Oppo A80 5G review
The Oppo A80 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that boasts an impressive robust build and solid battery life. With its 360-degree damage-proof armor body, this phone can withstand drops from up to 1.4 meters on every side and corner. Priced at $369, it offers good value for those seeking a reliable device without breaking the bank. However, its camera capabilities and performance may not be as impressive, particularly with AI editing features that fall short of expectations.
Build Quality and Design
The Oppo A80 5G boasts a remarkable build quality that defies expectations for a budget phone. At just 7.68mm thick, it's sleek and surprisingly durable. The device has been engineered to withstand drops, with Oppo calling its unique design a "360-degree damage proof armor body." This means the phone can take falls from up to 1.4 meters on every side and corner without sustaining any significant damage. I put this claim to the test by dropping the phone onto softer surfaces like grass and carpet, and it bounced back unscathed. The addition of a Panda 2 screen also adds an extra layer of protection, making the display more resistant to scratches and drops. The robust build is not just about durability; it's also designed to be functional. The phone's design doesn't compromise on aesthetics, with a standard Oppo look and feel that won't make you feel like you're settling for a budget device. Overall, the Oppo A80 5G's build quality is its most impressive feature. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering solid devices without breaking the bank. With a price tag of $369, this phone offers great value for those who want a reliable smartphone that can withstand everyday wear and tear. In an era where phones are often treated as disposable items, Oppo's focus on durability is refreshing. While it may not be perfect in every aspect, the A80 5G's robust build quality makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a budget phone with a little extra peace of mind.
Battery Life
The Oppo A80 5G boasts an impressive battery life, with a capacity of 5100mAh. This is one area where the phone truly shines, and it's a testament to Oppo's commitment to delivering reliable performance. The battery life is substantial, allowing users to go about their daily activities without needing to recharge for several hours. What sets the A80 5G apart from its competitors is its promise of battery longevity. Oppo claims that the battery will retain up to 80% capacity after four years, which is a remarkable achievement. This means that even when the phone's processor and other components may become outdated, the battery will still be functional. While this feature alone won't make or break your decision to purchase the A80 5G, it's certainly a compelling aspect of the device. The combination of robust build quality, fast charging capabilities, and long-lasting battery life makes this phone an attractive option for those seeking value for money. In today's world where smartphones are often used as an essential tool, a reliable battery life is more crucial than ever. The Oppo A80 5G delivers on this front, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive battery performance.
Display
The Oppo A80 5G smartphone is a surprise package that offers great value for its price. At $369, it's an affordable option that doesn't compromise on features. One of the standout aspects of this phone is its robust build, which has been engineered to withstand drops. This means you can use it without worrying about scratching or damaging the device. The phone's display is another highlight. It boasts a 6.67-inch screen with a 720p resolution, which may seem low-end at first glance. However, the refresh rate of up to 120Hz makes a significant difference in everyday usage. The screen feels responsive and snappy, with smooth scrolling and fast loading times. The brightness level is also impressive, reaching up to 1,000 nits, making it easily visible even in direct sunlight. The Panda 2 glass used on the Oppo A80 5G is a bit tougher than regular glass screens, adding to the phone's overall durability. While it may not look or feel significantly different from other Oppo phones, the display is a notable improvement over some of its predecessors. Overall, the display on the Oppo A80 5G is a pleasant surprise, offering great value for its price. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't skimp on features. However, it's worth noting that the camera capabilities are not as impressive, which we'll discuss in our next review installment.
