Samsung vs Huawei vs Oppo: Best Mid-Range Phone 2020?

Physical Design and Build Quality

All three phones feature polycarbonate plastic builds with distinct design philosophies. The Samsung Galaxy A51 stands out with its rainbow prism effect back panel that mimics glass, while the Oppo A9 2020 is the heaviest at 195 grams. Weight distribution significantly impacts daily comfort:

• Samsung Galaxy A51: 172g
• Huawei Nova 7i: 183g
• Oppo A9 2020: 195g

Each device includes essential ports like USB Type-C and speaker grills, but the A51's refined finish gives it a premium feel despite the plastic construction. The Nova 7i strikes a balance between weight and durability, making it suitable for extended single-hand use.

Display Technology Comparison

Display quality varies dramatically across these devices, affecting media consumption and gaming experiences:

Samsung Galaxy A51 Display

• 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel
• 87.4% screen-to-body ratio
• 1080 x 2400 resolution
• Superior contrast with deep blacks

Huawei Nova 7i Display

• 6.4-inch IPS LCD
• 83.5% screen-to-body ratio
• 1080 x 2310 resolution
• Good color accuracy

Oppo A9 2020 Display

• 6.5-inch IPS LCD
• Disappointing 720 x 1600 resolution
• Basic viewing experience

AMOLED vs LCD: The A51's Super AMOLED provides vibrant colors and energy efficiency, while both LCD models struggle with brightness consistency. For visual quality, Samsung's display technology leads decisively.

Performance and Software Experience

Processing power and software ecosystems create significant user experience differences:

Hardware Specifications

Device	Processor	RAM	Storage	Expandable Storage
Huawei Nova 7i	Kirin 810	8GB	128GB (UFS 2.0)	NM Card
Samsung A51	Exynos 9611	4/6GB	128GB	MicroSD (512GB)
Oppo A9 2020	Snapdragon 665	8GB	128GB	MicroSD

The Kirin 810 in the Nova 7i delivers exceptional gaming performance, while the Snapdragon 665 in Oppo prioritizes battery efficiency. Samsung's Exynos chip handles multitasking well but lags in heavy gaming scenarios.

Software Considerations

• Samsung: One UI 2.1 (Android 10) with full Google services
• Huawei: EMUI 10 (Android 10) without Google Play, requiring Petal Search for app access
• Oppo: ColorOS 6.1 (Android 9)

Critical insight: Huawei's software workaround functions but creates friction for non-technical users. Samsung offers the most polished Android experience, while Oppo's older OS version may miss security updates.

Camera System Analysis

Camera capabilities vary significantly across these mid-range contenders:

Rear Camera Setups

• Samsung A51: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro + 5MP depth
• Huawei Nova 7i: 48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
• Oppo A9 2020: 48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth

Selfie Cameras

• Samsung: 32MP
• Huawei: 16MP
• Oppo: 16MP

Real-world performance: The A51's superior ultra-wide sensor captures more detail in landscapes, while Nova 7i's dedicated night mode excels in low-light conditions. Oppo's camera software tends to oversaturate colors, particularly in daylight shots.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery endurance and charging speeds reveal critical trade-offs:

• Oppo A9 2020: 5000mAh battery with 10W charging (longest runtime)
• Huawei Nova 7i: 4200mAh battery with 40W fast charging
• Samsung A51: 4000mAh battery with 15W charging

Practical finding: Oppo's massive battery lasts over 1.5 days with moderate use but takes nearly 3 hours to charge fully. Huawei's 40W charging replenishes 70% in 30 minutes, making it ideal for power users. Samsung balances decent endurance with acceptable charging times.

Value and Price Analysis

Original Philippine pricing positioned these differently in the market:

• Huawei Nova 7i: ₱13,890
• Oppo A9 2020: ₱15,890
• Samsung A51: ₱17,990

Current value assessment: The Nova 7i offers the best performance-to-price ratio, especially for gamers. The A51 justifies its premium with superior display and cameras, while Oppo's battery advantage suits heavy users who prioritize endurance over resolution.

Final Recommendations

Choose Samsung Galaxy A51 if:

• You prioritize display quality and camera versatility
• Need guaranteed software updates
• Prefer seamless Google integration

Opt for Huawei Nova 7i if:

• Gaming performance is critical
• Fast charging matters more than app ecosystem
• Budget is primary concern

Select Oppo A9 2020 if:

• Maximum battery life is non-negotiable
• Display resolution isn't a priority
• You prefer ColorOS' interface

Pro Tip: Check current prices, as all models have likely dropped since 2020. Consider refurbished units for additional savings.

Actionable Checklist

1. Test display quality in-store before deciding
2. Verify app availability if choosing Huawei
3. Compare charging times based on your daily routine
4. Check camera samples for your preferred photography style
5. Assess current software support for security updates

Which feature would most impact your daily usage? Share your priority in the comments!