Are you in the market for a sub-Php10,000 smartphone? This specs comparison is for you.
First, we have the OPPO A54, an entry-level smartphone that seems to pack everything you’d want from a reliable, day-to-day smartphone.

We’d be comparing that with the POCO M3 Pro 5G, a quite ambitious release from Xiaomi.
With the word 5G right in the name, it’s easy to say that the POCO device dominates the competition. But is that really the case?

Here’s our OPPO A54 versus POCO M3 Pro 5G specifications and features comparison to see which between the two is right for you.
OPPO A54 | POCO M3 Pro 5G | |
Operating System | Android 10 ColorOS 7.2 | Android 11 MIUI 12 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual standby | Dual SIM Dual standby |
Display | 6.51-inch HD+ IPS 1600 x 720 pixel resolution 270ppi 60Hz refresh rate 120Hz touch sampling | 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 404ppi DynamicSwitch refresh rate (30Hz/50Hz/60Hz/90Hz) 1500:1 contrast ratio 1100-nits 360-degree ambient light sensor |
Processor | 2.35GHz MediaTek Helio P35 octa-core | 2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G octa-core |
RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB |
GPU | PowerVR GE8320 GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
Storage | 128GB eMMC 5.1 expandable via microSD | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 16-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 13-megapixel (f/2.2, PDAF) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash | 48-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash |
Audio | Headphone jack | Headphone jack Hi-Res audio |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.1 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS NFC IR Blaster USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.7 x 8.4mm | 161.81 x 75.34 x 8.92mm |
Weight | 192g | 190g |
Body | IPX4 splash-proof | Front: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic |
Colors | Starry Blue Crystal Black | Power Black Cool Blue POCO Yellow |
Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable 18W fast charging | 5,000mAh non-removable 18W fast charging |
Price | 4GB/128GB: Php9,499 6GB/128GB: Php9,999 | 4GB/64GB: Php8,990 6GB/128GB: Php11,990 |
Design and Build Quality
Whether a design looks good or not is a matter of personal preference. But between the two, it’s evident that the POCO M3 Pro 5G has a more imaginative look with its large icon on the back, a cool POCO yellow option, and a black accent surrounding the camera.

On the other hand, OPPO went with a cleaner but more traditional look with a rectangular camera layout and a color gradient paint job.

The A54 also has an official IPX4 rating for being splashproof, which the M3 Pro 5G lacks. But to POCO’s credit, it officially has Gorilla Glass protection, while the glass used on the A54’s screen was not mentioned.
Display and Audio
It’s very evident on the specs table above that the OPPO A54 won this round. As you can see, it has a sharper FHD+ pixel resolution, while the latter settles for HD+.

What’s worse, it lacks a high refresh rate panel, while the POCO device even managed to have an adaptive refresh rate. Plus, a 360-degree ambient light sensing by having an extra sensor on the back.
As for audio, neither has stereo speakers, but the M3 Pro 5G managed to have Hi-Res audio.
Hardware and Performance
Here’s where the POCO M3 Pro 5G really dominates. It’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset — a processor that brings 5G to many budget phones like this one.

On the other hand, the OPPO A54 settles for a 4G-only MediaTek Helio P35 chipset. Other than the lack of 5G, the Dimensity chip is just better overall with its higher RAM speed, smaller size (7nm vs. 12nm), GPU speed, and more.
Battery
Both devices have the same 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging—a standard combo on budget phones like these.

But with its 5G connectivity and high refresh rate screen, and if you plan on using them a lot, the battery longevity on the POCO smartphone will be obviously shorter.
Cameras
The POCO M3 Pro 5G puts the final nail on this round. As you can see, it has a much sharper 48-megapixel main camera, while the A54 only has a 13-megapixel sensor.
Related

To OPPO’s credit, it does have a sharper 16-megapixel front-facing camera if you’re really into taking selfies or making TikTok videos.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a sub-Php10,000 smartphone, and you’re on the fence between the two, well, this specs comparison churns out a clear winner: the POCO M3 Pro 5G.

Besides its more powerful and 5G-bearing CPU, the M3 Pro 5G has a sharper and faster screen, better primary camera, Hi-Res audio, a unique design, and even extras like NFC and IR blaster.
The best part is, it’s actually cheaper. The base model retails for Php8,990, while the former starts at Php9,499. Albeit the latter do have twice the storage capacity, but that’s easily fixable by a microSD card.