Oppo A72 vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a significant performance boost over the A72’s Snapdragon 665, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming. While both charge at 18W, the Pixel 4a 5G’s PD2.0 support offers broader compatibility and potentially faster charging with the right adapter.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo A72 | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 21. Released 2020, April 29 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens 2 MP B/W, f/2.4 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06, 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Twilight Black, Stream White, Sky Blue, Aurora Purple | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | CPH2067 | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
Oppo A72
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- May include a microSD card slot for expandable storage (market dependent)
- Significantly slower performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Inferior camera quality
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 765G processor
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Superior camera performance with Google’s computational photography
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life (though optimized software helps)
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. However, the specifics are missing. The A72’s display resolution is likely 1080p+, while the Pixel 4a 5G also features a 1080p+ display. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G will likely handle graphics and animations more smoothly. Without knowing the PWM dimming rates, it's difficult to assess potential eye strain, but the Pixel's generally better software optimization may offer a more refined visual experience.
Camera Comparison
While megapixel counts aren't everything, the Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. Although specific sensor sizes are unknown, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms are significantly more advanced than those found in the Oppo A72. The 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more capable. The A72 likely relies on a more basic camera setup, potentially struggling in low-light conditions. The Pixel 4a 5G’s camera will deliver more detailed, dynamic range-rich photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. We can assume the A72 includes multiple lenses, but the Pixel’s single lens, coupled with Google’s software, will likely outperform it.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Oppo A72’s Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, is a capable but entry-level SoC. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) is geared towards efficiency. Conversely, the Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, offers a substantial performance leap. Its CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) includes a higher-clocked prime core for demanding tasks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Pixel 4a 5G. The 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the A72.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 4a 5G adds PD2.0 support, offering wider charger compatibility and potentially faster charging speeds with a compatible power adapter. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the A72, with its less power-hungry chipset, may offer slightly longer battery life in typical usage. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s more efficient processor and optimized software could mitigate this difference. The 7nm process of the 765G contributes to better power efficiency, meaning the Pixel 4a 5G can deliver comparable or even better battery life despite its higher performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A72 if you need a highly affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and battery life is your absolute top priority. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, a cleaner software experience with guaranteed updates, and a more capable camera system, even if it means spending a bit more.