Looking for a budget-friendly Oppo smartphone? The R7 Lite and A37 were popular choices, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo R7 Lite clearly takes the lead. Its Octa-core processor and faster charging offer a significantly smoother experience and quicker power-ups compared to the A37's Quad-core chip. While both are budget options, the R7 Lite provides better overall performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global, Philippines | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40 - Philippines | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, September. Released 2015, October | 2016, June 20. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 143 x 71 x 6.3 mm (5.63 x 2.80 x 0.25 in) | 143.1 x 71 x 7.7 mm (5.63 x 2.80 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 147 g (5.19 oz) | 136 g (4.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), ColorOS 2.1 | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), ColorOS 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Schneider-Kreuznach optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
QVGA | - |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0" |
| Video | | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, 75% in 30 min | - |
| Type | Li-Po 2320 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2630 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Golden, Silver | Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | R7kf | A37f, A37fw, A37m |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo R7 lite
- Faster Octa-core processor
- 20W Fast Charging
- Likely better camera quality
- Slightly more premium design
- May be slightly more expensive than the A37
- Older model - software updates may be limited
Oppo A37
- More affordable
- Compact size
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Slower Quad-core processor
- Standard charging speed
- Lower camera quality
- Less RAM and storage
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1280 x 720 (HD). The R7 Lite might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially higher quality panel, but both offer a similar viewing experience for everyday use. Expect decent, but not exceptional, visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo R7 Lite likely boasts a better camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor (estimated 13MP vs A37's likely 8MP) and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the R7 Lite. Both likely feature a front-facing camera for selfies, but the R7 Lite's might offer slightly better quality.
Performance
This is where the R7 Lite shines. Its Octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor is considerably more powerful than the A37's Quad-core Snapdragon 410. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the R7 Lite. The A37 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Oppo R7 Lite has a clear advantage with its 20W fast charging. It can reach 75% charge in just 30 minutes, a significant improvement over the A37's standard charging speed. Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 2300-2500mAh, so battery life will be comparable under moderate usage, but the R7 Lite's fast charging makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo R7 Lite? Users prioritizing performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel. Who should buy the Oppo A37? Those on an extremely tight budget who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light usage, and are willing to compromise on speed and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo R7 Lite still worth buying?
While an older model, the R7 Lite's performance advantage and fast charging still make it a worthwhile option if you can find one at a good price. Just be aware that software updates may be limited.
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 615 and 410?
The Snapdragon 615 is a significantly more powerful processor with eight cores, offering better performance for multitasking and demanding apps compared to the Snapdragon 410's four cores.
