Oppo A3 Pro review
The Oppo A3 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a compelling package for its price point. With a sturdy build and decent display, this phone is perfect for those looking for a reliable device without breaking the bank. The software experience is also noteworthy, with a clean interface and AI-driven features that make it suitable for everyday use. While the camera capabilities may not be the strongest, they are still respectable given the phone's price. This review aims to provide an in-depth look at the Oppo A3 Pro's strengths and weaknesses.
Build Quality and Design
The Oppo A3 Pro's build quality is one of its strongest aspects, with a sturdy construction that inspires confidence in its durability. The phone's plastic body has a premium feel to it, with a smooth texture that resists scratches and fingerprints. In terms of design, the A3 Pro follows a familiar path for budget smartphones, with a straightforward rectangular shape and rounded corners. While not particularly exciting or innovative, the design is well-executed and unlikely to offend. The phone's weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold and use. One notable omission in the design is the lack of IP rating (Ingress Protection), which means the phone may not be as resistant to water and dust as some users might prefer. This is a minor drawback in an otherwise solid build quality that should withstand regular use without any significant issues. The phone's dimensions are manageable, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag. The rear panel features a subtle pattern of concentric circles, adding a touch of visual interest to the otherwise plain design. Overall, the Oppo A3 Pro's build quality is a highlight of this budget smartphone, even if its design is unremarkable. While it may not be as stylish as some pricier options, the phone's solid construction and manageable weight make it a reliable choice for users looking for a hassle-free experience.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Oppo A3 Pro is one aspect that I found to be decent, if not exceptional. The phone comes with a 5100mAh battery, which is a respectable capacity for its price range. In my testing, the phone easily lasted a full day with moderate use, including social media scrolling, music streaming, and occasional gaming sessions. However, when pushed to its limits, such as intense gaming or video playback, the battery life was not spectacular. Charging times were also satisfactory, with the 45W fast charger pumping the battery up to 100% in about an hour and a half. This is acceptable, given that some mid-range phones offer faster charging speeds. Overall, I would rate the battery life of the Oppo A3 Pro as solid, but not outstanding. It should be enough for most users who don't need to use their phone extensively throughout the day. However, if you're an avid gamer or video watcher, you may find yourself needing to top up the charge more frequently. In terms of longevity, I was pleased to see that the battery seemed to hold its capacity well over time, with minimal degradation in my testing period. This suggests that the Oppo A3 Pro's battery should remain reliable and long-lasting for most users. While not a standout feature, the battery life of the Oppo A3 Pro is more than sufficient for most users' needs. It's a solid aspect of the phone that won't necessarily win awards, but it does its job well.
Display
The display on the Oppo A3 Pro is a notable feature that deserves attention. It's a compact 6.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of HD+ (720x1600 pixels). While it may not be as vibrant or sharp as some other mid-range displays, it's still adequate for general use. The display has good color accuracy and decent viewing angles, making it suitable for watching videos and browsing the web. However, when compared to higher-end displays, the Oppo A3 Pro's screen doesn't quite live up to expectations. In terms of brightness, the screen is sufficient for indoor use but may struggle in extremely bright environments. The colors are also not as punchy or vivid as those found on some other mid-range devices. One notable aspect of the display is its refresh rate, which clocks in at 60Hz. While this is standard for most mid-range devices, it's worth noting that some competing models offer higher refresh rates (such as 90Hz or even 120Hz). Overall, while the Oppo A3 Pro's display may not be the strongest aspect of the phone, it's still functional and gets the job done. For users looking for a budget-friendly option, this display should suffice. The display on the Oppo A3 Pro is an average effort from the manufacturer. While it's not spectacular, it's still suitable for general use and doesn't detract significantly from the overall user experience. If you're in the market for a budget phone with a decent screen, this might be worth considering. However, if you're looking for something more premium or with exceptional display quality, you may want to look elsewhere.
