It’s Time to Take a Closer Look at the OPPO F5!
The mid-range segment has always been a tough battleground where brands duke it out to be able to provide consumers with the best performance in a smartphone while keeping prices to a respectable level. While most have already released their top contenders in Php 15,000 to Php 20,000 price range in 2017, OPPO dropped their new Selfie Expert — the OPPO F5 — a week ago after tons of teasers from celebrity ambassadors. of course. Now that we’ve had some significant time spent with the F5, it’s time to see if it’s worth considering.
OPPO F5 Specs
- 2.5GHz MediaTek MT6763 octa-core processor
- 4GB of RAM
- Mali-G71 MP2 GPU
- 6-inch Full HD+ Full-Screen LTPS IPS LCD Display; 1080×2160 resolution, 402 pixels per inch
- 32GB of expandable storage
- 4G, LTE
- Dual SIM
- 16-megapixel rear camera, f/1.8 aperture with LED flash
- 20-megapixel front camera, f/2.0 aperture with AI Beauty Mode
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- GPS, A-GPS
- Fingerprint scanner
- 3200mAh battery
- Android 7.1.1 Nougat with ColorOS 3.2
Clever Coating
We’ve already mentioned this in our quick review for the device but. aside from having adopted a Full-Screen display like a number of mid-range smartphones have, nothing much has changed in terms of its overall design. The OPPO F5 utilizes a unibody build though, unfortunately, they’ve gone from using metal to polycarbonate plastic. We were second-guessing ourselves when we first opened the box as the lighter construction screamed plastic, but it definitely felt like metal. This is thanks to a clever coating on the device, but the lack of antenna lines should have been a dead giveaway. Yup, those chrome accents fool you.
During our time with the device, the phone remained blemish free despite using the phone a couple of days without its accompanying case. So, at least we know that the coating can stand up to a bit of a beating but we definitely wouldn’t advise you to push your luck.
If you are planning to go without a case, and we highly recommend that you don’t, you should know that the display of the OPPO F5 doesn’t quite blend seamlessly on to the unit’s frame. It feels weird in the hand compared to most devices in the market, but it’s easy enough to hold since you are getting the dimensions are almost that of a 5.5-inch device despite having a 6-inch screen. The case definitely makes a world of difference in terms of ergonomics plus keep that coating scratch-free. Use it.
We were also thrown off by the fact that the volume rocker and power button aren’t on the same side of the device. Instead, you’ve got the SIM tray right above the power button on the right side of the device. You have a triple slotter here so there’s no need to choose between a secondary SIM or expandable storage. The button layout is no biggie and we got used to it after a day or so, but we thought it was worth mentioning.
Gone Full-Screen
Since edge-to-edge displays at an aspect ratio of 18:9 seems to be the thing in smartphones these days, we aren’t surprised that OPPO has followed suit by adapting to the trend. As we mentioned above, the LPTS IPS LCD display measures at 6-inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2160 or Full HD+. This gives the display great pixel density at 402 pixels per inch. All of those numbers translate into clear, crisp images and is comfortable for prolonged use like if you were going on a Netflix binger with just the right amount of color saturation and contrast as well.
The added real estate is highly appreciated for web browsing, though it does force apps into the newfangled aspect ratio so content can get distorted. Make sure you toggle off Full-Screen mode for these apps in the Settings cause it can get quite annoying. We also we wish that the screen could get a little brighter for the outdoors, but it is still completely usable and we’re probably nitpicking.
The speaker on the bottom of the device also produces a lot of volume with balanced sound quality, but you will want to keep at around the 70-80% mark to keep distortion to a minimum.
A Mid-Range Contender
While many are quick to dismiss the OPPO F5 because of its SoC — a 2.5 GHz MediaTek MT6763 octa-core processor — it does have the more than enough power for moderate users and oomph to stand up against the competition. Simple day-to-day tasks were handled with a breeze and it handled a fair bit of multitasking as well. The SoC is paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. We wish it was at least 64GB for the base model, but at least it’s expandable.
You can also do a fair bit of gaming on the OPPO F5. If you’re into the new mobile MOBA — Arena of Valor — you’ve got a median of 30 FPS (which the game is locked to by the way) with a good amount of stability with all the graphic details turned up to the max. For heavier games like, NBA 2K17, you’re definitely going to want to turn it down to get smoother frame rates.
ColorOS Feels More Like iOS
Another we mentioned in our quick review was how OPPO’s custom UI, ColorOS, felt a little closer to an iOS experience; mainly due to the fact that the quick settings are now accessed by swiping up, much like Apple Command Center. We’re nitpicking a little bit more here, but we definitely would have loved it if they stuck the way things were.
Since the phone also has a Full-Screen now, this means that you have on-screen navigation keys and that the fingerprint scanner has been migrated to the back. It’s a bit of an off oval shape that we haven’t seen before though it does read biometrics well and if that helps with it then we’re all for it. The scanner is also well-placed for easy access, though those with daintier hands may wish to go with the F5s facial recognition instead.
The Selfie Expert Just Got Better
OPPO’s F series of phones definitely prioritize the front camera over the rear; giving it the lion’s share of the hardware. Before we get to the Selfie Expert’s main draw, however, let’s talk about the rear camera and how it’s no slouch either. It produces great images for a mid-range device that has good color reproduction and dynamic range. Yes, it does fall a little bit to the wayside once it starts to get dark with noticeable noise but isn’t bad for social media use.
Now, being a selfie-centric smartphone is what help put OPPO on the map and for this iteration, they’ve loaded up the OPPO F5 with an AI beauty mode. Essentially, when set to Auto, the F5 adjust the Beauty mode to give you better selfies and a bit of bokeh as well. It performs better when there’s adequate light, as it does tend to go a tad overboard in low light situations. We also recommend turning this feature off when taking a group shot. It is a Selfie Expert after all.
Through the Working Day and then Some
Despite having a 3200mAh battery, we were surprised at the lasting power of the OPPO F5. It got us through a typical 8-hour work day with mobile data on with enough left over in the tank for a night out afterward. The one thing that we wish that the OPPO F5 is support for the company’s VOOC charging to get it up and running a lot faster when you have to top it up. It’ll take you a little less than two hours to go from 10% to a full charge, so definitely plug it in before turning in for the night.
We’ll update the battery section with PCMark Battery Benchmark results when it’s done, but we’re expecting it to clock in a respectable time.
Verdict: A Good Fit for Selfie Lovers
As a whole, the OPPO F5 definitely fits the bill of a great option for those looking for a mid-range phone. Many may get dismayed by the use of an MTK SoC, but it (along with the 4GB of RAM) can put in some serious work. You also have a great Full-Screen 6-inch display at Full HD+ resolution if you’re looking to jump on the 18:9 bandwagon. The highlight for the OPPO F5 is its front camera with the AI beauty mode and if you’re looking for a phone that can take awesome selfies, the F5 should definitely be in your top 3.
At Php 15,990, we feel that OPPO has gotten its asking price just right to compete in a tough sea of competition.
The OPPO F5 Celebrity-Powered Selfie Expert Launch at City of Dreams
