Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Oppo A97 and A96 are two recent contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A96 edges out the A97 thanks to its faster charging, slightly better camera performance, and overall more refined software experience. While the A97 boasts a more powerful chipset, the A96's practical advantages make it the more compelling package 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, 34, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 12 | 2022, March 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 12 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| 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 HD |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, PD, 50% in 26 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Starry Black, Sunset Blue |
| Models | PFTM10 | CPH2333 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 560 EUR |
Oppo A97
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Modern design
- Slower charging
- Less refined camera software
- Potentially less optimized software
Oppo A96
- Faster charging (33W PD, Reverse Wired)
- Slightly better camera quality
- More polished software experience
- Better color accuracy on display
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Slightly less impressive gaming performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.56-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. However, the A96 often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness reported by users. The A97's display is generally considered adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A96 generally delivers slightly better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Its camera software is also considered more polished. While both phones offer a similar camera setup (main, depth, macro), the A96's image processing tends to be more consistent. The A97's camera is decent but can struggle in low light.
Performance
The Oppo A97's Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 680 in the A96, particularly in gaming. Expect smoother frame rates and faster app loading times on the A97. However, real-world performance differences may not be drastic for casual users.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the A96's 33W charging with PD and reverse wired charging gives it a significant advantage, allowing for much faster charging times (50% in 26 minutes) and the ability to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A97 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Oppo A96 is a better fit for everyday users who value fast charging, a reliable camera, and a smoother user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A97 good for gaming?
The Oppo A97's Dimensity 810 chipset offers better gaming performance than the A96, but don't expect flagship-level gaming experiences. It can handle most popular games at medium settings.
❓ Which Oppo phone has faster charging?
The Oppo A96 has significantly faster charging thanks to its 33W PD charging and reverse wired charging capabilities. The A97 only supports 33W wired charging.
