The Ulefone Note 7 and Oppo A17k represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. The Note 7, while older, offers a baseline level of functionality, while the A17k aims to provide a more modern experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A17k is the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a substantial performance uplift over the Ulefone Note 7’s older 28nm MT6580. While neither phone excels in any single area, the A17k offers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.5 g (6.28 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 374 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Twilight | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | Q345 | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
Ulefone Note 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward interface
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Less efficient power consumption
Oppo A17k
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More modern chipset (Helio G35)
- Improved power efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing, but both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The A17k’s more capable chipset will contribute to a more responsive touch experience, even if the panel itself is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – underwhelming. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. The A17k’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G35 chipset *may* offer slightly better image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results from either.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Ulefone Note 7’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor built on a 28nm node, is demonstrably slower than the Oppo A17k’s Mediatek Helio G35. The Helio G35 features an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) and is fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a generally more responsive user interface on the A17k. The A17k’s architecture, while still entry-level, is significantly more modern, offering a better long-term experience.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Oppo A17k’s 12nm Helio G35 is more power-efficient than the Ulefone Note 7’s 28nm MT6580, potentially leading to longer battery life under similar workloads. Charging wattage is also unspecified, but both are likely to support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise significantly on performance. It's suitable for very basic use cases like calls and light messaging. Buy the Oppo A17k if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a device that feels less sluggish in 2024. The A17k is the better option for those who occasionally browse the web or use social media apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A17k be able to handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
Yes, the Helio G35 chipset in the Oppo A17k is significantly more capable than the MT6580 in the Ulefone Note 7. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it should handle Facebook, Instagram, and similar apps with acceptable performance, minimizing frustrating lag.
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 7 still a viable option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication – calls and texts – the Ulefone Note 7 is still functional. However, even these tasks will feel slower and less responsive compared to the Oppo A17k. If you can afford the slight price increase, the A17k provides a more pleasant overall experience, even for simple use cases.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither phone is well-suited for modern, demanding games. While PUBG Mobile might be playable on the Oppo A17k at the lowest settings and frame rates, expect significant lag and a poor gaming experience. The Ulefone Note 7 will struggle even more. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ What kind of storage options are typically available for these devices, and can it be expanded?
Both phones likely come with limited internal storage (around 32GB or 64GB). Fortunately, both typically support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. Check the specific model specifications to confirm the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
