Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Oppo A97 and A74 are two popular contenders in this space, but which one offers the best value? We'll break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A97 generally edges out the A74 thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. However, the A74's slightly faster charging and potentially better camera optimization (depending on software updates) keep it competitive. It's a close call, leaning towards the A97 for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 12 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 15 | Available. Released 2021, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 160.3 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 12 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Unspecified | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Prism Black, Midnight Blue |
| Models | PFTM10 | CHP2219 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Oppo A97
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Smoother performance
- Potentially better gaming experience
- Modern design
- May have slightly less optimized camera software (at launch)
- Availability may vary
Oppo A74
- Faster charging claim (54% in 30 min)
- Potentially better camera optimization (with updates)
- Widely available
- Reliable daily driver
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 662)
- Slower performance compared to A97
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. The A97 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A74 typically features a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The A97 likely has a similar setup, potentially with a slightly higher resolution main sensor. Camera performance will largely depend on software optimization, so real-world results may vary. Both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Oppo A97's Mediatek Dimensity 810 is the clear winner here. Its 6nm process and more powerful CPU cores provide a significant performance advantage over the A74's Snapdragon 662. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A97.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. The A74 boasts 33W fast charging and claims 54% charge in 30 minutes, while the A97 also has 33W charging. While charging speeds are the same, the A74's claim suggests potentially slightly better charging efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A97 is ideal for users prioritizing performance for gaming and multitasking. The Oppo A74 is a good choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver with decent battery life and a focus on camera features, especially if charging speed is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A97 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset.
❓ Does the Oppo A74 have faster charging?
While both have 33W charging, the Oppo A74 claims to reach 54% charge in 30 minutes, suggesting slightly better charging efficiency.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
It's difficult to say definitively. Both have similar camera setups, and the final image quality will depend on software optimization. Check recent reviews for comparisons.
❓ Which phone is more readily available?
The Oppo A74 is generally more widely available than the Oppo A97.
