Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Oppo A56 5G and A96 are two popular contenders, each offering a unique blend of features. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down everything you need to know.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A96 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, smoother 4G performance, and generally more refined experience. While the A56 5G offers 5G connectivity, the A96's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2022, March 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 16 | Available. Released 2022, March 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda / Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| 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, 256GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, PD, 50% in 26 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet | Starry Black, Sunset Blue |
| Models | PFVM10 | CPH2333 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 560 EUR |
Oppo A56 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Larger Screen (potentially)
- Decent Battery Life
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Lower Performance
- Less Refined Design
Oppo A96
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Better Performance (Snapdragon 680)
- More Polished Design
- Reverse Wired Charging
- No 5G
- Potentially Smaller Screen (slightly)
- 4G Only
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the A96 often boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The A56 5G's display is generally adequate, but not a standout feature. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The A96 typically features a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. Both phones likely offer a similar ultrawide and macro lens. Expect the A96 to produce slightly better images in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The Snapdragon 680 in the A96 offers noticeably better performance than the Dimensity 700 in the A56 5G, particularly in everyday tasks and gaming. The A96's 6nm process also contributes to better efficiency. The A56 5G's 7nm chip is decent, but struggles under heavier loads.
Battery Life
While both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), the A96's 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the A56 5G's slow 10W charging. The A96 can charge to 50% in just 26 minutes, a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A56 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly larger screen, even if it means sacrificing charging speed and overall performance. The Oppo A96 is a better choice for those seeking a more responsive experience, faster charging, and a more polished design, especially if 5G isn't a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A56 5G worth it if I need 5G?
If 5G is a must-have and you're on a tight budget, the A56 5G is an option. However, consider if the performance trade-offs are acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have similar battery capacities, but the A96's efficient Snapdragon 680 and faster charging make it the better choice overall.
❓ Can the Oppo A96 be used as a power bank?
Yes, the Oppo A96 supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using its battery.