The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A54 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G both aim to deliver affordable 5G connectivity, but they take drastically different approaches. The A54 relies on a more conservative chipset, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G leverages the more modern and powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Oppo A54’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer similar 18W charging and battery endurance, the Poco’s processing power makes it the clear winner.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 26 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 01 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Black, Starry Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | CPH2239 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Oppo A54
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region)
- Outdated Helio P35 processor
- Limited performance for demanding apps
- Less future-proof
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 processor
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- 18W charging is relatively slow
- Software experience can be cluttered (MIUI)
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A54 and Poco M3 Pro 5G feature displays with a 1475:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, offering a noticeably brighter viewing experience, especially outdoors. While both contrast ratios are nominally the same, the brighter panel on the Poco will be more visible in direct sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs. VA) and color gamut coverage are missing, but given the price point, expect standard IPS LCD performance from both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s more powerful processor likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a dedicated Night Mode on the Poco, enabled by the Dimensity 700’s ISP, is a likely advantage. Avoid placing too much stock in any potential 2MP macro lenses on either device.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores, a significant architectural leap over the Oppo A54’s Helio P35 (12nm) and its Cortex-A53 cores. The Dimensity 700’s more efficient 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Poco. The Helio P35 in the A54 will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A54 and Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both devices also support 18W wired charging. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency may allow the Poco M3 Pro 5G to maintain its charge slightly longer during intensive tasks. The 18W charging, however, is relatively slow compared to faster charging solutions available on other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A54 if you prioritize a simple, reliable experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy occasional gaming, and value future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco M3 Pro 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Helio P35 in the Oppo A54 will struggle with PUBG, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Does the Oppo A54 support VoLTE and VoWiFi calling?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. Check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility with the Oppo A54, as the Helio P35’s modem may have limited carrier support in some areas. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 700 generally offers wider carrier compatibility.
❓ How does MIUI (Poco's software) compare to Oppo's ColorOS in terms of bloatware?
Both MIUI and ColorOS are known for pre-installing a significant amount of bloatware. However, MIUI generally has a reputation for being more aggressive with ads and pre-installed apps. Users can uninstall some of this bloatware, but it requires effort.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for daily use on either device?
18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. While adequate for overnight charging, it's not ideal for quick top-ups. The similar battery endurance ratings mean neither phone suffers significantly from this slower charging speed.
