The Xiaomi Poco C3 and Oppo A15s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both phones rely on Mediatek's Helio series of chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and features can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance for basic tasks and potential for light gaming, the Xiaomi Poco C3 emerges as the winner. Its Helio G35 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a marginal performance edge over the Oppo A15s' Helio P35, making it more responsive for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 06 | 2020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 16 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 102.1 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Blue, Lime Green, Matte Black | Dynamic Black, Fancy White |
| Models | M2006C3MII, MZB07RIIN, MZB07RJIN, MZB07QAIN, MZB07RLIN, MZB07RKIN, MZB07RHIN | CPH2179 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C3
- Slightly better processor (Helio G35) for smoother multitasking.
- Potential for marginally better gaming performance.
- Often available at a lower price point.
- Software experience may be less refined than Oppo's ColorOS.
- Build quality may feel less premium.
Oppo A15s
- Oppo's ColorOS offers a cleaner and more user-friendly interface.
- Potentially more polished design and build quality.
- Reliable software updates (typically).
- Helio P35 chipset offers slightly lower performance.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco C3.
Display Comparison
Neither the Poco C3 nor the Oppo A15s boast impressive displays. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but we can assume both offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic readability and durability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Both are likely to feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. Given the market segment, the primary sensors are likely to be 13MP or lower. The Oppo A15s may benefit from Oppo’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering slightly more refined photos. However, the 2MP macro sensors found on many phones in this class are generally of limited utility, offering low resolution and poor detail. Focusing on the primary sensor's performance in good lighting conditions is key.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Poco C3 utilizes the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35, while the Oppo A15s features the MT6765 Helio P35. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the G35, and 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the P35). The G35's slightly higher clock speed on the performance cores, coupled with its 'G' designation hinting at gaming optimizations, suggests a small advantage in graphics performance. However, both chips will struggle with graphically intensive games beyond low settings. RAM configurations are crucial, but unspecified; more RAM will benefit both devices.
Battery Life
Both the Poco C3 and Oppo A15s are equipped with 10W wired charging. Battery capacity is unspecified, but typical for this segment is around 4000-5000mAh. With 10W charging, a full charge will take approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use (calls, messaging, light browsing). The lack of fast charging is a common compromise at this price point.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C3 if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps and occasional gaming, even at lower settings. Its marginally faster processor provides a smoother experience for multitasking and content consumption. Buy the Oppo A15s if you prioritize a clean, streamlined software experience and a potentially more polished aesthetic, accepting a slight performance trade-off. Both phones are excellent choices for basic communication and media playback.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C3 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Poco C3 can run PUBG Mobile, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Helio G35 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and you'll likely experience stuttering and lag at higher settings. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles.
❓ Does the Oppo A15s have a dark mode to save battery?
Yes, the Oppo A15s, running ColorOS, includes a dark mode. Enabling dark mode can reduce battery consumption, especially on the LCD display, by reducing the amount of power needed to illuminate white pixels. This is a useful feature for extending battery life throughout the day.
❓ Is the storage on either phone expandable with a microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, both the Poco C3 and Oppo A15s are highly likely to include a dedicated microSD card slot. This is a common feature in budget smartphones, allowing users to expand storage capacity for photos, videos, and other files. Check the product listing for the maximum supported microSD card size.
