The Umidigi A11S and Oppo A16e represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset architecture and core counts. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multi-tasking and smoother app switching, the Umidigi A11S edges out the Oppo A16e. Its Unisoc Tiger T310, featuring a Cortex-A75 core, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo’s all-Cortex-A53 Helio P22, despite the latter having more cores. Both offer similar battery and charging capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 225 g (7.94 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Frost Grey | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | CPH2421 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Umidigi A11S
- More responsive CPU due to Cortex-A75 core
- Potentially better multi-tasking performance
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Fewer CPU cores than Oppo A16e
- Brand recognition is lower than Oppo
Oppo A16e
- Octa-core CPU may handle simple parallel tasks well
- Established brand reputation
- Potentially wider availability
- Less powerful CPU architecture (all Cortex-A53)
- Slower app launch times
- Potentially less smooth UI experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The focus here is on functionality over fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and largely dependent on software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors of limited utility). Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and softness in low light. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but this data is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi A11S’s Unisoc Tiger T310 employs a quad-core configuration with a single high-performance Cortex-A75 core clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with three Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This 'big.LITTLE' architecture prioritizes responsiveness for demanding tasks. Conversely, the Oppo A16e’s MediaTek Helio P22 utilizes an octa-core setup of Cortex-A53 cores, all clocked at 2.0 GHz. While more cores *can* be beneficial, the A53 architecture is less efficient and offers lower single-core performance than the A75. This translates to a snappier experience on the Umidigi A11S for app launches and UI navigation. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency characteristics.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi A11S and Oppo A16e feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target price point, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The slightly more efficient Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Umidigi A11S *could* translate to marginally longer battery life, but real-world usage will be the deciding factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A11S if you frequently switch between apps, enjoy light gaming, or need a phone that feels more responsive in everyday tasks. The Cortex-A75 core provides a tangible benefit in these scenarios. Buy the Oppo A16e if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially more established brand reputation within the budget segment. The A16e’s octa-core configuration might offer slightly better sustained performance in *very* simple, parallel tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the Oppo A16e struggle with modern app bloat?
The Helio P22, while capable, is showing its age. Modern apps are increasingly demanding, and the all-Cortex-A53 configuration may exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple applications simultaneously. The Umidigi A11S’s Cortex-A75 core offers a significant advantage in handling this workload.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference between the Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A53 cores is quite noticeable. The A75 core in the Umidigi A11S provides a snappier response when launching apps, scrolling through the UI, and performing general tasks. The Oppo A16e will feel adequate for basic use, but less fluid overall.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at higher settings. You'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience. The Umidigi A11S might offer slightly better frame rates due to its more powerful CPU, but don't expect a flagship gaming experience.
