The new OPPO A78 5G vs A77 5G: why should I upgrade?
We compared the new budget entrants in this review. Let's find out how they fare against each other.
In the fast-paced world of strong budget smartphones, the OPPO A77 and A78 have emerged as contenders vying for your attention. The OPPO A77, launched in June 2022, made its mark with a blend of performance and affordability. Not far behind, the OPPO A78 was introduced in January 2023, bringing its own set of enhancements to the table.
Both models have seen widespread availability across Africa and Asia, with the A77 making its presence felt in markets like South Africa and Kenya, while the A78 has been spotted on shelves in similar regions, ensuring that consumers have access to the latest technology.
When it comes to pricing, the A77 and A78 ranges from approximately $106 to $150, depending on the market. These price points cap the options, offering a spectrum of choices to budget-conscious users.
So, which phone should you buy or ditch? The answer lies in this 5-minute comparison of the OPPO A78 vs A77, where we’ll dive into their features, performance, and value for money, helping you make an informed decision.
Keep reading!
See Also: OPPO A58 Full Review: Specs, Pricing and Where to buy
Design (A78 vs A77)
Both the OPPO A77 and A78 offer a sleek design with dust and splash resistance for some protection against the elements. However, the A78 stands out with a noticeably lighter weight, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for long periods. It also boasts a slightly modern look, with a refined rear camera design compared to the A77.
If colour is essential for you, the A77 offers Black and Ocean Blue options, while the A78 comes in Black and Purple.
Bottom Line: While both phones are stylish, the A78's lighter weight and updated looks make it the more appealing choice from a design standpoint.
Display (A78 vs A77)
The Chinese phone maker kept the display specs very similar between the A77 and A78. Both feature curved screens for an immersive feel and less eye strain, a water drop notch design (slightly thicker bezels), and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and video.
OPPO started including curved screens in their mid-range phones which is designed to better fill a user's field of vision, giving the viewer a sense of being immersed in the image. The key difference is the A78's addition of Panda Glass protection, an eco-friendly and durable alternative to traditional Gorilla Glass.
Bottom Line: While neither display is groundbreaking, the OPPO A78's Panda Glass makes it the marginally better choice.
Camera (A78 vs A77)
Both the Oppo A77 (48MP main, 2MP depth) and its successor the A78 (50MP main, 2MP depth) offer solid camera performance for their under $300 price point, the A78 pulls ahead in a few key areas. Both deliver crisp daytime shots, but low-light images from the A77 can appear overexposed. The A78's 50MP sensor captures more detail, giving it a slight edge.
While both share an 8MP front-facing camera that struggles a bit in low light, the A78 features a CMOS sensor for lower power consumption and better image quality.
Bottom Line: While both cameras perform well for the price, the A78's slightly improved sensor quality and CMOS sensor give it a slight edge over the OPPO A77.
Performance and Hardware (A78 vs A77)
Both the OPPO A77 and A78 feature energy-efficient DDR memory found in higher-end phones, a positive for both devices. However, the A77's MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm) chipset outperforms the A78 thanks to its higher clock speed and smaller 6nm manufacturing process. This means the A77 will handle everyday tasks more smoothly and even manages some gaming.
The A78 counters with up to 8GB of expandable RAM, which helps keep more apps open without slowing down. On the audio front, the A77 has a slight advantage supporting the aptX HD Bluetooth codec for higher-quality sound.
While both phones currently ship with Android 12, the A77 likely has an edge in long-term support as OPPO promises two years of security updates. Thankfully, Android 12 lets you offload bloatware on either phone to save storage space.
Bottom Line: The A78's expandable RAM is a nice touch, but the A77's superior chipset and potential for longer software support make it the overall winner in this category.
Battery (A77 vs A78)
Both devices boast a robust 5000mAh battery capacity, which is designed to last through more than a full day’s use, with an impressive 27+ hour battery life. This endurance is complemented by the inclusion of a 33W charger in the box, which ensures quick recharging times, minimizing downtime and enhancing convenience.
Both the A77 5G and A78 5G support USB-C v2.0 for on-the-go charging, providing flexibility and ease of use. This feature, along with the long battery life and fast charging capabilities, truly sets these models apart from their competitors and can be a significant factor for consumers who prioritize battery performance in their smartphone choice.
Whether you’re a heavy user or someone who prefers the assurance of a long-lasting battery, both the OPPO A77 5G and A78 5G are compelling options to consider.
Our Verdict (OPPO A77 vs OPPO A78)
Overall, the OPPO A78 5G is the better phone spec-wise. It offers small improvements in camera quality and the ability to expand its RAM for smoother multitasking.
The OPPO A77 5G is still a great choice if you're on a strict budget or mostly use your phone for basic tasks.
However, if you're drawn to upgrade bias and all that, the OPPO A78 5G brings a few incremental improvements and the decision ultimately comes down to whether the OPPO A78 5G's minor upgrades are worth the extra cost to you.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for the OPPO A77 5G and A78 5G vary across Africa and Asia due to taxes and exchange rates. Below is a quick guide for select countries – remember to always check in with local retailers the most up-to-date pricing or visit the nearest OPPO showrooms for availability:
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