The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with brands like Umidigi and Oppo vying for attention. We're pitting the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021, a value-focused device, against the Oppo A55s, which brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A55s is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset delivers a substantially faster and more responsive experience than the Umidigi A9 Pro’s Helio P60. While both offer 10W charging, the A55s’ improved efficiency and performance make it the better all-around device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2022, April 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", AF
16 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 4150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Forest Green | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2309 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Umidigi A9 Pro 2021
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Potentially larger battery capacity (spec not confirmed).
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Outdated Helio P60 chipset struggles with demanding tasks.
- Limited gaming performance.
- Slower app loading times and UI responsiveness.
Oppo A55s
- Significantly faster Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Improved gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Higher price compared to the Umidigi A9 Pro.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- May have a smaller battery capacity than the A9 Pro.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the focus here isn't display quality, but the chipset's ability to drive it efficiently. The A55s’ Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, will handle graphics rendering and UI animations with less strain, potentially resulting in a smoother visual experience even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar (specs not provided).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Dimensity 700’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio P60’s, enabling faster image capture, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the A55s will likely produce more detailed and visually appealing photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A55s’ Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Umidigi A9 Pro’s Helio P60 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 features newer Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the A9 Pro’s Cortex-A73 cores (4x2.0 GHz). This architectural improvement, coupled with the smaller 7nm fabrication process, translates to approximately 30-40% better CPU performance and a substantial boost in GPU capabilities. Users who play mobile games or multitask frequently will see a dramatic difference with the A55s. The Helio P60, while capable for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning neither will charge particularly quickly. The efficiency of the Dimensity 700 (7nm) in the Oppo A55s will likely result in better battery life despite potentially having a similar or even slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the Umidigi A9 Pro. The 7nm process consumes less power under load, extending usage time between charges. While 0-100% charge times will be comparable (likely over 2 hours), the A55s will likely deliver more screen-on time for a given charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Oppo A55s if you want a smoother, more future-proof experience with 5G connectivity, better gaming performance, and a more responsive user interface, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A55s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Oppo A55s is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a playable frame rate. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Helio P60 in the Umidigi A9 Pro, which would likely struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Oppo A55s actually useful if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Oppo A55s’ 5G modem offers future-proofing. As 5G networks expand, you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. Additionally, the modem often includes improvements in 4G connectivity as well, potentially resulting in better performance even on existing networks.
❓ How much faster will app loading times be on the Oppo A55s compared to the Umidigi A9 Pro?
Expect app loading times on the Oppo A55s to be noticeably faster – potentially 30-50% quicker for many applications. This is due to the Dimensity 700’s more powerful CPU and faster storage interface, resulting in a more responsive overall user experience.
