The Xiaomi Poco C40 and Oppo A17k represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall responsiveness and efficiency, the Oppo A17k is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Poco C40’s JLQ JR510, despite the Poco’s slightly higher clock speeds on some cores. While the Poco C40 offers 18W charging, the A17k’s more efficient chipset translates to better real-world battery endurance.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 06 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 17 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 9.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.36 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 | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Dust & splash resistant | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | JLQ JR510 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Coral Green, Poco Yellow | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | 220333QPG | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Xiaomi Poco C40
- Potentially faster peak CPU speeds on some cores.
- 18W wired charging offers quicker top-ups.
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Less efficient JLQ JR510 chipset.
- Less common chipset may lead to software optimization issues.
- Potentially lower sustained performance due to thermal throttling.
Oppo A17k
- More efficient MediaTek Helio G35 chipset.
- Better sustained performance and smoother user experience.
- Chipset from a well-established manufacturer.
- Likely better battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speeds.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco C40.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are not provided, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power saving over vibrant visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely a 2MP macro). Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over detail. The A17k’s Helio G35 ISP may offer slightly better image processing capabilities due to MediaTek’s more mature image signal processing technology, but the difference will be minimal. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A17k’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) benefits from a more refined manufacturing process than the Poco C40’s JLQ JR510 (11nm). While the Poco C40 features a higher peak clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the A17k), the Helio G35’s Cortex-A53 cores are generally more efficient than the A55 cores in the JR510. This translates to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling under load. The A17k’s architecture is better suited for handling everyday tasks and light multitasking. The Poco C40’s chipset is less common, potentially impacting software optimization and long-term support.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Oppo A17k’s more efficient Helio G35 chipset will undoubtedly result in longer battery life. While the Poco C40 offers 18W wired charging, the A17k’s lower power consumption means it will likely reach a full charge less frequently. The A17k’s efficiency is a significant advantage for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C40 if you absolutely need the fastest possible clock speeds on a few cores for very specific, lightweight tasks and prioritize slightly faster wired charging. Buy the Oppo A17k if you value a more consistently smooth user experience, better power efficiency for all-day use, and a chipset from a more established mobile processor manufacturer. The A17k is the safer bet for general usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C40’s JLQ JR510 chipset struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Poco C40 can run basic apps, the JLQ JR510’s limited processing power may result in noticeable lag and slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Oppo A17k’s Helio G35 will provide a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Oppo A17k a good choice for playing mobile games?
The Oppo A17k is suitable for very light gaming, such as casual puzzle games or older titles. However, it will struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Helio G35 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and frame rates will likely be low even on minimal settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
While the Poco C40 supports 18W charging, the A17k’s more efficient chipset means it will likely reach 100% in a comparable timeframe, despite potentially having a lower charging wattage. Both phones will take approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge from 0%.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Oppo generally provides more consistent software updates and support for its devices compared to Xiaomi’s sub-brands like Poco. The A17k is therefore more likely to receive security patches and minor software improvements over its lifespan.
