Oppo A97 5G Design and Build Quality
The Oppo A97 5G features a sleek and minimalist design that resonates with the modern aesthetic language seen across Oppo’s mid-range lineup. The phone offers a premium feel in the hand, thanks to its slightly curved edges and matte finish that resists fingerprints. Available in sophisticated colors like Deep Blue and Elegant Black, the device stands out without being flashy. Its lightweight polycarbonate body is sturdy, and the curved back panel enhances grip, making it easy to hold for extended periods.
With a thickness of around 8mm and a weight of approximately 188g, it balances portability and durability effectively. The device houses a dual-camera module on the rear, seamlessly integrated into the chassis with minimal protrusion, maintaining a uniform silhouette. Oppo has also included a power button with a fingerprint scanner embedded, offering biometric security that’s both fast and reliable. On the bottom, it carries a USB-C charging port, speaker grille, and the much-appreciated 3.5mm headphone jack, showing the brand still considers practical utility in its design.
Oppo A97 5G Display and Visual Experience
The Oppo A97 5G sports a large 6.6-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display that delivers vibrant visuals and a refresh rate of 90Hz for smoother scrolling and transitions. The screen resolution of 2408×1080 pixels ensures that images, videos, and text appear sharp and detailed, catering well to content consumption needs. While it may not be an AMOLED panel, the IPS LCD used here is quite impressive with good color accuracy, decent brightness levels even under sunlight, and wide viewing angles.
Watching movies, playing games, or even casual browsing feels immersive, especially with the thin bezels that frame the display. The screen-to-body ratio exceeds 90%, making the most of the front real estate. Oppo also includes a software-based blue light filter to reduce eye strain during prolonged use. The smooth 90Hz refresh rate enhances the fluidity of animations and scrolling, improving the overall user experience. For users who care about media consumption, the Oppo A97 5G’s display delivers more than expected in this segment.
Oppo A97 5G Performance and Processor
Under the hood, the Oppo A97 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, a reliable 5G-capable processor built on a 6nm architecture. This octa-core chipset delivers a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, making it ideal for daily usage as well as moderate gaming and multitasking. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the device ensures that lag is virtually non-existent during regular tasks such as social media use, video streaming, document editing, or running multiple apps in the background.
The RAM expansion feature allows virtual memory usage, effectively boosting the multitasking experience. The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles graphics-heavy applications and games like Call of Duty Mobile or Asphalt 9 with medium to high settings. The phone runs smoothly on ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12, offering a clean and intuitive user interface with ample customization options.
Features like split-screen multitasking, smart sidebar, and app cloner enhance productivity and usability. Overall, the performance delivered by the Oppo A97 5G caters well to a wide audience, from casual users to tech-savvy individuals looking for a dependable mid-range 5G smartphone.
Oppo A97 5G Camera Capabilities
The Oppo A97 5G is equipped with a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 48MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures detailed images with good color reproduction and dynamic range, particularly in well-lit conditions. Autofocus is reasonably fast, and shutter speed is responsive, making it easy to capture moments quickly.
Portrait shots are enhanced by the depth sensor, delivering decent edge detection and natural background blur. The camera app includes features like AI Scene Enhancement, HDR, Panorama, and Night Mode. The Night Mode, although not flagship-level, manages to bring out decent details in low-light environments by optimizing brightness and noise levels.
The front camera houses an 8MP selfie shooter, which supports AI beautification and offers clear selfies suitable for social media sharing or video calls. Video recording on both the front and rear cameras is capped at 1080p at 30fps. EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) helps in reducing shakes during handheld recording. While not meant for professional photography, the camera performance of the Oppo A97 5G is adequate for everyday use, casual photos, and capturing memories on the go.
Oppo A97 5G Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery backup is a strong suit for the Oppo A97 5G, thanks to its 5000mAh battery that comfortably lasts a full day and more on moderate usage. Whether it’s binge-watching shows, long gaming sessions, or continuous web browsing, the battery holds up well. The energy-efficient Dimensity 810 chip, combined with ColorOS’s battery optimization features, ensures that the power drain is kept in check. For users who are constantly on the move, the device proves reliable and resilient.
When it comes to charging, the phone supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of taking the device from 0 to 100% in roughly an hour. This fast charging support is a major plus, especially in this price range, reducing the need to keep the phone plugged in for extended periods. Safety measures like overvoltage protection and temperature control ensure that charging is not only fast but also safe. Overall, the Oppo A97 5G offers dependable battery performance that aligns with the lifestyle of modern users who demand all-day usage from their smartphones.
