Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Find X3 Pro vs. Oppo A96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2022-03-16 | The A96 is a newer device, but this doesn't automatically mean it's superior. Software support will be longer for the A96, while the X3 Pro is likely to be more powerful. |
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74 × 8.3 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | The A96 is slightly taller and wider, potentially making the Find X3 Pro a bit more pocketable. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 193g | 191g | Virtually identical weights mean the feel in hand is comparable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.59" | The Find X3 Pro offers a marginally larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | The Find X3 Pro's much higher resolution offers a significantly sharper and more detailed visual experience, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 401 | The higher PPI on the Find X3 Pro translates to a much sharper display, which is especially noticeable when reading small text or viewing detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The AMOLED display on the Find X3 Pro provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the A96's IPS LCD. The Find X3 Pro also offers better battery efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Find X3 Pro makes scrolling and animations feel smoother compared to the 90Hz of the A96. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The Find X3 Pro's much higher brightness ensures superior visibility in bright sunlight. The A96's missing spec indicates a likely significantly lower value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Find X3 Pro has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 876,500 | 218,000 | The Find X3 Pro's AnTuTu score indicates vastly superior performance compared to the A96, confirming its high-end processing capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 660 in the Find X3 Pro provides much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The A96 has a larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life, especially for less demanding tasks. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Find X3 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | Non-removable | The Find X3 Pro offers more flexibility with wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a 50MP main camera, but the Find X3 Pro's larger sensor and sensor model suggests potentially better image quality. However, the lack of sensor info for the A96 limits our conclusion. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", IMX615 | 16MP, f/2.0 | The Find X3 Pro has a higher resolution front-facing camera for more detailed selfies. The wider aperture on the A96 could result in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | The Find X3 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom capabilities not present on the A96, allowing closer shots without pixelation. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | None | The Find X3 Pro features a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, a feature missing from the A96. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A96 has a dedicated depth sensor to create bokeh effects, a feature missing from the Find X3 Pro. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | The Find X3 Pro can record much higher quality video, including 4K resolution, and slow-motion in higher resolutions, offering more versatility for video content creators. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 128, Photo: 134, Video: 125 | Not Tested | The DxOMark scores on the Find X3 Pro confirms its superiority in camera performance, although it is only for the main camera. |
| Camera Features | Quad, OIS, more | Dual, Digital Image Stabilisation | The Find X3 Pro offers a much more comprehensive suite of camera features, including OIS and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 11 | The Find X3 Pro offers up to Android 14, while the A96 lacks info, suggesting longer software support for the Find X3 Pro. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | The Find X3 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard and Wi-Fi MiMO, which can result in faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | The Find X3 Pro uses the newer Bluetooth 5.2 which offers power efficiency and better connection speeds compared to Bluetooth 5.0. |
| GPS | Dual-band, multi-system | Multi-system | The Find X3 Pro's dual-band GPS and more comprehensive satellite support leads to more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128 GB | The Find X3 Pro offers considerably more storage, which is essential for users with many apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | The Find X3 Pro has more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and overall better performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The Find X3 Pro delivers enhanced audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The A96 uses the more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which can be more ergonomic. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Find X3 Pro offers better screen protection thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The A96's screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Compass, Accelerometer | Accelerometer | The Find X3 Pro has more sensors, supporting advanced gaming and fitness tracking features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and superior brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and ultrawide lenses, 4K video recording, OIS, and a higher-resolution selfie camera resulting in much more versatile photography.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: 65W fast charging and 30W wireless charging offer significant convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, offering superior sound quality.
- More Storage & RAM: Provides much more internal storage and RAM for better multitasking.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual-band GPS for faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers improved scratch resistance.
- Better Software Support: Upgradable to Android 14
Oppo A96 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should offer longer battery life than the Find X3 Pro, particularly for less demanding tasks.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner can be more convenient for some users.
- More Recent Launch Date: May offer slightly better software support.
- Portrait Mode Camera: The dedicated depth sensor gives bokeh effects that the X3 Pro cannot produce.
Trade-offs:
- The Find X3 Pro sacrifices some battery capacity for its superior performance and display.
- The A96 gains battery capacity, but at the cost of performance, screen quality, and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Pro - Ideal for:
- Power Users: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize a high-quality display for watching movies, browsing photos, or viewing content.
- Photography Lovers: Those who need a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and high-quality video recording.
- Travelers: With fast charging, good cameras, and a great display for viewing content on the go, this is an excellent phone for travelling.
- Users Who Enjoy High Fidelity Audio: With stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Oppo Find X3 Pro - Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games at high settings without lag.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos on the go.
- Streaming high-quality videos and movies with superior visual experience.
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos with diverse lenses.
- Reliable GPS and connection on the go.
Oppo A96 - Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Less Focused on High-End Performance: Users with basic needs that are not as demanding of raw power and need a daily driver.
Oppo A96 - Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media.
- Casual browsing and video consumption.
- Longer battery life for extended usage without frequent charging.
- Portrait photography and casual photography.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Oppo Find X3 Pro offers a premium experience with a higher price tag, justified by its flagship performance and advanced features. It provides exceptional value for users who will fully utilize its capabilities.
- The Oppo A96 provides good value for users seeking an affordable device with adequate performance and long battery life, but its value to a power user is far less.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, basic daily use)
- How important is display quality? (Do you prioritize sharpness, brightness, and vibrant colors?)
- What is your budget and what are you willing to trade-off? (Are you willing to pay more for flagship performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on a Moderate Budget If the budget allows, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is a clear choice. The superior performance and display justify the higher price.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User Prioritizing Battery Life The Oppo A96 is a reasonable choice, as it offers good battery life at a more affordable price point, despite other shortcomings.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast The Oppo Find X3 Pro with its versatile camera system, OIS, and 4K video capability is the far better option.
- Scenario 4: Users looking for software support. The Oppo Find X3 Pro has significantly better software support.
Final Recommendation
If budget allows, I would choose the Oppo Find X3 Pro. While it is older and has a smaller battery capacity, the improvements to the display quality, performance, camera system, charging speed, storage and RAM, and audio are simply too significant to ignore. It is the more versatile and powerful phone that can handle any tasks thrown at it, from gaming to video creation, while the A96 is aimed more towards a basic user and budget. The higher price is justified by the enhanced features and better overall user experience it delivers, and the software support will be longer. I am also not a huge user of battery and am more than happy to charge my device during the day, and don't need a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
