The Oppo A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Oppo A8 and the Oppo A5 (2020). Both offer compelling value, but which one reigns supreme in this budget battle?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A5 (2020) edges out the A8 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 665 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While the A8 has a slightly larger battery, the A5's reverse charging and overall smoother experience make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, September 21. Released 2019, October |
| 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) | 163.6 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 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 SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Mirror Black, Dazzling White |
| Models | PDBM00 | CPH1931, CPH1959, CPH1933, CPH1935, CPH1943 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo A8
- Larger Battery
- Potentially Lower Price
- Large Display
- Slower Performance
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Lower Camera Quality
Oppo A5 (2020)
- Better Performance (Snapdragon 665)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Improved Camera Quality
- More Efficient Chipset
- Smaller Battery
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, with the A8 potentially having a slightly larger screen size (likely around 6.5 inches) and the A5 (2020) around 6.3 inches. Expect similar resolutions (likely HD+). The A5 (2020) might offer slightly better color accuracy due to the Snapdragon chipset's better GPU.
Camera Comparison
The A5 (2020) typically features a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth), while the A8 likely has a triple-camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro). The A5 (2020) generally produces better image quality, especially in low light, thanks to its more capable processor and potentially better image processing algorithms.
Performance
This is where the A5 (2020) shines. The Snapdragon 665 is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A5 (2020). The A8 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Oppo A8 boasts a larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) compared to the A5 (2020) (likely 4000mAh). However, the A5 (2020)'s more efficient chipset means battery life might be comparable in real-world usage. The A5 (2020) also offers reverse wired charging, a valuable feature for topping up other devices.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A8 is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and battery capacity above all else, and who are on a very tight budget. The Oppo A5 (2020) is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and reliable daily driver with better performance and the added convenience of reverse wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A5 (2020) is significantly better for gaming due to its Snapdragon 665 chipset, which offers superior graphics processing and overall performance.
❓ Does the Oppo A8 have reverse charging?
No, the Oppo A8 does not offer reverse wired charging. The Oppo A5 (2020) does, allowing you to charge other devices using your phone's battery.