Oppo A98 vs Oppo A96: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Oppo's A-series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The A98 and A96 are two strong contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall appeal to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Oppo A98 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster 5G chipset, quicker charging, and generally improved performance. While the A96 offers a sleek design and decent battery life, the A98's upgrades make it the superior choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly 5G experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Oppo A98	Oppo A96

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 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
	-	IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance

Launch
Announced	2023, May 09	2022, March 16
Status	Available. Released 2023, May 19	Available. Released 2022, March 16

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 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	192 g (6.77 oz)	191 g (6.74 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Adreno 610
OS	Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14	Android 11, ColorOS 11.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP, f/3.3, 34mm (microscope) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Panorama	-
Single	32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)	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	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)	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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min	33W wired, PD, 50% in 26 min Reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Cool Black, Dreamy Blue	Starry Black, Sunset Blue
Models	CPH2529	CPH2333
Price	About 290 EUR	About 560 EUR

Oppo A98

Faster 5G Performance
67W Fast Charging
Improved Camera
Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
More Efficient Chipset

Potentially slightly less battery life than A96
Design might be less premium than A96

Oppo A96

Sleek Design
Decent Battery Life
Reverse Wired Charging

Slower 4G Performance
33W Charging is Slower
Less Powerful Chipset
Lower Refresh Rate Display (likely)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.56-inch display, likely with an FHD+ resolution. However, the A98 might have a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) compared to the A96 (likely 60Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Color accuracy and brightness are likely comparable, though specific panel types would need further testing.

Camera Comparison

The A98 is expected to have a 64MP main camera, potentially with improved image processing capabilities compared to the A96's 48MP main camera. Both likely feature ultrawide and macro lenses. Low-light performance and video recording quality are areas where the A98 should demonstrate an advantage.

Performance

The A98's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is a substantial upgrade over the A96's Snapdragon 680 4G. The 695 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, leading to smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. The A98's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

The A96 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh), but the A98's 67W fast charging significantly offsets this. The A98 can charge 50% in just 18 minutes, while the A96 takes around 26 minutes with its 33W charging. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the A98's charging speed provides a considerable convenience advantage.

Buying Guide

The Oppo A98 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and fast charging. It's a great option for those who enjoy gaming or multitasking. The Oppo A96 is better suited for users who value a stylish design, longer battery life (though charging is slower), and don't necessarily need 5G capabilities. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and media consumption.