Oppo has exploded onto the UK mobile scene in the last couple of years with an array of smartphone launches.
Its latest smartphone is the Reno 4 Pro 5G, which at £649.99, isn’t the cheapest for a mid-range smartphone.
But how does this handset stack up?
It’s crazy to think Oppo launched the first Reno in April 2019, during a press event in Zurich. You know, the type of event that was done with people present and not virtually? Oh how us guys at Mobile News miss those days!
Since then, the Reno 2, 3 and now 4 have been released. I was lucky enough to review the Reno 2 last year and really loved the phone, so much that I still use it now for its camera work.
So about a year on, it seems a good idea to see how the Reno series has evolved.
OS: Android 10 with ColorOS 7.2
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm)
Screen: 6.55-inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio
Memory: 8GB/12GB RAM
Internal storage: 128GB/256GB ROM
External memory: No
Rear camera: Triple camera 48MP x 13MP x 12MP
Front camera: 32MP
Video: 1,080p @ 30fps
Battery: 4,000mAh
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC and USB type C 3.1
Dimensions: 159.6 x 72.5 x 7.6 mm
Weight: 172g
Kicking off with the design it’s smart and elegant but nothing too dissimilar to most smartphones on the market.
It reminds me of CCS Insight chief of research Ben Wood referring to the similarity of so many handsets as a “sea of sameness” and it seems apt here.
But that’s not to say it’s a bad thing, it’s smart and it works and this particular handset is relatively light considering its size.
As for the size of the Reno 4 Pro 5G, it’s 6.55-inches and houses the small 32MP lens in a punch-hole type design in the top left corner.
While on the back there is the triple camera set-up, laid out in the form of a traffic light.
The particular model we have been sent over is galactic blue, while it is also available in green, space black, white and pink.
A rear view of the Reno 4 Pro 5G
The real test of any smartphone these days is the camera quality, because everyone needs the best snapper for their Instagram or favoured social media platform.
Now unfortunately I’ve not been able to take vibrant photos of beaches this year as I did with my Reno 2 review last year on holiday, but I was able to take some cool snaps none the same.
Unlike the Reno 2, the Reno 4 Pro 5G comes with a triple-camera set up as opposed to a quad camera.
The Reno 4 Pro 5G camera triple camera (right) compared to the quad-camera Reno 2
But that doesn’t mean the overall quality of photos is compromised, in fact from it. With the 48MP main camera, you can take some impressive snaps. It’s also supported with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and 13MP telephoto camera.
And while a number of brands have focused heavily on zoom features, this phone doesn’t seem as fussed, with only 20x zoom.
I was a big fan of the ultra-wide lens as you’ll see in some of the images below, while on the front the 32MP selfie camera provided some real clear imagery.
Oppo’s latest Reno is powered by Snapdragon’s 765G processor which is one of the chipsets to integrate a 5G modem.
Unfortunately due to the lockdown I’ve not been able to fully experience the 5G capability of the handset where I live, but have enjoyed a steady 4G service.
I’ve also been lucky enough to have the maximum 12GB of RAM, so this phone has run as smoothly as a brand new computer, it’s very slick and effortless.
And I think Oppo has done a great job with it’s fingerprint sensor too, which is works with almost minimal effort and better than the Reno 2 I reviewed last year.
But I think the battery and the fast charging has impressed me the most.
It has a hefty 4,000mAh battery that should easily get you through the day and more, while charging from zero to half can take just over 10 minutes.
A slight downside is the absence of reverse wireless charging, but as I’ve seen before this is something that can be hit or a miss.
As for the OS, it runs on Android 10 and uses Oppo’s own UI, ColorOS 7.2.
Speed – 5/5
Battery – 5/5
Design – 4/5
Camera – 5/5
Value – 4/5
Overall I think the Reno 4 Pro 5G is a solid effort from Oppo.
The fast-charging battery and the crisp camera set-up are two of its more impressive features.
I do think that for a mid-ranger it’s a bit on the pricey side and there might be similar alternatives available at a cheaper price.
But Oppo has delivered another smart handset that could do very well in the UK, and with Huawei’s troubles, it means that Oppo’s opportunity to make some serious strides in the European market is even greater.
