The Oppo A8 and Realme 5i represent a critical segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$150 arena. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, primarily in their core processing power. This comparison will dissect the architectural differences between the MediaTek Helio P35 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 to determine which device offers the best user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Realme 5i emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665, built on a more efficient 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo A8’s Helio P35, despite both featuring octa-core CPUs. While the A8 may offer a slightly larger display, the 5i’s chipset delivers a smoother, more capable experience.
| 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 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE (2CA) 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, January 06. Released 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75 x 9.3 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.37 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 (unspecified) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| 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), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 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, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Blue, Green |
| Models | PDBM00 | RMX2030, RMX2032 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo A8
- Potentially larger display size
- May offer a more natural color profile in photos
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful and efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Likely slower app loading times
- Potentially shorter battery life
Realme 5i
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better gaming capabilities
- 10W wired charging
- May have a smaller display size
- Potentially more saturated color profile in photos
- Limited fast charging support
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond size. The Oppo A8 likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel, common in this price bracket. The Realme 5i also likely uses an IPS LCD. Without knowing resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the A8’s larger size may be preferable for some users, though it could impact one-handed usability. Color accuracy is expected to be similar on both, leaning towards the standard sRGB color space.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors (depth, macro). However, without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a direct comparison is difficult. Image processing will likely differ, with Realme often favoring more vibrant, saturated colors, while Oppo tends towards a more natural look. The quality of the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 665 likely gives the Realme 5i an edge in image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 5i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A8’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 11nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 665 utilizes Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores, offering a more refined big.LITTLE architecture for optimized performance and power consumption. The Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 cores, while capable, are older and less efficient. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Realme 5i. The Snapdragon 665 also boasts a more capable Adreno 610 GPU, providing a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 665’s superior power efficiency gives the Realme 5i an advantage in battery life. The 10W charging on the Realme 5i is standard for this price point. While the Oppo A8’s charging speed is unknown, it’s unlikely to be significantly faster. Real-world usage will dictate actual battery life, but the 5i’s chipset is more likely to deliver all-day performance with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A8 if you prioritize a larger screen size and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its larger form factor might be preferable for media consumption. Buy the Realme 5i if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and a more efficient chipset that will likely hold up better over time. The Snapdragon 665 offers a more responsive experience for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 5i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 665 in the Realme 5i is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the Oppo A8 will struggle with consistent performance, requiring lower settings and potentially experiencing lag.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 665 noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 665 offers snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and faster multitasking. While the Helio P35 can handle basic tasks, the 665 provides a more responsive and fluid user experience.
❓ Does the Realme 5i support any form of fast charging?
The Realme 5i supports 10W wired charging, which is standard for this price range. It is not considered fast charging, and a full charge will take approximately 2-3 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
The Realme 5i is likely to perform better in low-light conditions due to the Snapdragon 665’s more capable image signal processor (ISP). This allows for better noise reduction and detail preservation in dimly lit environments.
