The Oppo A54s and A16 are both budget-friendly smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a compelling entry point into the Oppo ecosystem, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your daily usage. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which phone comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A54s edges out the A16 primarily due to slightly improved software optimization and potentially a more refined design (though this varies by region). Both share the same core chipset, so performance is very similar, but the A54s often offers a smoother experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and regional availability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 27 | 2021, July 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 18 | Available. Released 2021, July 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | CPH2273 | CPH2269 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A54s
- Potentially better software optimization
- May have a more refined design
- Often includes additional camera lenses (macro, depth)
- Good battery life
- Can be slightly more expensive than the A16
- Helio G35 chipset limits performance
Oppo A16
- Lower price point
- Reliable basic smartphone experience
- Good battery life
- Fewer camera features
- Software optimization may be less refined
- Helio G35 chipset limits performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both are adequate for everyday use, the A54s *may* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness depending on the specific panel used. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The A54s typically features a 13MP main camera, while the A16 often has a 13MP main camera as well. However, the A54s often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) that the A16 lacks. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting, but the A54s' extra lenses offer more versatility. Both will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The shared Mediatek Helio G35 chipset means performance will be largely identical. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect to run demanding games at high settings. Software optimization plays a crucial role here, and the A54s *might* have a slight advantage.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely similar, around 10W. Expect roughly the same battery performance from both devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A54s? Users seeking a slightly more polished experience and potentially better software support. Who should buy the Oppo A16? Those prioritizing the absolute lowest price point and a reliable, basic smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A54s worth the extra cost over the A16?
If you value slightly better software and more camera versatility, the A54s is worth considering. However, if budget is your primary concern, the A16 offers excellent value.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Both phones can handle basic games, but don't expect high performance. Demanding games will require low settings and may experience lag.
