The Oppo A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones with 5G connectivity. The A56 5G and A55 5G are two contenders in this space, offering similar core features but with subtle differences. This review dives deep to help you determine which phone is the better choice for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same Dimensity 700 chipset and 10W charging. The A56 5G typically offers a slightly improved design and potentially better software support. Ultimately, the choice hinges on price and availability, with the A55 5G often being the more budget-friendly option.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2021, January 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 16 | Available. Released 2021, January 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 186 g (6.56 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| 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 |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 / 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) | - |
| 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, (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 | 5.1, 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 | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | PFVM10 | PEMM00, PEMM20, PEMT00, PEMT20 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Oppo A56 5G
- Potentially improved design
- Possibly better software support
- Slightly better camera performance (expected)
- 10W charging is slow
- May be slightly more expensive than A55 5G
Oppo A55 5G
- More affordable
- Reliable 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- 10W charging is slow
- Design may be slightly dated
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). While the A56 5G might have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, the difference is likely minimal. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The A56 5G is expected to have a slightly improved camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP vs. 48MP on the A55 5G) and enhanced image processing algorithms. Both phones will likely include ultrawide and macro lenses. Expect the A56 5G to produce slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, both phones offer comparable performance for everyday tasks, social media browsing, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they should handle most common applications smoothly. RAM and storage configurations may vary depending on the region.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the 10W charging speed is a significant drawback, resulting in long charging times. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A56 5G is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software update support. The Oppo A55 5G is a great pick for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable 5G connectivity and decent performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A56 5G worth the extra money compared to the A55 5G?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a slightly better design and potentially improved camera performance, the A56 5G might be worth it. However, if budget is your primary concern, the A55 5G offers excellent value.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
Both phones utilize 10W charging, so expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%.
