Brand	Oppo
Model	Oppo A38
Announced	September, 2023
Released	September, 2023
Operating System	Android 13, ColorOS 13.1
Chipset	Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12nm)
CPU Speed	Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Graphics Processor	Mali-G52 MC2
Storage	128GB
RAM	4GB
Card Slot	microSDXC
Rear Camera	50 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera	5 MP
Network	GSM / HSPA / LTE
Sim Card	Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight	190 g (6.70 oz)
Dimensions	163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)
Screen Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Display Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 nits (peak)
Display Size	6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
3.5mm jack	Yes
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
GPS	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
NFC	No
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Radio	No
Sensor	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery	Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Fast Charging	33W wired, PD, 50% in 30 min
Colors	Glowing Black, Glowing Gold
Price in Kenya	Ksh 23,000

Build and Design of Oppo A38

Oppo’s glow design makes its handsets stand out. Oppo A38’s glittering high-end textures draw every eye to your phone whenever you take it out. Choose the glowing Gold for a flash of sunlight and shimmering halos.

It is built to last, with a body made of a plastic body frame and back and glass front. Being IP54 rated, the phone is dust and splash-resistant. With good care, it will last many years before the need for replacement.

Dimension-wise, the device measures 163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm and weighs 190g. reasonably, it is comfortable to hold and use with one hand and carry in the pocket. At 190g, you will feel its weight slightly, but you will get used to it.

Display

The handset features a large, water-drop, 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 nits (peak).  The 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) is a bit of a let-down to an otherwise great mid-range phone if you are running on a tight budget.

AI Eye-Care

However, see and experience the brighter side of life with the 90Hz Sunlight Display. Go lighter and brighter, turning up your screen so you can see easily in the sun, and your screen runs smoothly without killing your battery or straining your sight.

The display offers 720p brightness, 14.3% lower power consumption, 100% DCI-P3 (provides a more extensive colour range, especially for professional and cinematic purposes) and all-day AI- Eye Care.

You will not have a dull moment when you turn on the screen as you get immersed in gaming, video streaming and social media interactions with family and friends.

Cameras for Photography and Video Recording

Oppo A38 comes fully installed with front and back-end cameras for an excellent photography experience.

Selfie Camera

The selfie camera consists of an average 5MP (wide) camera.  Although functional and capable of recording 1080p videos, its output is limited, putting you as a high-quality selfie lover on the edge.

Oppo A38 Main Camera

At the rear end, the phone packs a dual camera set-up consisting of:

• 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF lens
• 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)

Both lenses combine to provide above-average, AI-enhanced photo shots and 1080p videos that you will love as you share with family and friends and equally store for memories.

Amazing Portraits

Become a photography pro by unveiling new levels of beauty and detail in your pictures with prominent images from the 50MP AI Camera.

AI Portrait Re-touch: Restore your most beautiful, natural looks with the help of upgraded AI Portrait Retouching.

Portrait Bokeh: Put your subjects front and centre, as Portrait Mode places people in the middle of the picture.

Media and Communication with Oppo A38

3.5mm jack port

Oppo A38 comes along with the port already installed. You can plug in your headphones to listen to your favourite radio presenters and shows, call hands-free, listen to your jam, or watch your videos as you come to or from work.

Speaker

The installed speaker is an essential addition to an already impressive phone. When alone or with family and you want to listen to an audio file or blast away some music, the speaker does not disappoint, providing high-quality audio output.

Sensors

The sensors play a fundamental role in easing and improving the user experience while using the phone. These conveniences save time and improve the usability of the phone. For the Oppo phone, it comes instaled with;

• Fingerprint (side-mounted) sensor
• Accelerometer
• Proximity sensor
• compass

Connectivity on Oppo A38

Regarding connectivity, the Oppo phone does not fall short by any means. As a modern-day smartphone, it comes equipped with:

• Fast HSPA, LTE 4G Network speeds, supporting 2G, 3G and 4G Networks
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band for fast internet connectivity
• 3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD version for seamless Bluetooth pairing
• GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS for accurate location pinpointing
• USB Type-C 2.0, OTG for fast, wired connectivity to other devices.

Performance

Super-efficient Processor

Run smoother operations for longer on the Oppo A38. A dedicated gaming chipset and smart computing engine maintain peak performance under pressure. Plus, ‘like new’ phone performance lasts longer with 36-month fluency tests passed in style.

The handset is well equipped with Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12nm) chipset, Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, all of which make a robust, reliable and efficient processor for multi-tasking and playing gaming without lags and stutters, especially on intensive use.

Large Capacity Phone Memory on Oppo A38

Oppo comes packed with 128GB internal memory and 4GB RAM. Such memory is considerable for a budget/ mid-range phone with great features that rival most flagship phones. With up to 4GB extended memory (4+4GB) RAM, up to 1TB additional memory via the microSDXC card slot, and a Dynamic Computing Engine, you are in for a tremendously productive and entertaining time once you power on the Oppo A38.

There are no limitations regarding memory; a great processor means endless possibilities for you with the device in your hands.

Latest Operating System

Of course, the Oppo phone comes with the latest Android 13 OS, complemented with the impressive Oppo’s  ColorOS 13.1, which allows applications’ customisation and makes you at ease as you explore the Oppo easy, colour-rich, beyond-imagination world through its friendly, upgraded User Interface.

Multi-Media Performance

Ultra-Volume Mode

Up to 300% Volume capability will bring you joy. Catch a vital call in a crowded space or get the party vibes flowing; ultra-volume delivers impressive sound quality with up to 300% louder output.

Oppo A38’s Battery and Charging

A 33W SUPERVOOC charging unit recharges the massive 5,000mAh battery on the Oppo A38. The 33W PD recharges 1-50% in 30 min. Whether you need to hit the shops, make a meetup or be there for your besties, speedy charging and a reliable battery will see your phone ready to be there in a flash.

The battery gives you:

• 5 hours of Video watching on 15 minutes charge
• Over 32 Hours of calling with 100% charge
• Over 1.6 Hours of calling with 5% battery capacity
• Over 50% of battery capacity on 30 minutes of recharging

Pros and Cons of Oppo A38

Pros

• Reliable 4G connectivity
• IP54 rated for water and dust resistance
• Has an audio jack
• Supports FM Radio
• Large battery capacity
• Supports fast charging, 33W PD 1-50% in 30 min
• High refresh rate, 90Hz
• Android 13 OS with ColorOS 13.1 user interface
• Support memory addition up to 1TB.

Cons

• No 5G network connectivity
• Poor selfie camera, 5MP
• Can only record up to 1080p videos
• No Gorilla Glass protection for the display
• No NFC support
• No Gyro-EIS support
• No reverse charging support
• No wireless charging support.
• Low resolution display, 720p
• Have single RAM, ROM, and no alternatives to choose from.