The OPPO A38 is an affordable smartphone designed to provide a solid mix of performance, battery life, and camera quality. Originally priced at ₱7,999 in the Philippines, the OPPO A38’s price has dropped to ₱6,799 as of September 2024, making it an even more appealing option for students and young professionals looking for a budget-friendly device.
With its balance of features and budget-friendly price, it’s a reliable device for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. In this review, we’ll explore the OPPO A38’s key features, pros, and cons, and help you decide if it fits your needs
Key Features of OPPO A38
- MediaTek Helio G85 Processor: Efficient for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- 6.56-inch 90Hz Sunlight Display: Smooth visuals and brightness adjustments for outdoor use.
- 50MP AI Dual Camera: Ideal for capturing clear social media photos and portraits.
- 5000mAh Battery with 33W Fast Charging: All-day battery life with rapid charging capabilities.
- 4GB RAM (with up to 4GB virtual RAM) and 128GB Storage: Sufficient for multitasking and media storage.
- Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1: Customizable UI with a streamlined experience.
Performance: Handling Daily Tasks with Ease
Processor:
The MediaTek Helio G85 processor at the heart of the OPPO A38 ensures smooth performance for everyday activities like social media browsing, video streaming, and messaging. For gaming, it can handle light to mid-range games such as Mobile Legends and Clash of Clans quite well, but it might struggle with more graphically intense titles like Genshin Impact
RAM & Storage:
The 4GB of RAM, along with 4GB of virtual RAM, helps in keeping multitasking smooth. Switching between apps like Facebook, YouTube, and messaging platforms is fluid, making it suitable for students who juggle multiple tasks. With 128GB of storage, it has enough room for photos, videos, and apps, and if you need more space, you can expand it up to 1TB with a microSD card(OPPO).
Display: Smooth and Bright for Everyday Use
OPPO A38 Screen Size & Resolution:
The OPPO A38’s 6.56-inch HD+ display offers a decent experience for its price, although the 720p resolution is not as sharp as higher-end models. Still, it’s good enough for everyday activities like watching videos, reading, or social media scrolling.
Refresh Rate:
The 90Hz refresh rate stands out in this price range, delivering smoother scrolling and animations, which is especially noticeable when gaming or browsing. This feature provides a significant upgrade over standard 60Hz displays
Camera: Social Media-Ready Photography
Main Camera:
The 50MP AI main camera is a highlight of the OPPO A38, capturing bright and detailed photos in well-lit conditions. Portrait mode with bokeh effects helps produce professional-looking shots, making it ideal for social media enthusiasts.
Front Camera & Video:
The 5MP front camera performs adequately for video calls and selfies. While video recording tops out at 1080p, it’s good enough for casual vlogs or TikTok content but lacks the stabilization seen in higher-end models.
Battery Life: Lasts All Day with Quick Top-ups
Battery Capacity:
The 5000mAh battery offers excellent longevity, easily powering through a full day of use, whether you’re a student attending online classes or an office worker handling emails and calls(OPPO).
Charging Speed:
With 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging, you can charge the battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes, which is perfect for those on the go.
Design and Build Quality: Stylish and Comfortable
Look & Feel:
The Glowing Black and Glowing Gold color options give the OPPO A38 a stylish look, while its polycarbonate back ensures durability without compromising on aesthetics. The phone feels comfortable in the hand and is easy to carry due to its 190g weight
Durability:
With an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, the OPPO A38 is durable enough for everyday accidents, providing peace of mind for those who lead an active lifestyle
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price with decent features.
- 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with fast charging.
- 50MP AI camera for good-quality photos.
- Expandable storage up to 1TB.
Cons:
- No 5G support, which might be a drawback for future-proofing.
- 720p resolution is lower than competitors in the same price range.
- Front camera quality is basic compared to rivals.
The OPPO A38 is an excellent choice for students, home users, and young professionals who prioritize a budget-friendly phone for social media, casual photography, and multitasking.
With the price now lowered to ₱6,799, the OPPO A38 is an even better deal for anyone looking for a dependable smartphone that doesn’t cost too much.
If you’re a casual gamer or someone who values long battery life, smooth scrolling with the 90Hz display, and decent camera quality, the OPPO A38 is a strong contender in the under-₱7,000 price range. However, if you need more powerful gaming performance or 5G connectivity, you might want to consider other options that offer higher specs for those needs.
Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Choice with Key Features
The OPPO A38 stands out in the budget segment, offering a smooth 90Hz display, solid camera performance, and impressive battery life. While it lacks 5G and a higher resolution display, its overall performance, fast charging, and stylish design make it a great choice for everyday use, especially for young buyers looking for value and quality not expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about OPPO A38 Smartphone
1. Does the OPPO A38 support 5G?
No, the OPPO A38 only supports 4G LTE. While it provides good speeds for daily browsing, streaming, and social media, it is not future-proofed with 5G capabilities, which may matter for users looking for faster mobile internet
2. How good is the OPPO A38 for gaming?
The OPPO A38 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is capable of handling light to mid-range games like Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like Genshin Impact due to its mid-range GPU and 4GB of RAM .
3. How long does the OPPO A38 battery last?
With its 5000mAh battery, the OPPO A38 can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, social media, and video watching. For lighter use, it may even last up to two days.
4. How fast is the OPPO A38’s charging?
The OPPO A38 supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which allows the battery to charge from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it convenient for users who are busy.
5. Does the OPPO A38 have expandable storage?
Yes, the OPPO A38 supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB, in addition to its built-in 128GB internal storage. This is ideal for users who need extra space for photos, videos, or apps
6. Is the OPPO A38 good for taking photos?
Yes, the OPPO A38 features a 50MP main camera that takes bright, clear photos in good lighting conditions. It’s a solid choice for users who want a reliable camera for social media content. The portrait mode with bokeh effects also enhances photos.
7. Does the OPPO A38 have Gorilla Glass or water resistance?
The OPPO A38 does not have Gorilla Glass but is rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance. This means it’s durable against light spills and dust, making it reasonably robust for everyday use.
8. What operating system does the OPPO A38 run?
The OPPO A38 comes with Android 13, running on ColorOS 13.1. This offers a user-friendly experience with customization options, including themes and an efficient Game Mode.
9. Is the OPPO A38 good value for money?
Yes, with its ₱6,799 price tag, the OPPO A38 offers excellent value. It includes a 90Hz display, 50MP camera, large battery, and fast charging—features usually found in more expensive smartphones.