Oppo A97 5G Connectivity and Network Features
As a 5G-enabled smartphone, the Oppo A97 5G ensures faster data speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections, making it future-ready for the evolving digital landscape. The device supports dual-mode 5G (SA/NSA), covering a wide range of bands for better network compatibility globally. In real-world use, 5G connectivity delivers noticeable improvements in download and upload speeds, streaming quality, and online gaming responsiveness. Beyond 5G, the phone also offers dual 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS/A-GPS for accurate location tracking.
The call quality is clear and stable, with no drops or lags experienced during regular usage. The inclusion of Wi-Fi calling support adds another layer of convenience for users in low-signal indoor environments. USB-C data transfer is quick, and file sharing via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct is seamless. Oppo has optimized the antenna placement and signal reception to reduce drops during travel or weak zones. These robust connectivity options make the Oppo A97 5G an ideal companion for those who rely on strong network performance.
Oppo A97 5G User Interface and Software Experience
The Oppo A97 5G runs on ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12, offering a highly refined and responsive user interface. ColorOS continues to evolve into one of the most polished Android skins, offering a blend of aesthetics and functionality. The interface features customizable themes, wallpapers, icon styles, and an intuitive control center that gives users a personalized feel. Important features include FlexDrop for floating windows, App Lock, Private Safe for data security, and Kid Mode for safe use by children.
The software is optimized to reduce bloatware, though a few pre-installed apps are present, which can be uninstalled. Gestures and shortcuts are customizable to enhance navigation. The settings menu is well-organized, making it easy to access features and modify preferences. The UI animations are smooth, thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate, and transitions between apps feel snappy and lag-free. Oppo also promises periodic software updates and security patches, which adds to long-term usability. For users new to Oppo or Android in general, the learning curve is minimal due to the intuitive layout and user-friendly design of ColorOS.
Oppo A97 5G Audio Quality and Multimedia Experience
Audio performance is another area where the Oppo A97 5G performs reasonably well. The device features dual stereo speakers that deliver loud and clear sound, making it enjoyable to watch videos, listen to music, or play games without needing earphones. The stereo setup ensures that sound does not feel one-sided, especially in landscape mode. The audio output is crisp with minimal distortion even at higher volumes. While it doesn’t match the richness of a flagship-grade speaker system, it provides enough depth for casual media consumption.
The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for audiophiles and users who prefer wired headsets. The phone also supports high-resolution audio formats, and paired with a quality headset, it offers a satisfying listening experience. Bluetooth 5.1 enhances wireless audio performance, maintaining strong connection stability with TWS earbuds and Bluetooth speakers. Oppo’s software optimizations further improve voice clarity during calls and video conferencing. Overall, the Oppo A97 5G’s multimedia capabilities make it a versatile device for entertainment on the go.
Oppo A97 5G Security and Unlock Features
The Oppo A97 5G ensures user security and privacy with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and AI face unlock feature. The fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, making it conveniently accessible and efficient. Unlocking is fast and accurate, with minimal failed attempts. For those who prefer facial recognition, the front camera supports AI-based face unlock, which works well in well-lit environments. While not as secure as fingerprint recognition, it offers a quick and easy alternative for unlocking the device.
Oppo also includes a suite of security features in ColorOS, such as App Lock, Private Safe, and System Cloner. These allow users to keep apps, files, and even entire phone profiles secured. The security settings are easy to configure and provide ample control over app permissions and data access. Oppo’s regular software updates include security patches to protect against vulnerabilities, ensuring peace of mind for users. This combination of biometric authentication and software-based privacy features makes the Oppo A97 5G a trustworthy device in terms of security.
Oppo A97 5G Pricing and Value for Money
The Oppo A97 5G is priced in the mid-range segment, making it an attractive option for users looking for 5G connectivity, good performance, and an appealing design without breaking the bank. Given its specifications—Dimensity 810 chipset, 90Hz display, 5000mAh battery, and 48MP camera—it offers strong value for its price. Competitors in this price range include devices from Redmi, Realme, and Samsung, but Oppo’s refined software and clean design language help it carve a niche.
The generous RAM and storage capacity ensure longevity, allowing the phone to remain useful and responsive for years. Its fast-charging capabilities and polished software enhance daily usability, which is a huge plus for both casual and tech-savvy users. The inclusion of 5G makes it future-proof, a key consideration in today’s rapidly evolving network environment. While there are phones that might offer AMOLED panels or higher camera megapixels at a similar price, the Oppo A97 5G maintains a balanced package. For users focused on consistent performance, stylish design, and reliable battery life, it emerges as a sensible and rewarding purchase.
