The smartphone landscape is constantly evolving, and choosing the right device can be overwhelming. Today, we pit a seasoned contender, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016), against a modern budget option, the Oppo A1k. Let's see how these phones stack up.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) boasts a significantly more powerful processor and a higher-resolution display. However, the Oppo A1k offers a more modern design, potentially better battery life, and a lower price point. For raw performance, the A8 wins, but budget-conscious users might prefer the A1k.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38 - Taiwan | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - UAE | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, October | 2019, April. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.6 x 76.8 x 7.2 mm (6.17 x 3.02 x 0.28 in) | 154.5 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (6.08 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T760MP8 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.9 | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (market dependant) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 44 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Silver, Gold | Black, Red |
| Models | SM-A8100, SM-A810F, SM-A810F, SM-A810YZ, SM-A810S | CPH1923 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.13 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)
- Superior Performance
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- Premium Build Quality
- Better Camera
- Older Device
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Higher Price (used market)
Oppo A1k
- Affordable Price
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Modern Design
- Lower Performance
- Less Vibrant Display
- Basic Camera
- HD+ Resolution
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A8 (2016) features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The Oppo A1k has a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ (1560 x 720) resolution. While the A1k's screen is larger, the A8's AMOLED technology provides a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A8 (2016) has a 16MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The Oppo A1k features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the A8's image processing and front camera are generally considered superior, offering better low-light performance and more natural-looking selfies.
Performance
Here's where the A8 (2016) truly shines. Its Exynos 7420 chipset with a combination of Cortex-A57 and A53 cores delivers noticeably faster performance than the Oppo A1k's MediaTek Helio P22. Expect smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times on the A8.
Battery Life
The Oppo A1k likely has a slight edge in battery life due to its more efficient chipset and potentially larger battery capacity (around 4000mAh, estimated). The Galaxy A8 (2016) has a 3000mAh battery, which may struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a premium feel, even if it's an older device. The Oppo A1k is perfect for first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable, affordable device for basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) still worth buying?
If you prioritize performance and a good display and can find it at a reasonable price on the used market, it's still a decent option. However, consider its age and potential software update limitations.
❓ What is the Oppo A1k best suited for?
The Oppo A1k is ideal for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, and social media. It's a great entry-level smartphone for those on a tight budget.
