1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Oppo is slightly taller, A35 is wider. Both are similar in thickness. The A35 may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 209g | Oppo is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Slightly larger screen on Oppo, may be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2340 | Oppo offers much sharper visuals and text. This is noticeable for reading and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 525 ppi | 390 ppi | Oppo display is significantly sharper and more detailed, providing a premium visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, delivering excellent viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones, which is great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Missing Data) | Oppo has significantly better outdoor visibility. Samsung's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Oppo's chip is significantly faster, allowing for snappier app launches and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 876,500 | 578,500 | Oppo offers a much more fluid experience, especially for demanding tasks. The difference is significant in everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Oppo's GPU is more powerful, meaning better graphics performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" Samsung GN8 | Oppo has a physically larger sensor, enabling better low-light performance and potentially more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Oppo has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera. Samsung has a slightly wider aperture that might perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Oppo has an additional lens for optical zoom, allowing for better detail when zooming in. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Oppo has a much higher resolution wide-angle camera for capturing more details in wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung allows for close-up shots with a dedicated lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps with HDR and EIS | Up to 4K 30fps with EIS | Oppo offers more video recording options, including HDR recording at 60fps, for smoother high-quality videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 128, Photo: 134, Video: 125 | Main: 104, Photo: 107, Video: 110 | Oppo delivers overall superior image quality, especially for photos and video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Optical Zoom, 4K video | OIS, PDAF, RAW 12 bit, Pro Mode, 4K video | Both have OIS and 4K. Oppo offers optical zoom and better overall image processing, Samsung has a dedicated Pro Mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Samsung has a larger battery, potentially providing longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Oppo charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 30W Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | Oppo provides flexibility with wireless and reverse charging, useful for on-the-go power needs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 14 | Android 14, max 18 | Samsung offers a more current OS with longer support for updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | Oppo offers better GPS accuracy due to dual-band support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Oppo offers larger storage options out of the box, good for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | Oppo offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio output. Samsung offers high-resolution audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Compass | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Oppo offers more sensors, which can provide more functionality such as a compass and pedometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a sharper and more detailed visual experience, particularly noticeable when reading text and viewing high-resolution images and videos. Higher brightness makes it much more visible outdoors.
- More Capable Camera System: Larger sensor, higher resolution for wide and front cameras, additional telephoto lens, better image processing (higher DXOMark), and more video features offer better image quality and greater versatility.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging refills the battery much faster than the A35's 25W charging.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers more flexibility for battery management, especially while on the go.
- Larger Storage and More RAM: Comes with higher storage options and RAM.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android (14), with a promise of more future updates, for longer software support.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery has the potential to provide longer battery life, though the difference may not be too significant due to different hardware/software optimization.
- Macro Camera: Allows for close-up photography that the Oppo does not offer.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for audiophiles.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for better protection against scratches and drops.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Newer version allows for better connection stability and power efficiency.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Oppo sacrifices battery life and newer software for much better performance, camera quality, and screen clarity.
- The Samsung trades raw power and camera flexibility for a newer OS, larger battery, macro lens, and better screen protection.
- The Oppo is significantly older, impacting software support and potentially battery health due to age.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Power users who prioritize performance and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who value high-quality photos and versatile shooting options.
- Users who consume lots of media and want a sharp, vibrant display.
- Users who need fast charging and wireless charging options.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming (high-end titles, smooth performance)
- Professional photography and videography
- Extensive media consumption (watching movies, streaming videos)
- Users with heavy multitasking
- Anyone who needs a phone for multiple demanding tasks.
- Price-to-Value: While it is an older device, if it can be found at a discounted price, it still offers flagship-level performance and camera capabilities, making it potentially a great value buy for specific users.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User:
- Everyday users who value battery life and updated software.
- Users who take occasional photos and don't need a high-end camera system, but like to take close-up pictures.
- Users who are prone to dropping phones and value screen protection.
- Users who want the latest version of Android, even though it does not offer top of the line performance or camera.
- Users who like to listen to high quality audio.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use (browsing, social media, messaging)
- Moderate gaming
- Casual photography
- Users who value good battery life and long software support.
- Users who appreciate more current Android experience.
- Price-to-Value: The A35 is often targeted at a mid-range price, providing a good balance of features for its cost, and a much newer phone.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for potential buyers:
- What is your priority? Is it raw power and camera quality (Oppo), or battery life and longer software support with a good all-rounder (Samsung)?
- How important is gaming or photography to you? The Oppo excels in both, while the A35 is better suited for more casual use.
- How important is future software updates? The Samsung is the newer phone and will receive longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: A user wants a phone primarily for gaming and photography.
- Recommendation: The Oppo Find X3 Pro is the better option due to its much better performance and cameras, making it worth it, even though its older.
Scenario 2: A user needs a reliable daily driver with long battery life and future software updates.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the more sensible choice due to its longer software support and bigger battery.
Scenario 3: A user wants the best performance and camera quality on a budget, and does not mind an older phone.
- Recommendation: The Oppo Find X3 Pro is a more cost effective option if discounted to a reasonable price.
My Choice
Given the information provided, I would choose the Oppo Find X3 Pro.
Here's why:
My primary usage involves demanding tasks like mobile gaming and extensive photo editing. The Oppo's significantly superior performance, coupled with its excellent display and versatile camera system, outweighs the benefits of the Samsung's newer software, larger battery, and macro lens. While the age of the device is a consideration, if found at a discount, its raw power and superior camera capabilities would justify the trade off for my use case. Additionally, I value faster charging times and find the added convenience of wireless and reverse charging to be highly beneficial. The older Android version is less of a concern for me compared to the huge jump in performance and image quality the Oppo offers.
While the Samsung Galaxy A35 is a solid mid-range phone with its own merits, the Oppo Find X3 Pro would better fulfill my specific needs.
