OPPO A98 5G : The budget smartphone segment has transformed dramatically, with features once exclusive to expensive flagships now appearing in affordable devices.
OPPO’s A98 5G exemplifies this democratization of technology, packing a 64-megapixel camera and surprisingly powerful processor into a package that won’t drain your savings.
This combination challenges the notion that good photography and smooth performance require significant financial investment.
Breaking the Budget Camera Stereotype
The 64MP main camera immediately grabs attention, offering resolution that surpasses many phones costing twice as much.
But OPPO understands that megapixels alone don’t guarantee great photos. The f/1.7 aperture allows substantial light intake, crucial for low-light performance where budget phones typically struggle.
Combined with pixel-binning technology that merges four pixels into one, the camera produces 16MP images with excellent detail and reduced noise.
Real-world photography with the A98 surprises even skeptics. Daylight shots exhibit natural colors and impressive dynamic range, capturing both bright skies and shadowed areas without losing detail.
The HDR processing works subtly, avoiding the overprocessed look that plagues aggressive computational photography.
Portrait mode effectively separates subjects from backgrounds, with edge detection that handles complex scenarios like hair and glasses reasonably well.
Night Photography That Actually Works
Low-light performance traditionally separates budget phones from flagships, but the A98 narrows this gap considerably.
The dedicated night mode captures multiple frames at different exposures, combining them to brighten scenes while controlling noise.
While it can’t match the night vision capabilities of premium devices, results remain highly usable for social media sharing and personal memories.
The camera app includes useful features typically reserved for pricier models. Pro mode offers manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and focus, letting photography enthusiasts experiment creatively.
The AI scene detection recognizes common scenarios like food, pets, and landscapes, subtly optimizing settings without dramatic alterations. Even the 2MP depth sensor, often dismissed as a specification padding, contributes to improved portrait shots.
Processing Power That Punches Above Its Weight
The Snapdragon 695 5G processor powering the A98 represents intelligent component selection by OPPO.
While not the absolute fastest chip available, it delivers consistent performance that handles daily tasks without frustration.
Social media browsing, messaging, web surfing, and even moderate gaming proceed smoothly. The processor’s efficiency also contributes to impressive battery life, a crucial consideration for budget-conscious users.
Gaming performance exceeds expectations for this price range. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run at medium settings with stable frame rates.
The phone maintains comfortable temperatures during extended sessions, thanks to adequate thermal management.
While hardcore gamers might want more power, casual players find the experience perfectly satisfactory.
Memory and Storage Done Right
OPPO includes 8GB of RAM as standard, a generous amount that ensures smooth multitasking. Apps remain in memory longer, reducing reload times when switching between tasks.
The virtual RAM expansion feature adds up to 8GB more from storage, though real-world benefits vary depending on usage patterns. Still, having this headroom prevents the sluggishness that often develops in budget phones over time.
The 256GB storage allocation deserves particular praise. Many budget phones force users to constantly manage space, deleting photos and apps to make room.
The A98’s generous storage eliminates this annoyance, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and offline content. The inclusion of a microSD slot for expansion up to 1TB feels almost excessive but welcome for digital hoarders.
Display Quality That Doesn’t Disappoint
The 6.72-inch FHD+ display might not use AMOLED technology, but OPPO’s IPS LCD implementation impresses. Colors appear vibrant without oversaturation, and viewing angles remain wide enough for comfortable media consumption.
The 120Hz refresh rate stands out at this price point, making scrolling feel fluid and responsive. While brightness could be better for harsh sunlight visibility, it suffices for most conditions.
The display’s size makes it excellent for content consumption, with videos and games feeling immersive. The relatively slim bezels maximize screen real estate without making the device unwieldy.
OPPO includes useful features like eye protection modes and color temperature adjustment, acknowledging that users spend hours staring at their screens daily.
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
A 5000mAh battery powers the A98, providing endurance that often exceeds more expensive devices. The efficient processor combined with intelligent power management delivers comfortable all-day usage for most users.
Heavy users might need an evening top-up, but moderate usage often stretches into a second day. This reliability proves crucial for users who can’t always access charging throughout their day.
The 67W SuperVOOC fast charging transforms the charging experience at this price point. The phone charges from empty to 80% in about 30 minutes, with full charge completing in under 50 minutes.
OPPO includes the necessary charger and cable, respecting that users want immediate access to fast charging without additional purchases. This charging speed means even brief power-ups during commutes or lunch breaks provide hours of additional usage.
Software and Long-term Viability
ColorOS 13, based on Android 13, provides a feature-rich experience that balances customization with usability.
While some might prefer stock Android, ColorOS includes genuinely useful additions like enhanced privacy controls, system-wide dark mode, and flexible customization options. The interface feels modern and responsive, with smooth animations that complement the 120Hz display.
OPPO promises two years of major Android updates and four years of security patches. While not industry-leading, this commitment provides confidence that the device won’t become obsolete quickly.
For budget-conscious buyers who keep phones longer, this support duration makes the A98 a sensible investment.
OPPO A98 5G Value Proposition Defined
The OPPO A98 5G succeeds by focusing budget allocation on features that genuinely impact daily use. The 64MP camera delivers photos that impress friends and family.
The capable processor ensures frustration-free performance. Generous memory and storage eliminate common budget phone pain points. Add 5G connectivity for future-proofing and fast charging for convenience, and you have a package that redefines budget smartphone expectations.
For users seeking maximum capability without maximum expense, the A98 represents intelligent choice. It proves that “budget” no longer means “compromise” when manufacturers prioritize the right features.
