Oppo A3X Review: Is This the Best Budget 5G Phone?

In a market saturated with budget smartphones, the Oppo A3X has emerged as a noteworthy contender, promising the benefits of 5G connectivity at an accessible price point. With its sleek design, decent specifications, and competitive pricing, it aims to provide value without breaking the bank. This comprehensive review will explore whether the Oppo A3X truly stands out as the best budget 5G phone available today.

Oppo A3X Design and Build Quality

Sleek and Modern Design

The Oppo A3X impresses with its sleek, modern design, a feature often reserved for higher-end devices. The phone features a glossy plastic back panel that mimics the look and feel of glass, providing a premium aesthetic without the premium cost. The rear camera module is integrated neatly into the design, contributing to the phone’s sophisticated appearance. The overall design is both elegant and functional, though the choice of materials suggests that the device is positioned in the mid-range segment.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Oppo A3X is solid for its price range, though it falls short of the sturdiness found in more expensive models. The plastic construction, while lightweight and comfortable, may not offer the same level of durability as metal or glass. The phone feels well-made in hand but lacks the heft and robustness of premium devices.

Highlights:

• Glossy plastic back with a premium look
• Integrated rear camera module
• Lightweight and ergonomic design

Build Features:

• Dimensions: The Oppo A3X has a slender profile, making it easy to handle.
• Weight: Approximately 190 grams, which is manageable for extended use.
• Color Options: Available in several colors, allowing users to choose according to their style.

Oppo A3X Display

Size and Type

The Oppo A3X is equipped with a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display. This large screen size is advantageous for media consumption, gaming, and general usage. However, the resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels is a bit on the lower side compared to other devices in the same price bracket, which often offer Full HD displays. The IPS LCD technology provides good color reproduction, but it lacks the contrast and depth of AMOLED screens.

Brightness and Color Reproduction

The display’s brightness is adequate for indoor use but struggles in direct sunlight. The average brightness levels can make it challenging to view the screen clearly in bright environments. The color reproduction is generally good, but the lack of an AMOLED display means that the colors are not as vivid or deep as on some competing devices.

Refresh Rate

One of the standout features of the A3X’s display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate enhances the smoothness of animations and scrolling, making for a more fluid user experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming and high-motion activities, providing a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays.

Highlights:

• 6.67-inch IPS LCD display
• Resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels
• 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
• Average brightness levels, challenging in direct sunlight

Additional Display Features:

• Screen-to-Body Ratio: Approximately 85%, maximizing the display area.
• Protective Glass: The display is likely protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass, though specifics are not mentioned.

Oppo A3X Performance

Chipset and RAM

Under the hood, the Oppo A3X is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. This processor is designed to offer reliable performance for mid-range smartphones. The phone comes in three RAM variants: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB. The 4GB variant, which is the focus of this review, is sufficient for everyday tasks and light multitasking. However, users may experience some lag during more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.

Software and Optimization

The Oppo A3X runs on ColorOS, based on Android 14. ColorOS is known for its extensive customization options, but it can sometimes be heavy on resources. Users may notice occasional slowdowns, particularly on the 4GB RAM variant. The Dimensity 6300 chipset is capable of handling casual gaming and regular tasks, but the experience may vary depending on software optimization and updates.

Performance Highlights:

• MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset
• Options for 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM
• Adequate performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming
• Occasional software lag, particularly with the 4GB RAM variant

Additional Performance Details:

• Storage Options: Comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
• Benchmark Scores: Performance benchmarks show competitive results, though not top-tier.

Oppo A3X Camera

Rear Camera

The Oppo A3X features an 8-megapixel primary rear camera. In good lighting conditions, the camera delivers decent photo quality with reasonable detail and color accuracy. However, it struggles in low-light scenarios, producing images that are often noisy and lacking in clarity. The rear camera setup is basic but functional for users who primarily need a camera for casual photography.

Front Camera

The 5-megapixel front camera is designed for selfies and video calls. It performs adequately in well-lit conditions but falls short in low-light environments. The front camera captures acceptable selfies with decent clarity in good lighting but struggles with detail and sharpness in less favorable conditions. Portrait mode is available but can struggle with edge detection and background separation.

Camera Highlights:

• 8-megapixel rear camera with average performance
• 5-megapixel front camera for selfies
• Struggles in low-light conditions
• Basic portrait mode functionality

Additional Camera Features:

• Video Recording: Supports 1080p video recording at 30fps for both front and rear cameras.
• Camera Modes: Includes standard modes like HDR, panorama, and beauty filters.