Camera
In an attempt to provide a feature-packed smartphone at an affordable price point, the Oppo A3 Pro makes some compromises, including in its camera department. While it's not a disaster, the camera experience is somewhat underwhelming. The primary 50-megapixel AI camera on the rear does produce decent shots under good lighting conditions. However, it struggles to deliver the same level of quality when faced with challenging light setups or complex scenes. This results in some noisy and lacking-in-details images that could have been better handled by a more capable camera. The lack of an ultra-wide-angle lens is another disappointment, as this feature has become increasingly popular among smartphone users. The absence of a dedicated ultra-wide-angle lens means that users will not be able to capture the same level of expansive scenery and depth that they might find in competing devices. One redeeming factor of the camera experience on the Oppo A3 Pro is its ability to deliver fairly decent portraits, thanks to the presence of an additional portrait camera. This feature helps to provide a slight improvement in the bokeh effect and overall image quality. When it comes to selfies, the front-facing camera provides satisfactory results with good sharpness and detail levels. However, even here, the images can sometimes appear slightly lacking in vibrancy or saturation, which is somewhat disappointing given the rising expectations for smartphone cameras. Overall, while not a catastrophic failure, the Oppo A3 Pro's camera experience falls short of what one might reasonably expect at this price point. While it still manages to deliver some decent shots, particularly in ideal lighting conditions, it often struggles to match the quality and features offered by more expensive smartphones. In conclusion, if you're considering purchasing the Oppo A3 Pro for its camera capabilities, be aware that while it won't necessarily disappoint, it may not blow you away either.
Price and Value
The Oppo A3 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent specifications at an affordable price point. Priced around $200, this device seems like a steal compared to other entry-level smartphones in its class. At first glance, the Oppo A3 Pro appears to be a solid option for those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank. The device features a 6.5-inch display, 50MP primary camera, and a large 5100mAh battery. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its pricier counterparts, the A3 Pro still manages to deliver decent performance and battery life. One of the biggest selling points of the Oppo A3 Pro is its value for money. With a price tag of around $200, this device offers a great balance between features and affordability. For users who want a simple smartphone without the frills of high-end devices, the A3 Pro is an attractive option. However, it's essential to consider whether the Oppo A3 Pro meets one's specific needs and expectations. While it may not have top-of-the-line cameras or processors, the device still provides a good user experience for casual users. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Oppo A3 Pro comes down to individual preferences and priorities. For those who value affordability and don't mind sacrificing some features, this phone might be an excellent choice. However, for users seeking more advanced specifications, there may be better options available in the same price range. Overall, the Oppo A3 Pro is a solid budget-friendly option that delivers decent performance and battery life at an affordable price point. While it may not impress power users or those who crave top-of-the-line features, this device is a great choice for casual users looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Oppo A3 Pro's performance is a mixed bag. Powered by the Dimensity 700 chipset, it handles everyday tasks and social media apps with ease. However, when it comes to multitasking or gaming, the phone struggles to keep up. The chipset's limitations become apparent when trying to open multiple apps simultaneously, leading to some lag and refresh issues. In terms of gaming, the A3 Pro is decent but not impressive. It can handle light games at high settings, but more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile struggle to run smoothly even on normal settings. This is a common issue with mid-range smartphones, and it's something to keep in mind if you're an avid gamer. The phone's battery life is a pleasant surprise, however. With a 5100mAh power pack, the A3 Pro easily lasts a full day of moderate use. While there's no fast charging option (just a standard 45W charger), this is still a respectable feature considering the price point. One area where the A3 Pro shines is in its AI features. The phone comes with some useful AI-powered tools like AI erasers and screen brightness boost, which add to the overall user experience. Overall, the Oppo A3 Pro's performance is decent but not exceptional. While it handles everyday tasks with ease, it falls short when it comes to more demanding activities like gaming or multitasking. If you're looking for a reliable phone for basic use, the A3 Pro might be worth considering. However, if you're an avid gamer or need a phone that can handle intense multitasking, you may want to look elsewhere. 7/10
Pros
1. For about $200 you're going to get a very good sturdy phone
2. The display is good kind of display over here
3. The software experience is actually pretty decent and it doesn't really fail you that much
4. The battery is normal for a full day of usage
Cons
1. You won't get an ultra wide lens, which would make a lot of difference
2. The rear cameras are not the best, especially under good lighting conditions
3. The selfie camera's sharpness is not the best, but it still gives you a good amount of details
4. The software has to cut some corners to give you more of a simple approach