“Oppo A97: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Premium Features”

The Oppo A97 is a standout smartphone in Oppo’s mid-range lineup, boasting a combination of sleek design, competitive specifications, and 5G connectivity. Released to cater to the needs of budget-conscious users without compromising on performance, the Oppo A97 strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. Here, we delve into every aspect of the Oppo A97 to give you a detailed understanding of its offerings.

Design and Build

The Oppo A97 sports a modern, minimalist design that exudes elegance. It features:

• Dimensions and Weight: Measuring approximately 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm and weighing around 190 grams, it is slim and lightweight, making it easy to handle.
• Material: A polycarbonate back with a matte finish provides a premium feel and prevents fingerprints.
• Color Options: The device is available in classic black, serene blue, and vibrant pink, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
• Ports and Buttons: It includes a USB-C port for charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and standard volume and power buttons.

Display

The Oppo A97 features a large display that enhances the user experience:

• Size: A 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel ensures ample screen real estate for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
• Resolution: Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) delivers crisp visuals.
• Refresh Rate: A 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to traditional 60Hz screens.
• Brightness and Colors: With decent brightness levels and vibrant colors, the display performs well both indoors and outdoors.

Performance

Under the hood, the Oppo A97 packs powerful hardware for its price segment:

• Processor: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, it offers reliable performance for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming.
• RAM and Storage: Equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the device ensures smooth multitasking and plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. Additionally, it supports virtual RAM expansion, adding up to 5GB more RAM using storage.
• Operating System: Runs on ColorOS 12.1, based on Android 12, delivering a user-friendly interface with customization options and useful features.

Camera System

The Oppo A97 comes with a capable dual-camera setup and a front-facing camera for selfies:

• Rear Cameras:
  • Main Sensor: A 48MP primary camera captures detailed photos with good color reproduction.
  • Depth Sensor: A 2MP depth sensor enhances portrait shots with natural bokeh effects.
• Front Camera: A 12MP selfie camera housed in a teardrop notch ensures clear and vibrant self-portraits.
• Camera Features: Includes AI scene enhancement, night mode, and video stabilization, allowing users to get creative with photography.

Battery and Charging

The Oppo A97 excels in battery performance, making it ideal for heavy users:

• Capacity: A 5000mAh battery provides all-day usage on a single charge.
• Charging: Supports 33W fast charging, replenishing the battery from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.
• Power Efficiency: The Dimensity 810 chipset’s 6nm architecture contributes to better energy efficiency.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• 5G Support: Ensures future-proof connectivity with blazing-fast download and upload speeds.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 provide seamless wireless connections.
• Audio: Dual stereo speakers deliver an immersive sound experience, complemented by the 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner and AI face unlock offer fast and reliable security options.
• Expandable Storage: A hybrid SIM slot allows users to add a microSD card for additional storage if needed.

Price and Availability

The Oppo A97 is competitively priced in the mid-range segment. As of its release, it is priced at approximately $299 (subject to regional variations). It is available via Oppo’s official website, online retailers, and brick-and-mortar stores worldwide.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable 5G smartphone.
• Large 90Hz display.
• Ample RAM and storage.
• Long-lasting battery with fast charging.
• Sleek and lightweight design.

Cons:

• No ultra-wide or macro lens in the camera setup.
• IPS LCD instead of AMOLED.
• Hybrid SIM slot limits dual SIM functionality if using a microSD card.

The Oppo A97 is a well-rounded smartphone that ticks most boxes for mid-range buyers. Its combination of 5G connectivity, solid performance, and a vibrant display makes it a compelling choice for users looking for value for money. While it has some limitations, such as the absence of an ultra-wide camera and an AMOLED display, its strengths outweigh the drawbacks, ensuring a satisfying user experience.