OPPO A98 5G: Specifications and Overview
The OPPO A98 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a balanced set of features, catering to users who seek reliable performance, a sleek design, and 5G connectivity without stretching their budget. It’s designed for those who want a modern smartphone experience with good battery life, a capable camera, and fast charging, all at an affordable price. Below, we provide a detailed look at its specifications and an in-depth review.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72-inch IPS LCD, FHD+ (2400 x 1080), 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X (Expandable with up to 8GB Virtual RAM) |
| Storage | 256GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSD up to 1TB) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple Camera Setup: 64MP wide, 2MP depth, 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.4 |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 67W SuperVOOC wired charging |
| Operating System | ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13 |
| Build | Plastic frame, polycarbonate back |
| Audio | Mono speaker |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 192g |
Design and Build Quality
The OPPO A98 5G maintains a modern and practical design, with a sleek and simple aesthetic. The device comes in several color options, including Cool Black and Dreamy Blue, which feature a matte finish that minimizes fingerprints and smudges. The plastic back and frame help keep the weight manageable, while still providing a sturdy feel in the hand.
At 192 grams, the phone is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle for prolonged periods. The build quality is solid, and the overall design is ergonomic, with smooth curves that fit comfortably in the palm. The rear camera module is designed to blend seamlessly into the back of the device, giving it a minimalist look.
Display
The OPPO A98 5G features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with an FHD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It offers sharp and vibrant visuals, suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. One of the standout features of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and a fluid user experience. This is particularly impressive for a device in this price range, as higher refresh rates are often reserved for more expensive models.
While it may not have the deep blacks and vivid colors of an AMOLED display, the LCD screen does a good job of delivering accurate colors and maintaining good visibility under direct sunlight. The adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery life, automatically adjusting based on the content being viewed.
Performance
Under the hood, the OPPO A98 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. This mid-range processor is known for its efficiency and balanced performance, making it suitable for day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming. It also handles casual gaming quite well, though more demanding games may require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay.
The device comes with 8GB of RAM, which can be virtually expanded by an additional 8GB using the device’s internal storage, thanks to OPPO’s RAM expansion technology. This ensures that multitasking is smooth, with apps opening and switching quickly. The 256GB internal storage provides ample space for apps, games, photos, and videos, and it can be expanded further via a microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 1TB.
Camera
The OPPO A98 5G is equipped with a triple camera setup:
- 64MP Wide Camera (f/1.8) – The primary sensor captures detailed and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions. It delivers good color accuracy and sharpness, making it suitable for everyday photography.
- 2MP Depth Sensor (f/2.4) – The depth sensor helps in achieving better portrait shots by providing accurate background blur, ensuring the subject remains in focus.
- 2MP Macro Camera (f/2.4) – The macro lens lets users capture close-up shots of small objects, but the 2MP resolution might limit the quality of these photos.
The front camera houses a 32MP sensor that delivers sharp and clear selfies. The camera software comes with various features, including AI beauty mode, portrait mode, and more, which enhance the selfie experience. The rear camera can record videos up to 1080p at 30fps, with electronic image stabilization (EIS) to help reduce shakes and blurriness.
While the camera setup is versatile, it is important to note that the secondary sensors (depth and macro) are limited in their capabilities and might not provide the same level of quality as the main sensor.
Battery and Charging
The OPPO A98 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is sufficient to get through a full day of heavy use. The Snapdragon 695 processor, coupled with software optimizations, helps in conserving battery life, allowing users to enjoy their device without constantly worrying about running out of power.
One of the key features of the A98 5G is its 67W SuperVOOC fast charging, which can charge the device from 0 to 100% in less than 45 minutes. This is particularly useful for users who are always on the go and need quick top-ups throughout the day.
Software and User Experience
The OPPO A98 5G runs on ColorOS 13.1, which is based on Android 13. ColorOS provides a clean and user-friendly interface, with a range of customization options that allow users to personalize their devices. The software includes various features to enhance productivity, such as Smart Sidebar, which provides quick access to frequently used apps and tools, and FlexDrop, which enables easier multitasking.
ColorOS 13.1 also introduces improved privacy controls, including enhanced permission management and data protection features, giving users more control over their information. The user interface is smooth and responsive, with the 120Hz refresh rate further improving the overall experience.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, the OPPO A98 5G comes with 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds, provided the user is in an area with 5G coverage. It also includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The phone has a mono speaker setup, which provides decent audio quality for calls and media, although it lacks the depth and clarity of stereo speakers.
For security, the device is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is fast and reliable. Additionally, it offers facial recognition, giving users multiple options for unlocking their phone.
Conclusion
The OPPO A98 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a mix of modern features, solid performance, and stylish design. Its 120Hz display, capable processor, and long-lasting battery make it an excellent choice for users who want a smooth and reliable device without spending too much. The 67W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back to using their phone without long waits.
While the Snapdragon 695 processor might not be as powerful as higher-end chipsets, it still delivers a smooth experience for everyday tasks and casual gaming. The camera setup is versatile but could benefit from improvements, especially with the secondary sensors. However, the 64MP main camera and the 32MP front camera provide good quality photos for users who prioritize capturing moments.
Overall, the OPPO A98 5G stands out as a competitive option in the mid-range segment. It offers value for money with its feature set, making it a suitable choice for users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone that does not compromise on essential features.