As one of China’s top smartphone vendors (and a global force to be reckoned with), OPPO needs to maintain a rich and robust low to mid-end, low-cost portfolio. If the A3 didn’t feel affordable enough, a device initially expected to be called A3s has just gone official at an even lower price point.
The $225 or so OPPO A5 shares a screen size and aspect ratio with the slightly costlier A3, lowering the resolution from the Full HD+ to the HD+ mark. That’s 1520 x 720 pixels squeezed in an extra-wide 19:9 footprint with an obligatory iPhone X-inspired notch.
What’s interesting is the 6.2-inch A5 packs a significantly larger battery than the 6.2-inch A3. Namely, a 4230mAh cell, up from 3400mAh, somehow housed by a very similar chassis. The OPPO A5 only gains 9 grams of weight, measuring a reasonably compact 156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2mm.
Under the hood, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 450 processor is likely no rival for MediaTek’s Helio P60 in terms of raw speed, but it may further enhance running times with superior energy efficiency.
Bottom line, the A5 is no pushover in the power department either, also packing 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage space. A primary 13MP rear-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture is paired with a secondary 2MP unit, while a single front-facing 8MP shooter runs the selfie show.
You get the latest Android version out the box (8.1 Oreo) in a ColorOS 5.1-skinned form, as well as a decidedly attractive glass design with diamond patterns in eye-catching blue and pink hues. Overall, a pretty great deal at CNY 1,500.