The Oppo A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Oppo A54s and the Oppo A31. Both offer compelling value, but which one reigns supreme in this budget battle?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A54s edges out the A31 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially improved camera capabilities. While both offer solid battery life and similar displays, the A54s provides a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the better overall choice.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 27 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% 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 MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, 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), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | CPH2273 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 490 EUR |
Oppo A54s
- Slightly better performance (Helio G35)
- Potential for slightly improved camera quality
- Quad-camera setup
- Slower charging speed
- HD+ display resolution
Oppo A31
- Affordable price point
- Long battery life (5000mAh)
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio P35)
- Triple-camera setup
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the A54s might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential hardware refinements, though this is often subtle in this price range. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A54s typically features a quad-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro + 2MP B&W), while the A31 has a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro). While megapixels aren't everything, the A54s's additional B&W sensor *could* contribute to slightly better portrait mode effects. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Video recording capabilities are similar on both, topping out around 1080p.
Performance
Here's where the A54s pulls ahead. The Helio G35 chipset in the A54s offers a modest performance advantage over the A31's Helio P35. While neither chip is a powerhouse, the G35's slightly more modern architecture and GPU provide a smoother experience for app navigation and light gaming. Expect occasional stutters on both devices with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of screen-on time with typical usage. Charging speeds are likely to be similar, around 10W, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A54s? Users seeking a bit more performance for multitasking and light gaming without breaking the bank. Who should buy the Oppo A31? Those prioritizing a reliable, budget-friendly device for basic communication and media consumption, and potentially a slightly lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A54s worth the extra money compared to the A31?
If you value a slightly smoother performance and potentially better camera, the A54s is worth the small premium. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the A31 remains a solid option.
❓ What is the software experience like on both phones?
Both phones run on ColorOS, Oppo's custom Android skin. The experience is generally similar, with a focus on ease of use and customization options. Software updates may vary depending on your region.
