OPPO A5x: In the ever-expanding galaxy of smartphone options, finding that sweet spot between affordability and functionality feels increasingly like searching for a needle in a digital haystack.

The OPPO A5x enters this crowded arena with promises of delivering essential smartphone experiences without emptying your wallet.

But in a market segment where corners are inevitably cut, does this budget contender offer genuine value or merely a collection of compromises?

After spending several weeks with the device as my secondary phone, I’ve developed some nuanced thoughts that go beyond the usual spec-sheet analysis.

OPPO A5x: Design and Build: Surprising Substance

The first thing that struck me when unboxing the OPPO A5x was its reassuring weight. At 190 grams, it conveys a sense of solidity that many budget phones lack.

While the back panel is crafted from polycarbonate (marketing speak for plastic), OPPO has given it a textured finish that both reduces fingerprint smudges and provides better grip.

The subtle geometric pattern catches light differently depending on the angle, adding visual interest to what could have been a forgettable design.

The phone comes in three colorways: Midnight Black, Stellar Blue, and Sunrise Silver. My review unit came in Stellar Blue, which shifts between deep navy and brighter azure depending on how light hits it.

It’s not as eye-catching as some of OPPO’s more premium offerings, but it doesn’t scream “budget phone” either—something I appreciate when pulling it out in public.

The frame maintains the plastic construction but features a glossy finish that contrasts nicely with the matte back.

Button placement feels intuitive, with the power button and volume rocker on the right side falling naturally under my thumb and index finger.

The buttons themselves provide satisfying tactile feedback—firm enough to prevent accidental presses but not so stiff that they require deliberate force.

On the bottom edge, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack (an increasingly rare but welcome feature), a USB-C port (thankfully not the outdated micro-USB), and a single downward-firing speaker.

The SIM tray on the left edge accommodates either two nano-SIMs or one SIM and a microSD card—a practical choice for budget-conscious users who might want to expand the phone’s storage down the line.

One area where the A5x pleasantly surprised me was its resistance to everyday wear. After three weeks of caseless use, including a couple of accidental drops onto hardwood flooring, the phone showed minimal signs of damage—just a tiny scuff on one corner. This resilience isn’t something I take for granted in the budget segment.

The front of the device features a 6.52-inch display with a waterdrop notch housing the selfie camera. While not the most modern design choice in 2023, it’s functional and minimizes screen interruption.

The bezels, while visible, are consistent enough not to be distracting during everyday use.

Display: Modest but Functional

The OPPO A5x’s 6.52-inch LCD panel offers HD+ resolution (1600 x 720 pixels). Let’s address the elephant in the room—this is not a display that will wow tech enthusiasts.

In an era where even some budget phones are offering Full HD+ resolution and higher refresh rates, the A5x sticks to the basics.

However, basic doesn’t necessarily mean bad. The display gets sufficiently bright for outdoor use, though direct sunlight remains a challenge.

Colors appear natural rather than oversaturated, which I personally prefer for accurate photo viewing, even if it lacks the punch of AMOLED displays. Viewing angles are decent, with minimal color shifting when viewing the screen from off-center positions.

OPPO has included an “Eye Comfort” mode that filters blue light for nighttime use—a thoughtful addition that I found myself using regularly during evening reading sessions.

The automatic brightness adjustment works reliably, though it sometimes errs on the dimmer side in moderate lighting conditions.

Video consumption is where the display’s limitations become most apparent. While Netflix and YouTube content remains perfectly watchable, the 720p resolution means you’re not getting the full detail from HD content.

The standard 60Hz refresh rate also means scrolling lacks the smoothness found in phones with 90Hz or 120Hz displays.

Touch response proved consistently reliable during my testing period, with no missed taps or phantom touches—an area where some budget devices fall short

. For messaging, social media browsing, and casual gaming, the display proves entirely adequate.

Performance: Everyday Reliability

The OPPO A5x is powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (expandable via microSD).

