Oppo's A-series phones are known for offering impressive features at affordable prices. The Oppo A8 and A91 are two popular contenders in this space, but which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A91 generally wins due to its significantly faster processor (Helio P70 vs P35), better camera capabilities, and faster charging. While the A8 might be slightly more budget-friendly, the A91 offers a more premium experience and better overall performance for a small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, December 20. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.4 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771V Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, ColorOS 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4025 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Lightening Black, Unicorn White, Blazing Blue, Red |
| Models | PDBM00 | PCPM00, CPH2001, CPH2021 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Oppo A8
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Oppo A91
- Faster performance
- Better camera
- Fast charging
- Sleek design (likely)
- Slightly more expensive
- May lack some niche features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.3-6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. The A91 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but both are adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing angles and overall display quality.
Camera Comparison
The A91 typically boasts a more versatile and higher-resolution camera system. While both likely include a main sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a depth sensor, the A91's image processing and overall camera hardware are generally superior, resulting in better photos and videos, especially in low light. Expect improved dynamic range and detail.
Performance
This is where the A91 shines. The Helio P70 chipset in the A91 is a substantial upgrade over the A8's Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A91. The A8 will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. However, the A91's 20W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker top-ups compared to the A8's likely standard charging speed. This translates to less time tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A8? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability over performance and don't need advanced camera features. Who should buy the Oppo A91? Those seeking a smoother user experience, better camera quality, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A8 good for gaming?
The Oppo A8's Helio P35 chipset is adequate for basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. Expect lag and reduced graphics settings.
❓ How much storage do the Oppo A8 and A91 offer?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 64GB or 128GB of storage, often expandable via microSD card. Check specific model variants for exact storage options.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both the Oppo A8 and A91 run on ColorOS, Oppo's custom Android skin. The A91 likely has a slightly newer version of ColorOS.