The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme C31 and the Oppo A16. But which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A16 edges out the Realme C31 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better software optimization. While both are budget options, the A16 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more reliable performance. However, the C31 might appeal to those prioritizing a larger screen.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 25 | 2021, July 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2021, July 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Silver, Dark Green | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | RMX3501 | CPH2269 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Realme C31
- Larger display
- Slightly more affordable
- Stylish design
- Weaker processor
- Slower charging
- Less optimized software
Oppo A16
- Better performance
- More reliable software
- Slightly better battery life
- Smaller display
- Similar camera performance
- 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.52-inch display, but the Realme C31 boasts a slightly higher resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) compared to the Oppo A16 (720 x 1600 pixels). While the difference is minimal, the C31's slightly larger screen might offer a marginally better viewing experience. Both use IPS LCD panels, so expect decent color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A16 features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) while the Realme C31 has a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP black and white + 2MP macro). Image quality is comparable, with both phones producing decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices. The front-facing cameras are both 5MP.
Performance
The Oppo A16's MediaTek Helio G35 chipset holds a slight advantage over the Realme C31's Unisoc Tiger T612. The Helio G35 generally offers better performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. The C31's chipset is adequate for basic usage, but may struggle with more demanding applications. Both phones have 3GB/4GB/6GB RAM options.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Oppo A16's more efficient processor and software optimization likely result in slightly better battery endurance. Both support 10W charging, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and those on a very tight budget. The Oppo A16 is better suited for users who need a more responsive and reliable daily driver, even if it means a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A16 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Oppo generally provides slightly better software support and updates compared to Realme, although both are improving.