Oppo A3X Battery Life

Capacity and Charging

The Oppo A3X excels in battery life, featuring a robust 5100mAh battery. This large capacity ensures that the phone can easily last through a full day of moderate usage. The phone supports 45W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge the device and minimize downtime. This feature is especially useful for heavy users who require rapid charging.

Battery Highlights:

• 5100mAh battery for extended usage
• 45W fast charging support
• Reliable performance for heavy users

Additional Battery Details:

• Charging Time: Approximately 50% charge in 30 minutes, full charge in about 90 minutes.
• Battery Optimization: Includes power-saving modes to extend battery life.

Oppo A3X Audio

Speaker Quality

The Oppo A3X is equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers average audio quality. While it is sufficient for casual media consumption, the audio lacks the depth and richness found in devices with dual speakers. The absence of high-definition audio support may disappoint users who prioritize superior sound quality.

Audio Highlights:

• Single bottom-firing speaker
• Average audio quality
• No support for high-definition audio formats

Additional Audio Features:

• Headphone Jack: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
• Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio streaming.

Oppo A3X Connectivity

5G and Other Features

As a budget 5G phone, the Oppo A3X offers valuable connectivity options. It supports dual SIM cards, enabling users to manage multiple numbers simultaneously. The phone also provides 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. The inclusion of 5G is a significant advantage, making the device more future-proof as 5G networks continue to expand.

Connectivity Highlights:

• 5G connectivity for faster network speeds
• Dual SIM support for managing multiple numbers
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS

Additional Connectivity Details:

• USB Port: USB Type-C for charging and data transfer.
• Network Bands: Supports a wide range of 5G and 4G LTE bands for global compatibility.

Oppo A3X Durability and Build Features

Shock Resistance and Water Resistance

The Oppo A3X includes military-grade shock resistance, enhancing its durability. This feature helps the phone withstand everyday impacts and minor drops. Additionally, the phone has an IP54 rating, providing some protection against dust and water splashes. While it is not fully waterproof, it offers a level of durability that is beneficial for users who are prone to accidents.

Durability Highlights:

• Military-grade shock resistance for enhanced durability
• IP54 rating for dust and water splash protection

Additional Durability Details:

• Build Materials: Plastic construction with a glossy finish.
• Protection: Likely includes a basic screen protector pre-installed.

Oppo A3X Comparison with Competitors

Oppo A3X vs. Lava Blaze X

When compared to the Lava Blaze X, the Oppo A3X’s display falls short due to its lower resolution. The Blaze X features an AMOLED display, which offers better color accuracy and contrast. On the other hand, the A3X compensates with a larger battery and faster charging capabilities. Users who prioritize display quality may find the Blaze X to be a better option, while those seeking longer battery life might lean towards the A3X.

Oppo A3X vs. Other Budget 5G Phones

In the budget 5G segment, the Oppo A3X is competitive but faces tough competition from other devices. While it offers 5G connectivity and a large battery, some alternatives provide better display quality, camera performance, or additional features. It is important for consumers to consider their specific needs, such as display quality or camera performance, when evaluating their options.

Comparison Highlights:

• Lava Blaze X offers an AMOLED display with better color reproduction.
• Oppo A3X has a larger battery and faster charging capabilities.
• Consider other budget 5G phones for specific features that match personal preferences.

The Oppo A3X stands out in the budget 5G smartphone category with its blend of modern design, robust battery life, and 5G connectivity. Its sleek design and large battery make it a compelling option for users looking for an affordable 5G device. However, it does have limitations, including its average display resolution and camera performance.

Pros:

• Affordable 5G connectivity
• Sleek design with a premium look
• Large battery with fast charging support
• Smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming

Cons:

• Subpar display resolution and brightness
• Average camera performance, especially in low light
• Occasional software lag, particularly with the 4GB RAM variant
• Single speaker with mediocre audio quality

Overall, the Oppo A3X is a solid choice for those who prioritize 5G connectivity and battery life in a budget smartphone. However, it is essential to weigh the device’s strengths and weaknesses against other options in the market. For users seeking a balance of performance, features, and price, the Oppo A3X presents a worthy option in the budget 5G segment. Share this review with friends and family who are considering budget 5G phones, and stay tuned for more in-depth reviews and tech insights.

If you found this review helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more detailed tech reviews and updates.