This hardware configuration places it firmly in the budget category, but what matters more than benchmark numbers is how it handles daily tasks.

For context, my usage pattern involved messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), social media browsing (Instagram, Twitter), occasional video watching (YouTube, Netflix), light gaming (puzzle games, casual titles), and standard phone functions (calls, texts, emails). Within this usage profile, the A5x performed admirably most of the time.

App loading times are noticeably longer than on mid-range or flagship devices, but once apps are running, navigation within them feels sufficiently responsive.

The system handles switching between recently used apps without major reloads, though pushing beyond 5-6 background apps starts to show the RAM limitations.

The ColorOS interface (based on Android 11) includes several optimization features that help maintain performance over time.

The “Clean Storage” function effectively clears cached data, while the “Phone Manager” provides useful suggestions for closing battery-draining background processes.

Gaming performance aligns with expectations for this hardware tier. Casual games like Candy Crush, Word Cookies, and similar titles run without issues.

Stepping up to more demanding games reveals the limitations—PUBG Mobile is playable only at low settings with occasional frame drops, while Genshin Impact struggles significantly even at the lowest settings

. For the target audience, who likely prioritize communication and basic entertainment over intensive gaming, these limitations may not be dealbreakers.

Battery life proved to be one of the A5x’s strongest assets. The 5000mAh battery consistently delivered a full day of moderate usage with 30-40% charge remaining. On lighter days, I could stretch it to nearly two full days before needing to recharge.

This longevity partially compensates for the modest 10W charging speed, which takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge from empty—decidedly slow by current standards.

Camera System: Functional but Forgettable

The camera setup on the OPPO A5x consists of a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, plus an 8MP front-facing camera.

This configuration has become somewhat standard in the budget segment, and the results are predictably mixed.

In favorable lighting conditions, the main camera captures images with reasonable detail and accurate colors. Dynamic range is limited, with bright skies often appearing blown out, but enabling HDR mode helps somewhat (at the cost of slower processing).

The depth sensor assists with portrait mode shots, which exhibit decent subject separation with only occasional edge detection errors around complex elements like hair or glasses.

Indoor photography quality decreases noticeably, with visible noise and softening as the phone attempts to compensate for lower light.

Night photography is best avoided entirely unless you have very steady hands and stationary subjects—there’s no dedicated night mode, and the standard photo mode struggles significantly in low light.

The selfie camera delivers acceptable results for social media sharing in good lighting, though details like skin texture tend to get smoothed out even with beauty filters disabled.

Video recording tops out at 1080p/30fps, with electronic stabilization that helps reduce minor shakes but can’t compensate for significant movement.

The camera app itself is straightforward and responsive, with standard modes like Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama easily accessible.

Additional features like AI scene recognition help optimize settings for specific scenarios, though the differences are subtle at best.

For casual photography—documenting everyday moments, sharing quick snapshots on social media, or making video calls—the A5x’s camera system proves adequate.

However, photography enthusiasts or those who frequently capture memories in challenging lighting conditions will find the limitations frustrating.

Software Experience: Surprisingly Refined

The OPPO A5x runs ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11. While not the latest Android version available, ColorOS offers a polished user experience with thoughtful features that enhance everyday usability.

The interface aesthetics strike a balance between visual appeal and functionality. Menus are logically organized, animations feel smooth despite the hardware limitations, and the overall design language maintains consistency throughout the system.

OPPO’s approach to Android customization has matured significantly in recent years, moving away from the iOS-inspired designs of earlier versions toward a more distinct identity.

Practical features that improved my daily experience included:

• App Cloner: Allowing me to run dual instances of messaging apps for work and personal accounts

• Flexible Dark Mode: With scheduling options and adjustable intensity

• Smart Sidebar: Providing quick access to frequently used apps and tools

• FlexDrop: Enabling minimized app windows for quick multitasking

• Private Safe: Securing sensitive photos and documents behind additional authentication

Bloatware, often a concern in budget devices, is present but not overwhelming. The phone comes preinstalled with some OPPO-branded apps and a handful of third-party applications that can be uninstalled or disabled.

