Released within a year of each other, the Oppo A59 (2016) and Huawei P8 Lite (2017) represent competing approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Oppo prioritizes a lower cost with the Mediatek MT6750, while the Huawei leverages its in-house Kirin 655 chipset, aiming for a balance of performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Huawei P8 Lite (2017) is the better choice. Its Kirin 655, built on a 16nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A59’s 28nm MT6750, and offers improved thermal management, leading to a smoother user experience during demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A59t | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, June. Released 2016, June | 2017, January. Released 2017, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 154.5 x 76 x 7.4 mm (6.08 x 2.99 x 0.29 in) | 147.2 x 72.9 x 7.6 mm (5.80 x 2.87 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 147 g (5.19 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) | Kirin 655 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | Mali-T830MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), ColorOS 3 | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 12 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3075 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Rose Gold | Black, White, Gold, Blue |
| Models | - | PRA-TL10, PRA-TL20, PRA-LA1, PRA-LX1, PRA-LX2, TAG-L21, PRA-AL00X, TAG-L32, PRA-LX3, PRA-AL00 |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo A59 (2016)
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Mediatek chipset is widely supported.
- Less efficient 28nm chipset.
- Lower performance compared to the Kirin 655.
- Potential for throttling under heavy load.
Huawei P8 Lite (2017)
- More efficient 16nm Kirin 655 chipset.
- Higher CPU clock speeds for improved performance.
- Better multitasking and app loading times.
- Generally a slightly higher price than the Oppo A59.
- Huawei’s software can be polarizing for some users.
- May not have expandable storage (depending on variant).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature 720p panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of specific display specs prevents a detailed comparison of brightness or color accuracy. The focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive the display, where the Kirin 655 has an advantage.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Huawei’s historical emphasis on camera technology, the P8 Lite (2017) likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The MT6750’s ISP is adequate, but the Kirin 655’s ISP, coupled with Huawei’s software optimizations, likely delivers better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP sensor on either device is largely irrelevant; image quality is primarily determined by the main sensor and image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei P8 Lite (2017)'s Kirin 655, fabricated on a 16nm process, is significantly more efficient than the Oppo A59’s Mediatek MT6750 (28nm). While both are octa-core CPUs utilizing Cortex-A53 cores, the Kirin 655 boasts higher clock speeds (2.1 GHz vs 1.5 GHz for the faster cores) and a more refined architecture. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 16nm process also means less heat generation under load, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The MT6750, while capable, will struggle more with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Kirin 655’s 16nm process provides a significant advantage in power efficiency. This means the P8 Lite (2017) will likely achieve longer battery life on a single charge, even with a similar capacity battery to the A59. While charging wattage isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient chipset of the P8 Lite will result in faster overall charging times from a wall adapter.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A59 (2016) if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are willing to accept compromises in performance and efficiency. Buy the Huawei P8 Lite (2017) if you prefer a more responsive experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a chipset designed for improved power efficiency, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A59 (2016) struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6750 in the Oppo A59 will likely struggle with PUBG Mobile, even on low settings. The 28nm process and lower clock speeds will result in noticeable frame drops and potential overheating, impacting the gaming experience. The Huawei P8 Lite (2017) with the Kirin 655 will offer a significantly smoother experience.
❓ Does the Kirin 655 in the Huawei P8 Lite (2017) support fast charging?
While the specific fast charging standard isn't specified, the Kirin 655 is capable of supporting fast charging technologies. However, the actual charging speed will depend on the charger used. The more efficient chipset also means it will charge faster overall compared to the Oppo A59, even with a similar wattage charger.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Huawei P8 Lite (2017) will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, opening websites, and scrolling through social media feeds. The Kirin 655’s higher clock speeds and more efficient architecture contribute to a smoother user experience.
