The Oppo A8 and Nokia 5.3 represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A8, leveraging MediaTek’s Helio P35, aims for affordability, while the Nokia 5.3, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665, attempts to balance cost with a more refined user experience. This comparison dives deep into the core differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a smoother Android experience, the Nokia 5.3 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the Oppo A8’s 12nm Helio P35, despite both featuring octa-core CPUs. While the A8 is cheaper, the 5.3’s efficiency and responsiveness justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | PDBM00 | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A8
- Potentially lower price point
- Octa-core CPU for multitasking
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Less efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Slower performance compared to Snapdragon 665
- Likely inferior camera image processing
Nokia 5.3
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Improved CPU architecture for smoother performance
- Better image processing capabilities
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially higher price than Oppo A8
- May not be ideal for intensive gaming
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Nokia provide display specs beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood: the Snapdragon 665’s ISP supports better image signal processing, potentially leading to slightly more accurate color reproduction on the Nokia 5.3. Bezels are expected to be comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 665’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly more capable than the Helio P35’s. This means the Nokia 5.3 will likely produce better-quality photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, with improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The ISP also supports faster image processing, reducing shutter lag. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors, but the Nokia 5.3’s image processing will be the deciding factor.
Performance
The Nokia 5.3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) holds a clear advantage over the Oppo A8’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The smaller 11nm node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. While both CPUs are octa-core, the Snapdragon 665 utilizes Qualcomm’s Kryo 260 cores – four ‘Gold’ performance cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four ‘Silver’ efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz – a more sophisticated architecture than the A8’s homogenous Cortex-A53 setup (2.3 GHz & 1.8 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nokia 5.3. The A8’s CPU clock speed is higher, but the architectural differences favor the Snapdragon.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the Snapdragon 665’s 11nm process contributes to better power efficiency. This, combined with the Nokia 5.3’s 10W wired charging, suggests it will offer a more consistent battery life experience. While the Oppo A8 might have a slightly larger battery, the Helio P35’s less efficient architecture will likely negate any capacity advantage. The 10W charging on the Nokia 5.3 is slow by modern standards, but the improved efficiency means it won’t need to be charged as frequently.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A8 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value a more efficient chipset that translates to better battery life and less noticeable slowdowns over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.3 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 665 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially during intense firefights. The Oppo A8’s Helio P35 will likely offer a less consistent gaming experience, requiring even lower settings.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia 5.3 a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. However, the Snapdragon 665’s efficiency means you won’t need to charge the phone as often. Plan to charge it overnight for optimal results. The Oppo A8 likely has similar charging speeds, and its less efficient chipset will mean more frequent charging.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 665?
The difference will be most noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness. The Nokia 5.3 will feel snappier and more fluid in everyday use. The Oppo A8 may exhibit occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
