OPPO A3 and A3x Launched in Kenya: Which Model Should You Buy?

OPPO has introduced two new devices in its budget-friendly A-series lineup—the OPPO A3 and OPPO A3x—now available in Kenya. These smartphones are positioned to cater to users looking for everyday functionality and balanced performance. While both models share similar designs and several core features, there are notable differences in specifications such as camera resolution and storage capacities. Both devices are available at OPPO Kenya brand stores, with the A3x priced at KES 17,999 and the A3 retailing for KES 29,999.

The new devices bring the same promise of Military-Grade Shock Resistance we saw on the OPPO A60. Both the OPPO A3 and OPPO A3x have passed the MIL-STD 810H military-grade shock resistance test and SGS certification, which include multi-angle drop tests, high-intensity impact tests, and other high-standard durability tests. Additionally, the OPPO A3 achieves the industry standard of IP54, resisting splashes from liquids such as coffee and soup under laboratory conditions. The OPPO A3x meets the same IP54 standard, making both devices durable enough for everyday accidents and spills.

The OPPO A3 comes with a 6.67-inch display with an HD+ resolution of 1604 × 720 pixels, offering a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and basic media consumption. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 chipset, which also features in the OPPO A3x, making both phones similar in processing power. The use of Snapdragon chipsets instead of Mediatek chips is likely to attract more demand, as Snapdragon is generally viewed as superior in terms of performance, power efficiency, and compatibility with various applications. The A3 stands out by offering higher RAM and storage options, with 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB variants, compared to the A3x’s more modest 4GB RAM with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. This makes the A3 a better option for users who need more multitasking capability and storage space.

In terms of camera performance, the OPPO A3 offers a significantly higher resolution on its main rear camera, featuring a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, compared to the 8MP main camera on the A3x. Both models have a 5MP front camera, making them equal in terms of selfie capabilities. While the A3x limits its rear camera video recording to standard 1080P and 720P at 30fps, the A3 adds additional functionality such as 720P slow-motion capture at 120fps. This difference highlights the A3 as the better choice for users who prioritize higher-quality images and more versatile video features.

Battery life is a strong suit for both devices, with each featuring a 5100mAh battery that supports OPPO’s 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology. The battery performance is consistent across both models, providing extended usage times for activities like video streaming and web browsing. However, despite these similarities in power, the A3’s higher-end hardware may result in slightly better efficiency during heavy usage scenarios. Both devices are equipped with modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB Type-C ports, alongside biometric features such as fingerprint sensors and facial recognition.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key specifications for the OPPO A3 and OPPO A3x:

In conclusion, both devices are available across OPPO Kenya brand stores, offering a choice between affordability with the A3x and enhanced features with the A3. For users looking for more advanced camera features, storage, and the extra durability provided by military-grade shock resistance, the A3 presents a stronger option. Additionally, the choice of a Snapdragon chipset in both devices is likely to appeal to users who seek reliable and superior processing power.