OPPO A3 Pro Review: A Budget Beast with Premium Aspirations

The OPPO A3 Pro emerges as an intriguing addition to India’s competitive smartphone market, offering a blend of contemporary features and performance at an accessible price point. Released on June 21, 2024, it targets users seeking value without compromising on essential features.

Design and Display

The OPPO A3 Pro sports a modern aesthetic with a glossy finish, available in Moonlight Purple and Starry Black. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display delivers a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility in sunny conditions. At 7.68mm thick and weighing 186g, it maintains a comfortable in-hand feel.

Operating System

The device ships with ColorOS 14, based on Android 14. In December 2024, it was updated to ColorOS 15 (Android 15), which enhances the camera with improved image processing and added AI-driven features, resulting in better photo quality. OPPO’s commitment to four major ColorOS updates and five years of security patches ensures long-term software support.

Processor

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, built on a 6nm process, powers the device, facilitating smooth multitasking and gaming performance. With up to 8GB RAM, it handles daily tasks efficiently.

Camera

The dual rear camera system features a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth sensor, designed to cater to photography enthusiasts. The main camera excels in daylight conditions, producing vibrant images with impressive detail and natural color reproduction. The depth sensor contributes to creating pleasing bokeh effects in portrait shots, while AI enhancements notably improve overall image quality. The AI Portrait Retouching feature particularly stands out, offering refined selfies with enhanced facial details.

The 8MP front camera delivers satisfactory results for selfies and video calls, though it doesn’t particularly stand out in its segment. Low-light photography remains a challenge, with some loss of detail and clarity compared with competitors. However, the night mode partially compensates by boosting brightness and reducing noise. A standout feature is the Dual-View Video recording, allowing simultaneous capture from front and rear cameras – a valuable tool for content creators.

RAM and Storage

Available in 8GB configuration with 128GB or 256GB storage options, though lacking expandable storage capability.

Sound

Features stereo speakers with clear audio output and software-based sound enhancements, providing satisfactory everyday audio performance despite lacking premium features like Dolby Atmos.

Battery

Houses a 5,100mAh battery with 45W fast charging support, offering excellent battery life and quick recharge capabilities. The AI LinkBoost feature optimizes connectivity while conserving power during idle periods.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Robust performance from MediaTek Dimensity 6300
  • Impressive battery life with fast charging
  • Versatile camera features including Dual-View Video
  • Premium design and build quality

Cons

  • Subpar low-light photography
  • No expandable storage
  • Occasional heating issues
  • Presence of bloatware

Market Buzz

Users across major e-commerce platforms praise the device’s design, display quality, and gaming performance. Battery life receives consistent positive feedback, while low-light photography remains a common criticism.

Pricing

  • 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹17,999
  • 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹19,999

Final Verdict

The OPPO A3 Pro successfully balances style and functionality, offering impressive features at a competitive price point, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable daily driver.

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