Released in 2013 and 2014 respectively, the Oppo Find 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 mini represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Find 5 aimed for a near-flagship experience at a competitive price, while the S4 mini focused on Samsung’s brand recognition and a more compact form factor. Today, we revisit these devices to determine which holds up better, considering their original context and current usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit aging, smartphone, the Oppo Find 5 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 410 in the S4 mini, making it more capable for modern app usage and light multitasking. While both phones are showing their age, the Find 5’s superior processing power provides a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, December. Released 2013, February | 2015, June. Released 2015, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.8 x 68.8 x 8.9 mm (5.58 x 2.71 x 0.35 in) | 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm (4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | To be confirmed |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.9 MP | 1.9 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 55 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 200 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | White Frost, Black Mist |
| Models | - | GT-I9195, GT-I9195L |
| Price | About 540 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
Oppo Find 5
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon S4 Pro)
- Likely superior display quality (higher contrast ratio)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Older device, potential battery degradation
- May be larger and less pocketable than the S4 mini
Samsung Galaxy S4 mini I9195I
- More compact form factor
- Potentially slightly better battery endurance under light use
- Samsung brand recognition
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 410)
- Likely inferior display quality
- Limited performance for modern apps
Display Comparison
The Oppo Find 5 boasts a contrast ratio of 1107 (nominal) and 2.088:1 in sunlight, suggesting a more vibrant and readable display, particularly outdoors. While specific nit brightness figures are unavailable, the higher contrast ratio indicates better black levels and overall image quality compared to the S4 mini, which lacks detailed display specifications. The S4 mini’s smaller screen size (likely around 4.3 inches, based on the 'mini' designation) will appeal to those prioritizing pocketability, but at the cost of viewing comfort and detail. The Find 5’s larger display, while not specified in size, offers a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature cameras, but detailed specifications are limited. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the Find 5’s positioning as a more premium device, it likely incorporates a superior camera module. The S4 mini’s camera is likely focused on basic image capture, while the Find 5 may offer better low-light performance and image detail. The presence of 'Photo / Video' capabilities on the Find 5 suggests a more versatile camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Find 5’s Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro, with its quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU, represents a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini’s Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53). The S4 Pro utilizes a more advanced CPU architecture (Krait vs Cortex-A53) and a 28nm process, resulting in superior processing power and efficiency. The Snapdragon 410, built on a 28nm node, is designed for entry-level smartphones and will struggle with demanding tasks. This translates to noticeably slower app loading times, less fluid multitasking, and a less responsive overall experience on the S4 mini.
Battery Life
The Oppo Find 5 has an endurance rating of 43 hours, indicating respectable battery life for its time. The S4 mini’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less powerful chipset and smaller display likely contribute to comparable, if not slightly better, battery endurance in ideal conditions. However, the S4 Pro’s higher performance demands will drain the Find 5’s battery faster under heavy use. The Find 5’s battery life is more likely to be impacted by age and battery degradation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Find 5 if you prioritize performance and a more responsive user experience, even if it means accepting an older device. It’s ideal for users who want to run basic apps, browse the web, and enjoy media consumption without significant lag. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini I9195I if you specifically need a very compact device and are willing to compromise on performance. It’s best suited for users with minimal smartphone needs, such as basic calling and texting.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo Find 5 be able to run modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook smoothly?
While the Snapdragon S4 Pro is significantly better than the Snapdragon 410, it's still an older processor. Basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook should function adequately, but expect some lag and slower loading times. More demanding apps may struggle or be unusable.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the S4 mini is a viable option for basic communication. Its Snapdragon 410 chipset is sufficient for calls and texts, and its compact size makes it easy to carry. However, be aware that even simple tasks may feel slower compared to modern smartphones.
❓ How likely is it that the battery on either of these phones will need replacing?
Given their age (over 10 years), both phones are highly likely to have degraded battery life. Expect significantly reduced battery capacity and potentially shorter overall lifespan. Replacing the battery is a viable option, but finding replacement parts may be challenging.