After my initial setup and customization, the system occupied approximately 16GB of the 64GB storage.

OPPO’s commitment to software updates in the budget segment has historically been mixed. The A5x launched with Android 11 and is expected to receive at least one major Android version update plus security patches for about two years. This isn’t industry-leading support, but it’s reasonable for the price point.

Connectivity and Extras

The OPPO A5x covers the essentials in terms of connectivity, including 4G LTE support, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Call quality during my testing period was consistently clear, with no dropped calls or reception issues in areas with good coverage.

The single bottom-firing speaker produces sound that’s loud enough for personal use but lacks bass and richness.

Having the 3.5mm headphone jack provides a welcome alternative for better audio quality through wired headphones.

Biometric security comes in the form of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock. The fingerprint sensor is positioned naturally where my index finger rests when holding the phone, and it unlocks the device reliably with minimal delay.

Face unlock works well in good lighting but struggles in dim conditions and offers less security than the fingerprint option.

Comparative Analysis: OPPO A5x vs. Competitors

This comparison highlights the A5x’s positioning as a balanced option in the budget segment. While the Redmi 10A offers a slightly lower entry price, it compromises on RAM and storage. The Galaxy A04s provides a more current Android version but at a higher price point.

The Realme C35 stands out with its FHD+ display and faster charging but commands a premium over the A5x.

Key Strengths of the OPPO A5x

1. Exceptional Battery Life: The combination of a power-efficient processor, 720p display, and large 5000mAh battery delivers reliable multi-day endurance.

2. Sturdy Build Quality: The textured finish not only looks better than glossy plastic alternatives but also proves more durable against scratches and fingerprints.

3. Refined Software Experience: ColorOS offers useful features and optimizations that enhance the user experience beyond stock Android.

4. Balanced Performance: For communication, social media, and basic entertainment, the hardware provides a consistently usable experience without major frustrations.

5. Expandable Storage: The dedicated microSD slot allows for affordable storage expansion without sacrificing dual SIM functionality.

6. Headphone Jack: The inclusion of the 3.5mm audio port provides flexibility for wired audio that many budget-conscious users still appreciate.

7. Reliable Fingerprint Sensor: The rear-mounted scanner offers consistent performance for device security without the inconsistencies sometimes found in budget in-display sensors.

Limitations to Consider

Despite its strengths, the A5x has some noteworthy limitations:

• The 720p display resolution feels increasingly dated as even budget competitors move to Full HD panels.

• Charging speed at 10W is frustratingly slow by current standards, taking nearly three hours for a full charge.

• Camera performance significantly degrades in challenging lighting conditions.

• The MediaTek Helio G35 struggles with demanding applications and games.

• Android 11, while functional, is not the latest version available.

OPPO A5x: Conclusion: Knowing Its Lane

The OPPO A5x doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, and that focused approach works in its favor.

It delivers a reliable, long-lasting smartphone experience for users whose priorities center on communication, basic entertainment, and all-day battery life rather than gaming performance or photography excellence.

What makes the A5x noteworthy isn’t any single standout feature but rather how it balances its compromises. The hardware limitations are real, but they’re strategically chosen to preserve the elements that matter most for everyday usability in its target market.

The sturdy build quality, refined software, and exceptional battery endurance create a foundation of reliability that many flashier budget phones with more impressive spec sheets fail to deliver.

For first-time smartphone buyers, seniors, or those seeking a dependable secondary device, the OPPO A5x offers genuine value without unnecessary frills.

It knows exactly what it is—a budget-friendly communication tool with enough additional functionality to handle everyday digital tasks—and it delivers on that promise competently.

In the increasingly homogenized budget smartphone segment, that self-awareness and focused execution make the A5x worth considering, not despite its limitations, but because they’ve been chosen thoughtfully to create a more coherent overall experience at its price point.