Tech
OPPO A38 Review: Design, Performance, and Camera Features
In the review of the OPPO A38, discover all the details of this smartphone that stands out with its stylish design, impressive performance, and advanced camera features. Here are the essentials you need to know about this device where performance meets aesthetics!
OPPO A38: A Striking Smartphone Review
The Chinese electronics manufacturer OPPO is attracting attention with its A38 model. This phone offers a large viewing experience thanks to its 6.56-inch 90Hz IPS LCD screen and is resistant to dust and splashes with its IP54 certification. The device houses a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, while photography enthusiasts will find a dual 50 MP camera on the back and a 5 MP resolution selfie camera on the front. Additionally, it aims to meet users’ needs with 128 GB of internal storage. The OPPO A38 operates on the Android 13 operating system with the ColorOS 13.1 interface. Its battery life is quite satisfactory with a 5000mAh capacity battery and 33W fast charging feature. So, what kind of experience does the OPPO A38 offer to its users in light of all these features?
What is the Design of OPPO A38 Like?
The OPPO A38 showcases an elegant design with its oval corners and metallic appearance. The phone measures 164 x 75 x 8.2 mm and weighs 190 grams. Thanks to its IP54 certification, the device provides a certain level of protection against dust and water splashes. However, it should be noted that the phone may still take in water when exposed to heavy water. Phones that offer “splash protection” usually provide protection against light rain or droplets that occur while washing hands; therefore, it is recommended to be careful in protecting your phone from water.
How is the Screen Performance of OPPO A38?
While the OPPO A38 is popular among users with its large screen size, it is wise to approach its performance with caution. The 6.56-inch IPS LCD screen provides good visibility with a 90Hz refresh rate and a brightness level of 720 nits. However, the screen resolution falls below today’s standards at 720×1612 pixels. This may frustrate users when watching high-resolution videos.
How are the Cameras of OPPO A38?
The OPPO A38 is equipped with a dual camera system featuring a 50 MP wide-angle lens. Accompanying this vertically aligned camera on the back is a 2 MP depth sensor for portrait mode and depth effects. Although the LED flash supports photography in low-light conditions, it cannot prevent graininess in dim environments. Therefore, if you plan to take photos in the evening or in dark settings, it is important to provide adequate lighting. The maximum resolution for video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, making the OPPO A38’s video capabilities quite limited. The front camera has a resolution of 5 MP and can record video at 1080p@30fps; however, this also falls behind modern standards.
What Does OPPO A38 Offer in Performance?
Powered by the MediaTek MT6769 Helio G85 processor produced with 12nm technology, the OPPO A38 operates on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1 interface. It is difficult to say that this processor is one of the most powerful on the market. Its octa-core configuration consists of 2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. It is equipped with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU for graphics processing. This setup is not sufficient for gaming; however, you will not encounter issues while playing simple games. You may feel the processor struggling when using multiple applications or working with heavy photo/video applications. While 6 GB of RAM initially seems sufficient, it may risk being inadequate for long-term use. With the RAM expansion feature, it is possible to add up to 6 GB of virtual RAM. Additionally, the 128 GB of storage space provides ample room for photos and videos.
What are the Connectivity Features of OPPO A38?
The OPPO A38 offers standard Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connectivity options; however, it does not support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax). Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and LE features is available for wireless data transfer and audio streaming. It supports positioning standards such as GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS. However, the absence of NFC or a radio receiver may be a disadvantage for some users. For wired connections, there is an OTG-supported USB Type-C 2.0 connection available.
What Does OPPO A38 Offer in Battery and Charging Performance?
Battery life is very important for a price/performance-focused phone. The OPPO A38 comes with a non-removable 5000 mAh Li-Po battery. The European Union does not find non-removable batteries very “ethical” and is planning to ban the sale of such phones. The 5000 mAh battery ensures the device functions smoothly throughout the day, while the 33W wired charging feature offers fast charging capabilities. A 30-minute charge promises to fill the battery by 50%; however, in emergencies, this time may not be sufficient for many users.
Conclusion
The OPPO A38 comes in two color options: glossy black and glossy gold. However, its processor may not satisfy many users, and its screen resolution falls below today’s standards. The 5 MP front camera seems to offer a very low resolution by 2025. While the dual 50 MP camera on the back performs well by current standards, it does not deliver the expected results in low-light conditions. Operating on Android 13 when beta versions of Android 15 are being tested may pose long-term problems for users. Overall, for users looking for a stylish phone with a large display, the OPPO A38 may seem attractive at a price reaching 8500 TL; however, considering its low features, one could argue that this price is too high. Ultimately, it is advisable to consider all these factors before choosing this phone.