The OPPO A38, announced in September 2023, is an affordable smartphone with a focus on display quality and fast charging. It features a 6.56-inch 90Hz IPS LCD screen, IP54 dust and splash resistance, and a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. With dual 50 MP rear cameras, a 5 MP selfie camera, and 128GB of internal storage, it offers decent camera capabilities and storage space. The device runs on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1, and its 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging. Priced at around 160 EUR, the OPPO A38 provides a budget-friendly option for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone.
Design and Build
The OPPO A38 features a slim and lightweight design with dimensions of 163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 190 g. It’s designed to be portable and comfortable to hold. The device is also rated with an IP54 certification, which makes it resistant to dust and splashes, enhancing its durability.
Display
The smartphone is equipped with a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother animations and scrolling. It also offers a peak brightness of 720 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The display has a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9.
Performance
Running on Android 13 with the ColorOS 13.1 skin, the OPPO A38 is powered by the Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 chipset, which is manufactured using a 12nm process. The CPU configuration consists of an octa-core setup with 2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU handles graphics processing. This configuration is suitable for everyday tasks, including web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
The device offers 128GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, providing ample storage for apps, media, and files.
Camera System
The OPPO A38 sports a dual-camera system on the back, featuring a 50 MP wide-angle lens with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) for sharp and detailed photos. It’s accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor, which contributes to portrait mode and depth effects. The camera system is equipped with LED flash for enhanced low-light photography. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps.
On the front, there’s a 5 MP wide-angle selfie camera, which is suitable for video calls and selfies. It also supports only 1080p@30fps resolution.
Connectivity and Features
The OPPO A38 provides standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast and reliable wireless connections. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi for better performance. Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and LE is available for wireless data transfer and audio streaming. Positioning is handled by GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS for accurate location services.
The device does not feature NFC or a radio receiver. It includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support for wired connections and data transfer.
Battery and Charging
The smartphone is equipped with a 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, offering extended battery life. It supports 33W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery), promising to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, as advertised.
Color Options and Price
The OPPO A38 is available in two color options: Glowing Black and Glowing Gold, catering to different user preferences. With a price of about 160 EUR, it offers an affordable smartphone option with a focus on display quality and fast charging, making it suitable for budget-conscious users looking for a well-rounded device.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The OPPO A38 comes at a budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Slim and Lightweight: With its slim and lightweight design, this phone is easy to carry and comfortable to hold.
- Display Quality: The device features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 720 nits, offering a satisfying viewing experience.
- Durability: The IP54 certification ensures that the phone is resistant to dust and splashes, adding to its overall durability.
- Decent Camera System: The 50 MP wide-angle lens on the back, supported by a 2 MP depth sensor, delivers sharp and detailed photos. The 5 MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls.
- Ample Storage: With 128GB of internal storage and support for expandable storage via a microSD card, you have enough space for apps and media.
- Long Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides extended battery life, and the 33W wired charging ensures fast recharging.
Cons:
- Limited Performance: The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications and gaming.
- Modest Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera is relatively basic and may not deliver the best results for selfie enthusiasts.
- No NFC or Radio: The absence of NFC limits contactless payment options, and the lack of a radio receiver means you can’t enjoy FM radio on this device.
- Low-Resolution Display: While the display quality is good, the 720p resolution may not provide the highest level of detail, especially when viewing content up close.
- Average Depth Sensor: The 2 MP depth sensor adds depth effects but doesn’t contribute significantly to the camera system’s versatility.
- Basic Performance for Gaming: The device is not ideal for intensive gaming, and users looking for a gaming-focused phone may find it lacking in performance.
- Lack of the Latest Android Version: While it runs Android 13, it may not provide the latest features and security updates, depending on when the phone was manufactured and released.
The OPPO A38, announced in September 2023, is an affordable smartphone with a focus on display quality and fast charging. It features a 6.56-inch 90Hz IPS LCD screen, IP54 dust and splash resistance, and a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. With dual 50 MP rear cameras, a 5 MP selfie camera, and 128GB of internal storage, it offers decent camera capabilities and storage space. The device runs on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1, and its 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging. Priced at around 160 EUR, the OPPO A38 provides a budget-friendly option for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone.
