The Ulefone Note 8 and Oppo A17k represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Ulefone Note 8 relies on an older, but proven, Mediatek MT6580 chipset, while the Oppo A17k opts for the newer, though still entry-level, Mediatek Helio G35. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality like calls, messaging, and light social media, the Oppo A17k is the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers significantly improved performance and responsiveness compared to the Ulefone Note 8’s aging MT6580. While the Ulefone Note 8 may be cheaper, the performance gains of the A17k justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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 | 2020, August 28. Released 2020, August 28 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 66.5 x 12 mm (5.58 x 2.62 x 0.47 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~78.7% 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 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.8
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Amber Sunrise, Midnight Green | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Ulefone Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Poor multitasking capabilities
Oppo A17k
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Better gaming capabilities (basic games)
- Slightly higher price
- Still an entry-level device
- Camera performance likely limited
Display Comparison
Neither Ulefone nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power driving them. The Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k will provide a smoother scrolling experience and faster app loading times, indirectly improving the perceived quality of the display. The Ulefone Note 8, hampered by its slower processor, will exhibit noticeable lag when navigating the UI, impacting the visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G35 chipset of the Oppo A17k will likely result in better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Ulefone Note 8’s older ISP will struggle to process images effectively, leading to more noise and less detail. It's safe to assume both phones will have limited low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Ulefone Note 8’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor built on a 28nm process, is significantly outdated. The Oppo A17k’s Helio G35 boasts an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) and is fabricated on a more efficient 12nm node. This translates to roughly 50-70% faster CPU performance for the A17k, and a more capable GPU for handling basic games. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the lower power consumption of the Helio G35, the Oppo A17k is likely to offer comparable or even better battery life than the Ulefone Note 8, even with a similar capacity battery. The 12nm process contributes to improved power efficiency, allowing the A17k to extract more usage from each charge. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the A17k’s more modern chipset may support faster charging protocols.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 8 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to essential tasks like making calls and sending texts. It's a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Oppo A17k if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a phone that feels less likely to struggle with modern apps. The A17k offers a better long-term user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A17k be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k is sufficiently powerful to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and enjoyable experience for casual social media browsing. The Ulefone Note 8 may struggle with these apps, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the MT6580 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The difference is very noticeable. The Helio G35’s octa-core architecture and more efficient manufacturing process result in significantly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Ulefone Note 8 will exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially when switching between apps or performing demanding tasks.
❓ Can the Oppo A17k handle any mobile games?
The Oppo A17k can handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without issue. However, it will struggle with more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, even on the lowest settings. The Ulefone Note 8 is even less capable of running modern mobile games.
