The Oppo A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The A56s and A56 5G are two contenders in this space, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A56 5G edges out the A56s thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly more efficient 7nm chipset. While both offer similar core experiences, the 5G capability provides future-proofing and potentially faster speeds, making it the better overall choice 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2021, October 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 09 | Available. Released 2021, November 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda / Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 / UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 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, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Violet |
| Models | PFTM20 | PFVM10 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo A56s
- Slightly more powerful CPU
- Potentially better low-light camera performance
- Good value for money
- No 5G connectivity
- Slow 10W charging
- Larger 6nm process
Oppo A56 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More efficient 7nm chipset
- Future-proofed
- Good value for money
- Slightly less powerful CPU than A56s
- Slow 10W charging
- Similar camera performance to A56s
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, though slight variations in calibration are possible. The A56s might have marginally better color reproduction due to the slightly more powerful chipset allowing for better display processing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature a triple-camera setup, likely including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality will be similar in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance might be slightly better on the A56s due to the more powerful image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 810. Video recording capabilities will likely be similar, supporting up to 1080p resolution.
Performance
The Dimensity 810 in the A56s holds a slight advantage in raw CPU power due to its 6nm process and slightly higher clock speeds on the Cortex-A76 cores. However, the Dimensity 700 in the A56 5G benefits from a more efficient 7nm process, potentially leading to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling during extended use. Gaming performance will be comparable, but the A56s might handle slightly more demanding titles with marginally better frame rates.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery. The A56 5G's more efficient 7nm chipset should translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A56s is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly more powerful CPU (Dimensity 810) and don't need 5G. The Oppo A56 5G is the better pick for those wanting 5G connectivity, future-proofing, and a potentially more efficient processor, even if the CPU clock speeds are marginally lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A56s worth buying if I don't need 5G?
Yes, the A56s can be a good option if you prioritize a slightly more powerful CPU and don't require 5G connectivity. However, consider the future-proofing aspect of 5G before making a decision.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Oppo A56 5G is expected to have slightly better battery life due to its more efficient 7nm chipset, although both phones have a 5000mAh battery.