OPPO A98 5G
We recently got our hands on the OPPO Reno10 5G, and while we were enamored with its features, the $749 price tag made it a bit of a stretch for many budgets. Fortunately, OPPO has us covered with a phone for every pocket, ensuring there's something for everyone, regardless of their budget.
Now, OPPO claims that the A98 5G is an entry-level smartphone, but at $649, that definition might be pushing it a tad too far. Let's dive into the details.
Design
OPPO has a history of crafting visually appealing phones, and the A98 5G is no exception. The matte "Dreamy Blue" rear gives off a subtle shimmer in the light, and the slight curve at the corners adds a comfortable feel in the hand.
The camera island on the rear is well-placed, and despite appearances, the cameras are of normal size, delivering decent performance. The fingerprint sensor cleverly integrated into the power button on the right side is a neat touch, maintaining a clean and sleek look. Volume buttons sit conveniently on the opposite side.
On the front, the A98 sports a 6.72-inch 120Hz display, offering smooth visuals. However, some users might face issues with the auto-brightness being a bit too conservative, possibly for battery optimization.
Specs and User Experience:
While we're in an era where lower specs can still deliver decent user experiences, the OPPO A98, priced at $649, comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Expect a good, if not stellar, performance. There's a bit of sluggishness when switching apps, and apps aren't lightning-fast to load, but it's a consistent performance overall.
One notable quirk is the aggressive task manager, which closes background apps swiftly. This could be a tad annoying for users who like to seamlessly continue their activities, especially in scenarios like driving, where music or podcasts might need frequent reopening.
Camera:
In the race for flagship-quality photos, the OPPO A98 holds its own with a 64MP AI camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 2MP microlens on the rear, and a 32MP selfie cam on the front. The results are decent, capturing good images during everyday use. However, a direct comparison with a Pixel 7 highlights the latter's superior performance.
Night mode shots suffer a bit, a common challenge for many smartphones. Yet, for most users, especially considering the price range, the A98 should suffice for showcasing travel photos without much ado.
Battery Life and Charging:
The 5,000mAh battery impressively lasts all day, catering even to heavy users. The standout feature is the 67W SuperVOOC charging, ensuring a quick top-up when needed. OPPO's charging speeds are indeed one of their market advantages, contributing to a compelling case for the A98.
Even with these rapid charging speeds, the battery is rated to last 1,600 charging cycles, offering longevity and reliability.
Software:
OPPO's ColorOS software has come a long way, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it has evolved with essential features. The software has seen incremental updates, with full Android updates becoming more regular.
However, a small yet useful addition, like a double-tap of the power button to open the camera, could further enhance user convenience. It's a minor detail but one that could make a significant difference in user experience.
Who Should Consider the OPPO A98 5G?
Priced at $649, the OPPO A98 5G presents itself as an attractive option for users seeking a stylish phone with decent specs and a satisfactory camera. However, the aggressive task manager and occasional sluggishness might be factors to consider.
OPPO offers a diverse range of phones across various price points. If the budget permits, closely examining the Reno10 5G, priced at $749, might be a wise move, as it offers a more comprehensive set of features. Moreover, with the Google Pixel 7a hovering around the $700 mark online, the decision becomes even more nuanced.
For those with a strict budget of $649, the OPPO A98 5G could indeed deliver a satisfying experience. Available in Dreamy Blue and Cool Black at Office Works, JB Hi-Fi, and OPPO Australia’s Online Store, it's worth a look for users seeking a stylish mid-range contender.
OPPO A98 5G SPECIFICATIONS
Build
- OS: Android 13 OS
- UI: ColorOS 13.1
- Dimensions: 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 198 g
- SIM: Dual Sim, Dual Standby (Nano-SIM)
- Colors: Cool Black, Dreamy Blue
Frequency
- 2G Band: SIM1: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, SIM2: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G Band: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
- 4G Band: LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 34(2000), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
- 5G Band: SA/NSA
Processor
- CPU: Octa-core (2 x 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold + 6 x 1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
- GPU: Adreno 619
Display
- Technology: IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, 16M Colors, Multitouch
- Size: 6.72 Inches
- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 Pixels (~392 PPI)
- Extra Features: 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM)
Memory
- Built-in: 256GB Built-in, 8GB RAM, UFS 2.2
- Card: microSDXC
Camera
- Main Triple Camera: 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF + 2 MP, f/3.3, 34mm (microscope) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth), LED Flash
- Features: Phase detection, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama, Video (1080p@30fps)
- Front: 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide), Video (1080p@30fps)
Connectivity
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
- Bluetooth: v5.1 with A2DP, LE
- GPS: Yes + GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
- NFC: Yes
- Infrared: Yes
- Data: GPRS, Edge, 3G (HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps), 4G LTE-A, 5G capable
Features
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint (side-mounted), Gyro, Proximity
- Audio: 3.5mm Audio Jack, MP4/H.264/FLAC player, MP3/eAAC+/WAV player, Speaker Phone
- Browser: HTML5
- Messaging: SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM
- Games: Built-in + Downloadable
- Torch: Yes
- Extra: Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, Document editor, Photo/video editor
Battery
- Capacity: (Li-Po Non removable), 5000 mAh
- Fast charging: 67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min (advertised)
Price
- Price in USD: $320
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