Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Oppo A56 5G and Oppo A31 are both contenders, offering affordability and essential features. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A56 5G is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster processor, 5G connectivity, and more modern chipset. While the A31 remains a decent budget option, the A56 5G offers a substantial performance upgrade for a relatively small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 16 | 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 | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda / Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 / UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 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, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | PFVM10 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 490 EUR |
Oppo A56 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- More Modern Chipset
- Likely Better Camera
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Potentially Higher Price
Oppo A31
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Lightweight Design
- Slow Performance (Helio P35)
- No 5G
- Outdated Chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely 720 x 1600 for A31 and 720 x 1600 for A56 5G). The A56 5G might have a slightly larger screen size and potentially a higher refresh rate (likely 60Hz for both). Color accuracy and brightness are likely comparable, typical for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
The A56 5G likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the A56 5G should perform better in low-light conditions and offer more creative options. Expect similar front-facing camera specs.
Performance
This is where the A56 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the A56 5G. The A31 will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, suggesting similar battery life. However, the A31's less power-hungry chipset might give it a slight edge in endurance, though the A56 5G's optimizations could offset this.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A56 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more future-proof device. The Oppo A31 is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over speed and advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A56 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and 5G connectivity. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant upgrade over the A31's Helio P35.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have large batteries, but the A31's less demanding chipset *might* give it a slight edge, though real-world usage will vary.
