Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Oppo A97 and A98 are two recent contenders, each offering a compelling package. But which one is the better choice for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A98 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, improved chipset, and potentially better camera capabilities. While the A97 remains a solid budget option, the A98's upgrades justify its slightly higher price point for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 12 | 2023, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 15 | Available. Released 2023, May 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, 34mm (microscope)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 12 MP | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Cool Black, Dreamy Blue |
| Models | PFTM10 | CPH2529 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Oppo A97
- More affordable
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially inferior camera
Oppo A98
- Faster 67W charging
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- Potentially better camera
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly more expensive
- May have slightly less RAM in some configurations
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely an LCD) with comparable resolutions (likely FHD+). However, the A98 might have a slightly brighter display or improved color accuracy. We'll need to confirm specific panel details for a definitive comparison.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system (likely a 50MP main sensor), the A98's Snapdragon 695 chipset often pairs with better image signal processors (ISP), potentially resulting in improved image quality, especially in low light. The A98 may also offer additional camera features or modes.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the A98 offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Dimensity 810 in the A97. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A98. The Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon also provides better graphics capabilities.
Battery Life
The A98's 67W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the A97's 33W. Expect significantly faster charging times on the A98, allowing you to quickly top up the battery throughout the day. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so overall battery life should be comparable between the two.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A97? Users prioritizing a slightly lower price point and basic performance for everyday tasks like social media and browsing. Who should buy the Oppo A98? Those seeking faster charging, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a potentially better camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A98 worth the extra money compared to the A97?
Yes, if you value faster charging, smoother performance, and potentially better camera quality. The A98's upgrades make it a more compelling choice for most users.
❓ Does the Oppo A98 support 5G?
Yes, the Oppo A98 utilizes the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, providing 5G connectivity.