The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Sony Xperia L1, known for its impressive contrast ratio, and the Oppo A17k, boasting a more modern chipset. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A17k edges out the Xperia L1 thanks to its newer, more efficient chipset and octa-core processor. While the Xperia L1 shines with its exceptional sunlight display contrast, the A17k provides a smoother overall experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, March. Released 2017, June | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 151 x 74 x 8.7 mm (5.94 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass (> 6H) | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.45 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737T (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 63 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 639 h (2G) / Up to 687 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2620 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Pink | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | G3312, G3311, G3313 | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -93.8dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 63h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 957:1 (nominal), 2.994 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 91dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 83dB
| - |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 1890 (v4.4) | - |
Sony Xperia L1
- Exceptional sunlight display contrast
- Impressive battery life (63h endurance)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Outdated chipset
- Limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
Oppo A17k
- More modern chipset (Helio G35)
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Likely improved software optimization
- Display contrast not as impressive as Xperia L1
- Camera details are limited
- May lack premium features
Display Comparison
The Xperia L1 boasts a remarkable contrast ratio of 957:1 (nominal) and an astonishing 2.994 in direct sunlight, making it exceptionally readable outdoors. The Oppo A17k likely has a standard IPS LCD display, but lacks specific contrast ratio data. While the A17k's display is adequate, the Xperia L1's sunlight performance is a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited for both devices. The Xperia L1 likely features a standard camera setup for its time, while the Oppo A17k probably includes a basic main camera and potentially a depth sensor. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the A17k's newer image processing might offer slightly better results.
Performance
Here, the Oppo A17k takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset with an octa-core processor offers a noticeable performance boost over the Xperia L1's older, quad-core MT6737T. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness on the A17k.
Battery Life
The Xperia L1's endurance rating of 63h is impressive, suggesting excellent battery life. The Oppo A17k, while not having a specific endurance rating, likely offers a competitive battery life thanks to its more efficient chipset and optimized software.
Buying Guide
The Sony Xperia L1 is a good choice for users prioritizing a vibrant display, especially in bright sunlight, and who don't need intense processing power. The Oppo A17k is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and modern smartphone experience with better performance for multitasking and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia L1 still worth buying in 2024?
The Xperia L1 is a very old device. While its display is a highlight, its outdated chipset makes it less appealing compared to newer budget options like the Oppo A17k.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A17k is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful octa-core processor and newer chipset.
