The Oppo A series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the newer Oppo A98 and the older Oppo A9 (2020). Which phone offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A98 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, vastly superior charging speeds, and a more modern chipset. While the A9 (2020) impresses with its exceptional battery life, the A98's overall performance and features make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 09 | 2019, September 10. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 163.6 x 75.6 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, ColorOS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, 34mm (microscope)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF, Laser AF
12 MP B/W, f/2.0, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF, Laser AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Black, Dreamy Blue | Marine Green, Space Purple, Vanilla Mint |
| Models | CPH2529 | CPH1937, CPH1939, CPH1941 |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.45 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 69h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 86dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 209779 (v7)
GeekBench: 6629 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A98
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- 67W Fast Charging
- Modern Chipset (6nm)
- Likely Improved Display
- Likely Improved Camera
- Battery life may not match A9 (2020)
- Potentially higher price
Oppo A9 (2020)
- Exceptional Battery Life (69h Endurance)
- Affordable Price
- Decent Camera for Basic Use
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 665)
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Outdated Chipset
- Lower Quality Display
Display Comparison
The Oppo A98 likely features a more modern display with a higher refresh rate (potentially 90Hz or 120Hz) and improved color accuracy compared to the A9 (2020)'s standard LCD. The A98's display is also likely brighter, offering better outdoor visibility. The A9 (2020) has a decent display for its price, but it lacks the advancements found in the A98.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing for the A98, it's reasonable to assume it features improvements in image processing and sensor technology compared to the A9 (2020). The A98 likely offers better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The A9 (2020) provides a decent camera experience for basic photography.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Oppo A98 provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 665 in the Oppo A9 (2020). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A98. The A98's 6nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Oppo A9 (2020) shines in this category, boasting an incredible endurance rating of 69 hours. However, the Oppo A98's 67W fast charging significantly mitigates any battery life disadvantage, allowing for rapid top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Oppo A98 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a more modern smartphone experience. The Oppo A9 (2020) is a good option for those solely focused on maximizing battery life and are on a very tight budget, accepting compromises in other areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A98 worth the extra money compared to the Oppo A9 (2020)?
Yes, the A98's performance and charging speed improvements justify the higher price for most users. The A9 (2020) remains a viable option if battery life is your absolute top priority and you're on a very strict budget.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Oppo A98?
The Snapdragon 695 5G is capable of handling most popular mobile games at medium settings. You can expect smoother gameplay and fewer stutters compared to the A9 (2020).
