Oppo A96

Oppo A96 Review

The Oppo A96, launched on March 16, 2022, is a medium-priced smartphone featuring a balance of performance and features.

Key Features

• Display: 6.59-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2412 resolution (401 ppi), 600 nits peak brightness, and a hole-punch notch.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 610 GPU.
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
• Cameras: Dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main lens (f/1.8) and a 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4). 16MP selfie camera (f/2.0).
• Battery: 5000mAh Li-Polymer battery with 33W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 11.
• Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth 90Hz display enhances visual experience.
• Large 5000mAh battery provides ample power for a full day's use.
• Fast 33W charging reduces downtime.
• NFC functionality provides convenient contactless payment options.
• Decent performance from Snapdragon 680 for everyday tasks.
• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and reliable unlocking.
• Dual SIM capability for managing personal and work contacts.
• Expandable storage via microSD.

Cons:

• Android 11 is somewhat dated, lacking the latest features.
• The camera setup is fairly basic, lacking ultrawide or telephoto capabilities.
• UFS 2.2 storage isn't the fastest on the market.
• No 4K video recording; limited to 1080p at 30fps.
• No wireless charging.
• Display is IPS LCD which may not be as vibrant as AMOLED.

User Experience

The Oppo A96 offers a smooth user experience thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate display. The Snapdragon 680 handles most daily tasks without noticeable lag. The large battery easily lasts a full day, and the 33W fast charging quickly replenishes the battery. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive and well-placed for unlocking. The phone's weight of 191g feels manageable. While the camera performs adequately in good lighting conditions, it struggles in low light, and the absence of an ultrawide or telephoto lens may disappoint some. The user interface is Oppo's ColorOS which provides a number of customization features although it is based on an older Android version.

Hardware & Design

The Oppo A96 has a clean and contemporary design. The dimensions are 164.4mm x 75.7mm x 8.4mm, making it a standard sized phone. The device is made from plastic, with a glossy finish. The 6.59-inch display dominates the front, interrupted by a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button. The device features a USB Type-C port, dual SIM slots and a microSD card slot.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) chipset is an octa-core processor (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) paired with an Adreno 610 GPU. The 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM ensures decent multitasking performance, and the 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage offers sufficient space for apps and media. The phone lacks a cooling system and any dedicated gaming buttons.

Conclusion The Oppo A96 presents a balanced option in the medium price range. Its 90Hz display, large battery with fast charging, and practical Snapdragon 680 chipset make it a solid daily driver for users not needing the most advanced features. The phone is well suited for everyday tasks, media consumption, and general use. The lack of a more up-to-date Android version, a more versatile camera setup and the slower storage technology are the main drawbacks. Considering its price point, the Oppo A96 offers a reasonable package.