The Wiko Y81 and Oppo A17k represent the ultra-budget end of the Android smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a key difference lies under the hood: the Oppo A17k boasts a more modern and powerful chipset, the MediaTek Helio G35, while the Wiko Y81 relies on the older Helio A20. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable, albeit basic, smartphone experience, the Oppo A17k is the superior choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Wiko Y81’s quad-core Helio A20, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 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 | 2020, August 18. Released 2020, August 18 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.22 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~79.8% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 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, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Blue, Gold, Green | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.61 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Y81
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance with Helio A20
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Oppo A17k
- Faster performance with Helio G35
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better for light gaming
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly higher price than Wiko Y81
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera performance remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to feature a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, and detailed specifications like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. However, the focus should be on usability, and a smoother experience driven by the chipset will make even a basic display more enjoyable on the Oppo A17k. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance will be limited on both devices. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing capabilities, which are tied to the chipset, are more crucial. The Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k will likely offer slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photo quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both to struggle with low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A17k’s MediaTek Helio G35 is an octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), while the Wiko Y81 utilizes the MediaTek MT6761D Helio A20, a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This means the A17k has double the processing cores, and a higher clock speed on its performance cores. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the G35 is substantial. The A20 is geared towards extremely basic tasks, while the G35 can handle light gaming and more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k is slightly more power-efficient than the Helio A20, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with basic 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Y81 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the Oppo A17k if you value a more fluid user experience, occasionally play mobile games, or frequently switch between apps. The extra processing power of the Helio G35 makes a tangible difference in everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A17k be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 can handle some light gaming, PUBG Mobile will likely only be playable at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in intense scenes. It's not designed for demanding games.
❓ Is the Wiko Y81 a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly user?
The Wiko Y81's simplicity and low price make it a viable option for a first smartphone for an elderly user, *provided* their needs are extremely basic (calls, texts, simple photos). However, the slow performance might be frustrating if they attempt to use more complex apps.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both devices likely come with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both the Wiko Y81 and Oppo A17k typically include a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage up to 256GB or even 512GB, depending on the card.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. This helps to ensure a smoother experience on these budget smartphones, but it also means some features found in the full Android version may be missing.
