The Oppo A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones with 5G connectivity. The A56 5G and A53s 5G are two contenders in this space, offering similar specs but subtle differences. This review breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same Dimensity 700 chipset and 10W charging. The A56 5G generally offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support. However, the A53s 5G might be more readily available or offer a better price, making it a compelling alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 16 | Available. Released 2021, May 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 189.6 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda / Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 / UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (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, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet | Crystal Blue, Ink Black |
| Models | PFVM10 | CPH2321 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo A56 5G
- Potentially more modern design
- Possible longer software support
- Slightly improved camera (potentially)
- 10W charging is slow
- May be slightly more expensive
- Performance is not significantly better than A53s 5G
Oppo A53s 5G
- Generally more affordable
- Reliable 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for the price
- 10W charging is slow
- Potentially shorter software support
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch display with a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The A56 5G might have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, but this is often difficult to discern without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The A56 5G may have a slightly improved camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor or additional features. However, both phones will likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, with struggles in low light. Expect similar camera performance overall.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700, which provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they're perfectly capable for their price range.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The 10W charging is a significant drawback for both, resulting in slow charging times. Expect similar battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A56 5G is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more premium design and potentially longer software updates. The Oppo A53s 5G is a great pick for budget-conscious buyers who need reliable 5G connectivity and don't want to spend extra for minor design upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A56 5G worth the extra money?
It depends. If you value a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software updates, then yes. Otherwise, the A53s 5G offers similar performance at a lower price.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
With 10W charging, expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge on both devices.
