Android One smartphones are starting to gain more popularity in the last couple of months. This has been people’s go-to when looking for a device that runs on a clean version of Android. Not to mention the fact that they also receive software updates early.
One of those devices is the Xiaomi Mi A2. A midrange smartphone from a company that aims to bring you the best spec-ed device for the price. The Xiaomi Mi A2 runs on Android One and comes with a good set of hardware to back it up.
But on the other side of the spectrum, there are the usual OEM-made smartphones that are dressed with their own, custom-made interface. They have a different take on Android’s look that sometimes seems almost unrecognizable.
One of the brands known for this is OPPO. Their latest release, the OPPO F9 (read our review), runs on Android 8.1 Oreo but comes completely dressed with their own ColorOS 5.1. But just like the Mi A2, it also has a couple of interesting features that still make it exciting.
So here in our OPPO F9 versus Xiaomi Mi A2 specifications and features comparison, we’re about to see which between these two devices should you actually get. Is the Mi A2’s faithfulness to Android is its only strength? Or will the F9 and its ColorOS interface make a run for it? Let’s all figure that out.
| OPPO F9 | Xiaomi Mi A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo ColorOS 5.2 | Android 8.1 Oreo Android One |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS 2280 x 1080 pixel resolution ~409ppi 19:9 aspect ratio | 5.99-inch FHD+ IPS 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution ~403ppi 18:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 2.0GHz MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core | 2.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB/6GB |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 512 |
| Storage | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 64GB/128GB non-expandable |
| Front camera | 25-megapixel f/2.0 AR Stickers | 20-megapixel f/2.2 LED flash |
| Rear Camera | 16-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF AI Capabilities LED flash | 20-megapixel + 12-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF AI Photo modes LED flash |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS FM Radio microUSB | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio Infrared blaster USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 74 x 7.99mm | 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm |
| Weight | 169g | 166g |
| Colors | Twilight Blue Starry Purple Sunrise Gold | Gold Rose Gold Blue Red Black |
| Battery | 3,500mAh non-removable VOOC fast charging | 3,000mAh non-removable 10W charger |
| Price | Php17,990 | 4GB/64GB: Php13,990 6GB/128GB: Php17,490 |
It’s been a really close fight between these two. Both have their own leverage against each other. But ultimately, I think the Xiaomi Mi A2 takes the win on this one.
As stated earlier, Xiaomi’s offering comes with Android One interface, which is a huge plus for Android enthusiasts, or for those who just want to get a pure taste of Android.
In addition, despite the identical performance on paper, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor on the Mi A2 is still proven to be superior in handling real-world tasks when compared to the Helio P60 of the OPPO F9.
Xiaomi’s offering also has a better rear camera setup. It comes with a 20-megapixel + 12-megapixel dual shooters on the back, while the F9 has a 16-megapixel and an extra 2-megapixel sensor that’s only used for the Portrait Mode feature.
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The Mi A2 also has a couple of extra features like an Infrared Blaster and USB Type-C connectivity, something that the F9 lacks.
And probably the Xiaomi Mi A2’s obvious win is the price. This handset’s price starts at only Php13,990 for the 4GB/64GB model, while the 6GB/128GB variant costs Php17,490. The top-of-the-line model is even cheaper than the OPPO F9’s Php17,990 price tag, which only comes with a 6GB/64GB configuration.
However, as stated earlier, it’s a neck and neck battle between these two, which means there’s still a lot of interesting things that are going on with the OPPO F9.
For starters, it has a far better 25-megapixel selfie camera, while the Mi A2 only has a 20-megapixel. Also, its waterdrop display and the diamond pattern design on the back looks more appealing in the eyes than the Xiaomi Mi A2.
And of course, it has a larger 3,500mAh battery on the back, which was made even better by its impressive VOOC fast-charging capability.
To sum it up, the OPPO F9 is really a reasonable device to get for the price. But if the overall value for money is what you’re looking for — between these two devices — the Xiaomi Mi A2 is the better buy.
To sum it up, the OPPO F9 is really a reasonable device to get for the price. But if the overall value for money is what you’re looking for — between these two devices — the Xiaomi Mi A2 better buy. — To sum it up, the Mi A2 destroys this poser to tiny bits.