Camera
One of the most significant letdowns with the Oppo A80 5G is its camera performance. The phone boasts a 50-megapixel main sensor, but it falls short in delivering quality images. I was thoroughly unimpressed with the results. The AI editing feature is particularly underwhelming. It struggles to remove unwanted objects from photos, and when attempting to do so, it often ends up adding more visual noise than removing the original issue. This is not a tool for creating artistic effects; it's designed to erase unwanted elements from your images. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to its promise. In a photo I attempted to remove a truck from, the AI editing feature ended up adding another truck with leaves covering it – an absurd result that highlights the technology's limitations. This is not suitable for a phone at this price point. The main camera struggles to capture detailed images, even in relatively simple lighting conditions. Photos often appear grainy and lack depth when subjected to minor cropping. The overall quality of the images does not justify the phone's $369 price tag. The dual-camera setup is another disappointment, with the 2-megapixel secondary sensor being more decorative than functional. It's a feature that feels like an afterthought rather than a genuine attempt to enhance the camera experience. Given these limitations, I wouldn't recommend relying on the Oppo A80 5G for taking photos. The editing features are not robust enough to salvage mediocre shots, and the overall image quality is simply average. The phone's strengths lie elsewhere – in its robust build, solid battery life, fast refresh rate, and charging capabilities. However, if you're looking for a budget option that excels at photography, look elsewhere.
Price and Value
In today's smartphone market, finding a device that offers great value for money is a rare gem. The Oppo A80 5G is one such device that shines bright with its robust build, impressive battery life, and snappy performance. Priced at $369, this phone is an absolute bargain. The Oppo A80 5G's durable design, touted as "360-degree damage-proof armor body," is a significant selling point. While it may not be the sturdiest device out there, its ability to withstand drops from up to 1.4M on every side and corner is impressive. Add to that a battery life that promises to last for at least four years with over 80% capacity, and you have a device that's built to last. The phone's performance, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, may not be the most powerful in its class, but it still manages to deliver smooth performance for basic tasks like gaming, social media scrolling, and email checking. The 6.67-inch display with 720p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is another highlight, making navigation a pleasure. While the camera may not be the strongest aspect of this phone, its value proposition more than makes up for it. With Oppo's aggressive pricing strategy, you'd expect some compromises on features. However, considering what you get at $369, this phone is an absolute steal. In summary, the Oppo A80 5G offers exceptional value for money. Its robust build, impressive battery life, and snappy performance make it a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on essential features.
Performance
The Oppo A80 5G is an intriguing budget smartphone that promises a robust build, fast charging capabilities, and decent performance. However, like any device in this price range, it's essential to temper expectations. Under the hood, the phone runs on Mediatek's Dimensity 6300 processor, which is positioned as a mid-range offering. While it's not going to set any records for raw performance, it's sufficient for basic tasks such as social media browsing, email checking, and playing casual games. In our testing, the A80 5G managed to deliver smooth performance, thanks in part to its 120Hz refresh rate display. Scrolling through menus and apps felt fluid, and even demanding games like PUBG Mobile ran acceptably without any major hiccups. However, when it came to benchmarking, the phone's performance was somewhat disappointing. It lagged behind more expensive rivals from Motorola, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. While still respectable for a budget device, this performance disparity may be noticeable for power users or those who expect more from their smartphone. Battery life, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. The 5,100mAh battery provided an impressive two days of use, even with moderate to heavy usage. Charging speeds were similarly rapid, with support for up to 45W Super VOOC charging. Overall, while the Oppo A80 5G's performance won't blow anyone away, it's still a solid effort for a budget device. For casual users or those who prioritize camera quality over raw speed, this phone might be worth considering. However, for enthusiasts seeking more from their smartphone, there are better options available in the mid-range market.
Pros
1. At $369, the Oppo A80 5G is a bargain, particularly when you consider that it is technically drop proof.
2. The phone has a robust build with a 360-degree damage-proof armor body, which can withstand drops of up to 1.4M on every side and corner.
3. It has a fast refresh rate (120Hz) and high brightness level (up to 1000 nits), making the user interface seem smoother and scrolling faster.
4. The phone's battery life is impressive, with a capacity that will last for at least four years, retaining up to 80% of its charge over time.
5. It supports Oppo's Super VOOC charging up to 45W, although the fast charger is not included in the box.
Cons
1. The phone has a relatively low-quality camera with AI editing functions that are not great and can even introduce new issues (e.g., adding unwanted objects).
2. It only comes with a 720p display, which is expected given its budget price point.
3. The processor is on the lower end in terms of performance, and it's actually a bit worse than the A79 in CPU benchmarks.
4. You don't get the fast charger in the box, which feels like an unnecessary extra cost.
5. It only comes with 2 years of operating system updates, which seems short given its robust build and long-lasting battery life.