical offerings) could provide more detail in good lighting conditions. However, the A5 Energy’s image processing capabilities, powered by the more capable chipset, could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely on either device at this price point.
Performance
This is where the A5 Energy pulls ahead. The Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a significantly more modern and efficient chipset than the Galaxy A14’s options. The Helio G80 (12nm) is an older design, while even the Exynos 850 (8nm) lags behind in process node technology. The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, offer a substantial performance boost over the A14’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to improved thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The A14’s Exynos 850 version, while better than the Helio G80, still falls short of the Dimensity 6300’s efficiency and raw power.
Battery Life
The A5 Energy’s 45W wired charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the A14’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The Dimensity 6300’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to better battery life, allowing the A5 Energy to potentially last longer on a single charge despite the charging speed advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 Energy if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and value incredibly fast charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently use demanding apps or want to minimize downtime. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you are deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, prefer a potentially more refined software experience, and prioritize a lower price point over raw processing power. The A14 is a solid choice for basic smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 version of the Galaxy A14 noticeably outperform the Helio G80 version?
Yes, the Exynos 850 is a more capable chipset than the Helio G80. It offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming. However, even the Exynos 850 still falls short of the Oppo A5 Energy’s Dimensity 6300 in terms of overall performance and efficiency.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Oppo A5 Energy with the 45W charger?
While a precise time requires testing, the Oppo A5 Energy’s 45W charging should fully charge the battery in approximately 60-75 minutes, a significant improvement over the Galaxy A14’s 15W charging, which could take over 2 hours.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 in the Oppo A5 Energy will provide a snappier and more responsive experience in everyday tasks. App launches will be faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag compared to the Galaxy A14.
❓ Will the Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained load. While it won’t necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, you may experience performance drops after prolonged gaming. The Oppo A5 Energy’s Dimensity 6300, with its more efficient 6nm process, is less likely to throttle.
