1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo A54 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2024-05-24 | Samsung Galaxy M35 is significantly newer, likely offering more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 162.9 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Oppo A54 5G is slightly narrower and thinner, which may make it feel more comfortable to hold for some users, the Samsung is wider and thicker |
| Weight | 190g | 222g | Oppo A54 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use or carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in size, both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer very similar sharpness, though not exactly the same. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 390 PPI | Nearly identical pixel density, meaning no visible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Samsung's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, improving viewing experience, and is more power-efficient for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Samsung Galaxy M35 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This data point is missing or unreliable, and is not helpful for evaluation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Samsung's chipset is significantly more powerful (5nm vs 8nm), resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,504 | 578,500 | Samsung Galaxy M35 scores much higher, indicating better overall performance, including gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Samsung's GPU is more powerful and suitable for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Samsung Galaxy M35 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life on a single charge, useful for heavy users. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Samsung Galaxy M35 charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Inbox charger 10W, Non-removable | Non-removable | Oppo A54 5G includes a basic 10W charger, while the Samsung is faster at 25W. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Samsung has a slightly higher resolution main camera, capturing more detail in images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Oppo's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, which can improve low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Samsung's larger pixel size can capture more light, resulting in potentially better low-light images. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Omnivision OV48B | Sony LYT-600 | Sony LYT-600 sensors are generally considered to be higher quality than the Omnivision sensors. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 13MP | Oppo has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Oppo's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 1.12 µm | Samsung's larger pixel size may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle performance on both phones. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro camera performance on both phones. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | Oppo A54 5G has an additional black and white sensor, which adds another camera option, although is not super useful. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS | Samsung Galaxy M35 offers higher resolution (4K) recording and more frame rate options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Samsung offers better video stabilization, which means smoother videos while moving. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120fps | Yes, 480fps | Samsung has a better slow-motion option. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Samsung offers OIS, advanced video features, and better low light performance features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Samsung has a newer OS version, meaning it will be more up-to-date and might receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Samsung has newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Samsung has the newer Bluetooth, which can have power and bandwidth improvements. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Similar dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Samsung has higher base storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 6/8GB | Samsung has higher RAM at minimum, helping with multi-tasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which might be limiting for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung has superior audio quality, with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint reader for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung offers better screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Oppo has extra sensors like Compass, and Gravity, Samsung has Hall, Geomagnetic, and Ultrasonic proximity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo A54 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The Oppo A54 5G is significantly lighter (190g vs 222g), making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Slightly wider aperture on main lens and selfie lens: This may improve low light photo taking in comparison.
- Additional black and white camera lens: This may help some users with this kind of photography, but it's not commonly needed.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a basic biometric security.
Practical Implications: Lighter phones are more comfortable for long calls, general usage, and carrying in your pocket. The camera aperture may help in low light, and the extra B&W lens may help with niche photography.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 480, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. 120Hz display is also smoother compared to 90Hz on Oppo.
- Better Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery offers much better battery endurance than the Oppo's 5000mAh.
- Faster Charging: The 25W charging support is much faster than the Oppo's 18W charging.
- Higher Resolution and More Versatile Video: Supports 4K video recording and better slow-motion capabilities, and better video stabilisation.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, newer than the Oppo's Android 11.
- Better Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers for a better sound experience.
- Better build quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added screen protection.
- Better Bluetooth and WiFi: Comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6.
- Better camera features: Includes OIS, advanced video features, and better low light performance features
- Larger Pixel Size on Main Camera: It may provide better low light photography than the Oppo.
- Higher base storage: comes with 128GB of storage compared to Oppo's 64GB.
- Higher base ram: comes with 6GB of ram compared to Oppo's 4GB.
Practical Implications: The Samsung is better for demanding users who prioritize performance and entertainment. The better screen quality, larger battery and faster charging provide a noticeably improved user experience. The camera can also capture better videos.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 is heavier and slightly bulkier than the Oppo A54 5G, potentially feeling less comfortable for some users.
- The Oppo A54 5G has a black and white lens but the Samsung does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo A54 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for basic use
- Individuals with a very tight budget
- Users who prioritize a phone that is lighter
- Users with limited camera requirements.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic daily use, including calls, texts, and social media browsing
- Users who need a lightweight, easily pocketable device
- Secondary device
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Users who want a device that can handle games, video editing, etc.
- Users who watch a lot of videos or play games
- Users who prioritize good battery life
- Users who want a better camera
- Users who want a more modern device
- Users who want a good audio experience
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming and other performance heavy tasks.
- Content creation, videography, vlogging
- Heavy usage scenarios where long battery life is necessary
- Media consumption
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- If price is the primary concern, the Oppo A54 5G might seem attractive. However, the Samsung offers much better value due to the better components. The value of the better parts of the Samsung M35 is much greater than any value the Oppo A54 5G may have.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If money is extremely tight, the older Oppo may be cheaper. Otherwise, you get far more for your money with the Samsung.
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If you need smooth performance for demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a light device or one with a bigger battery and better features? The Samsung Galaxy M35 provides much better features but at the cost of weight.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Budget Conscious: If you want a basic device that makes calls and texts, the Oppo A54 5G might be acceptable, but the extra cost of the Samsung is worth the difference.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumer/Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy M35, with its AMOLED display, better performance, and long battery life, is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Photographer/Videographer: The Samsung Galaxy M35's camera and video capabilities make it more suitable.
- Scenario 4: Heavy User: If a larger battery, fast charging, and good performance are your needs, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is better.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The Samsung provides a significantly better user experience in almost every aspect, with better performance, display, camera, battery, audio and better features. While the Oppo A54 5G is lighter, that is the only advantage, and the difference isn't large enough to outweigh all the benefits of the Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy M35 is newer, has a much better screen, much better performance, longer battery life and better cameras, so despite the small increase in price, it will provide a much better experience in the long term. The Samsung Galaxy M35 offers better overall value for money.
