Oppo Reno5 5G

Oppo Reno5 5G Review

The Oppo Reno5 5G, launched on January 7, 2021, is a medium-priced smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced experience with 5G connectivity, a capable chipset, and a focus on camera performance.

Key Features

• Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 resolution (409 ppi), and up to 750 nits peak brightness.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
• Memory & Storage: Available in 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB configurations. No microSD card slot.
• Cameras: 64MP main camera, 8MP wide-angle + macro, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor rear array, and a 32MP front-facing camera.
• Battery: 4300mAh with 65W fast charging and reverse charging capabilities.
• Operating System: Android 11 with planned upgrade to Android 12.
• Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC.
• Other: In-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant Display: The AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate offers excellent color reproduction, smooth scrolling and high peak brightness, making it enjoyable for media consumption and gaming.
• Fast Charging: 65W SuperVOOC charging swiftly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime.
• Capable Performance: Snapdragon 765G ensures fluid performance for everyday tasks and gaming at reasonable settings.
• Decent Camera System: The 64MP primary sensor captures detailed images and offers a variety of features including HDR video and various modes.
• 5G Connectivity: Future-proofs users with fast network capabilities.
• Lightweight Design: At 172 grams, the phone is relatively light and comfortable to handle.

Cons:

• No SD Card Slot: Storage is limited to the onboard options.
• Older Gorilla Glass: Uses Gorilla Glass 3+, which may be less resistant to scratches compared to newer versions.
• Macro Cameras Feel Weak: The 2MP macro cameras lack sharpness and details.
• USB 2.0: Limited by the older USB standard, affecting data transfer speeds.
• Limited HDR support: While the screen has a high peak brightness, it only supports regular HDR, not HDR10+ or Dolby Vision.

User Experience

The Oppo Reno5 5G provides a generally smooth and responsive user experience. The 90Hz display enhances scrolling and animations, while the Snapdragon 765G handles most apps and games with ease. The ColorOS interface, based on Android, provides a customizable and feature-rich environment. The 65W fast charging is a standout feature, allowing for quick top-ups. The in-display fingerprint sensor is reliable and fast. The camera app is straightforward to use and offers numerous options, although the macro lenses are not particularly impressive. The battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use.

Hardware & Design

The device is constructed with a combination of plastic and glass. It features a sleek design with curved edges and a relatively thin profile (7.9mm). The device weighs 172g making it a lightweight option. The 6.43-inch AMOLED display dominates the front, with a small hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera. The back panel features the quad-camera setup on a small bump. The materials are not premium but the build quality feels solid. The phone includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for security and has stereo speakers. It comes in three color options: Starry Black, Galactic Silver, and Azure Blue.

Conclusion

The Oppo Reno5 5G offers a good overall package for its price range. It excels with its vibrant display, fast charging, and capable performance for everyday tasks and mid-tier gaming. The camera system performs well in most scenarios, although the macro lenses are weak. The absence of a microSD card slot might be limiting to some users. Despite some shortcomings, the device delivers a reliable and smooth user experience with its fluid performance and 5G connectivity. It stands as a good option for users seeking a stylish mid-range smartphone with fast charging and a focus on display and camera experience.