The smartphone market is flooded with an endless stream of new devices, each vying for your attention. In 2024, navigating this landscape can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a budget. But fear not, budget-conscious tech enthusiasts! The OPPO A3 Pro 5G might just be the perfect fit.

Unboxing the OPPO A3 Pro 5G

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G doesn’t boast flashy packaging, but it gets the job done. Inside the sturdy box, you’ll find the phone itself, a protective case, a 45W VOOC charger, a USB-C cable, and some basic user manuals. The included case is a welcome touch, especially for those who are prone to accidental drops.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

Picking up the OPPO A3 Pro 5G for the first time, you’re greeted by a sleek and modern design. The phone boasts a glossy plastic back that feels surprisingly premium, despite the material. OPPO claims this back panel is part of their “360° damage-proof armour,” and while we wouldn’t recommend testing that claim, the phone certainly feels sturdy in hand.

The phone is available in two colour options: a classic black and a more eye-catching iridescent blue. The bezels surrounding the display are minimal, offering a near bezel-less viewing experience. A fingerprint sensor is located discreetly under the display, providing a seamless and secure way to unlock your phone.

Display: A Visual Treat

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G features a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). While some higher-end phones boast AMOLED displays, the LCD panel on the A3 Pro 5G offers excellent viewing angles, good colour reproduction, and ample brightness for most situations. For everyday tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and gaming, the display performs admirably.

Performance Packed: The Power Within

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, a capable chip that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the phone offers smooth multitasking and can run several apps simultaneously without stuttering. For gamers on a budget, the A3 Pro 5G can handle most popular games on medium to high settings, though you might need to dial down the graphics for the most demanding titles.

Storage: Enough Space for Your Essentials

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G comes with 128GB of internal storage, which is enough for most users. However, if you’re a photo or video enthusiast, you might find this storage capacity limiting. The good news is that the phone supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional space.

Camera System: Capturing Memories

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G sports a dual-lens rear camera system. The primary sensor is a 50MP wide-angle lens, which captures crisp and detailed photos in good lighting conditions. A secondary 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait mode shots. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor, which is perfectly adequate for video calls and selfies.

While the camera system won’t compete with flagship phones, it delivers decent image quality for everyday use. The phone offers various shooting modes, including portrait mode, night mode, and panorama mode.

Battery Life: Power Through Your Day

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G packs a hefty 5100mAh battery, which is impressive for a phone in this price range. During our testing, the phone easily lasted a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Even with heavier use, you’ll likely get through the workday without needing to scramble for a charger. The phone also supports 45W VOOC flash charging, which can top up the battery from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes. This is a lifesaver for those who are always on the go.

Software: A Clean and Customised Experience

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G runs on Android 14 with OPPO’s ColorOS 14.0.1 on top. ColorOS is a feature-rich custom skin that offers a variety of customisations and additional features over stock Android. While some users might prefer a stock Android experience, ColorOS offers a clean and user-friendly interface that most users will find intuitive.

Connectivity: Keeping You Connected

As the name suggests, the OPPO A3 Pro 5G is a 5G-enabled phone. This means you can experience blazing-fast internet speeds, provided you have a 5G network connection in your area. The phone also supports all the standard connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

Value for Money: A Budget Champion

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G strikes an impressive balance between price and features. With a starting price of around ₹17,999 (price may vary depending on region), the phone offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone with 5G connectivity, a long-lasting battery, and a capable camera system, the OPPO A3 Pro 5G is a compelling option.

OPPO A3 Pro 5G Specifications at a Glance

This table provides a quick and easy reference for the key specifications of the OPPO A3 Pro 5G. You can use this information to compare the phone to other devices in the market and see if it meets your needs.

Who is the OPPO A3 Pro 5G For?

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G is a great choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize the following:

• 5G connectivity: If you live in an area with 5G network coverage and want to experience the future of mobile internet, the A3 Pro 5G has you covered.
• Long battery life: The phone’s 5100mAh battery ensures you can stay connected throughout the day without worrying about running out of juice.
• Capable performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and 8GB of RAM provide enough power for everyday tasks and even some light gaming.
• Large and vibrant display: The 6.67-inch display is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and gaming.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Contender in the Budget 5G Segment

The OPPO A3 Pro 5G is a solid contender in the crowded budget 5G smartphone market. It offers a well-rounded package with a sleek design, a long-lasting battery, decent cameras, and smooth performance, all at an attractive price point. While it might not boast the top-of-the-line specs of flagship phones, the A3 Pro 5G delivers excellent value for money, making it a great choice for budget-minded users looking to experience the benefits of 5G connectivity.