Review Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G

On August 31, Oppo announced the Oppo Reno 8 series in Paris and PC-Active was there. Oppo offers many different smartphones, such as the budget model OPPO A17 with 50MP camera and 5000mAh long-life battery for an attractive price. The Reno series is of a different order and with the new Oppo Reno 8 Pro model, Oppo is trying to climb to the top of the mid-range with a set of cameras optimized and supported by a MariSilicon Neural Processing Unit. In addition to the Reno 8 and Reno 8 Pro, Oppo also announced a tablet called Oppo Pad Air for the first time.

Design Reno 8 Pro 5G
We look at the Pro version of the Reno 8 series. The device has been redesigned and looks very attractive with an aluminum frame and full glass back in mint green or black. The flat side looks professional in brushed aluminum. The back has two large and two small eyes for the cameras and are contained in a slightly raised wide plane, so that the phone does not tilt when lying flat and operated. The glass back is sensitive to fingerprints, which are hardly noticeable with the light mint green model.

Screen Reno 8 Pro 5G
The FHD + screen measures 6.7 inches with 2418 x 1080 pixels and is equipped with an Amoled panel with a refresh rate of 60, 90 or 120Hz. The brightness is standard 500 nits, with a peak value of 950 nits. The color coverage is 100% DCI-P3 and there is HDR10 + support. This gives a smooth display and an extremely clear image, so it is also great for outdoor use. The screen is incorporated in the device with very narrow edges, so that it looks sleek. The reinforced glass is Gorilla Glass 5 and equipped with a screen protector from the factory that is somewhat sensitive to scratches. The overall dimensions are 161.2 x * 74.2 x 7.34 mm and a weight of 183 grams. The certification for dust and water is on the economical side with IP54, ie dustproof and it can withstand a downpour. But not suitable for intended or unintended use underwater.

Processor, memory and connections
The engine is a Mediatek Dimensity 8100-MAX with integrated MariSilicon X graphics processor. The storage for the processor is 8 GB with the possibility to expand this with up to 5 GB of virtual storage memory. The total storage memory is 256 GB. The Mediatek processor is not the fastest at the moment, but this device delivers excellent performance for smooth ease of use. Wireless communication is possible with up to Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 with hi-res codecs, GPS, NFC and telephone up to and including 5G. The physical connector is USB-C 2.0 which is also used for charging. The sound from the stereo speakers, which are positioned above and below, is clear at not too high a volume. A 3.5mm jack is not present, but the Bluetooth connection is excellent.

Software and updates
The Android version is 12 and is combined with the ColorOS 12.1 shell. The biometric access is via facial recognition or via the integrated fingerprint scanner at the bottom of the screen. Both work quickly and accurately. The ColorOS shell is the most extensive addition to Android and offers numerous setting options such as extra security, gestures, personal options, multitasking, dual screen, etc. We do see quite a few advertising apps included. The number of Android updates is limited to a measly 2 years and security updates 3 years.

Battery
The large 4500mAh battery can be fully charged with the included 80W SUPERVOOC charger in about half an hour and up to 45% in 10 minutes. There is intelligence available to optimally charge the battery and thus extend the life of the battery. With this, Oppo sets a good example. Wireless charging is not available with this device.

Cameras
Now on to the cameras, which this device is primarily about. The main camera is 50MP/F1.8/86 degrees and works with the Sony IMX766 sensor, then a wide angle with 8MP/F2.2/112 degrees and an IMX355 sensor. The macro is a 2MP/2.4/89 degrees and lastly the selfie with 32MP/F2.4/90 degrees with Sony IMX709 sensor. The remaining eye on the back is the flash. Taking photos and videos is supported by on-demand artificial intelligence (AI) with the MariSilicon X Imaging NPU. This chip is distinctive for the Pro and must ensure particularly clear videos through dynamic noise reduction in unfavorable lighting conditions.
Photo recordings with the main camera are possible at 50MP or 12.6MP (4:1) with average storage of resp. 15MB and 6MB. The photos and videos look great and the AI ​​does its job well, especially in the night hours when the effect becomes clearly visible. Video recording is possible up to 4K/30fp, unfortunately not 60fps. It uses Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) instead of the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) found in top models. We also see excellent images from the 32MP selfie camera, for both photo and video. Of the remaining two, the wide angle performs reasonably well, with some color deviation, and the macro is below par.

Conclusion
The Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G has a beautiful design, is fast and has a clear screen and two excellent cameras. Striking about this device is the beautiful glass appearance and clear screen and the many possibilities that are offered with the ColorOs shell. The speed of charging is sublime. The main and selfie camera with IMX7* sensors deliver a good image and thus rise above the middle class. Downsides are the low IP rating, no 4K@60fps, no wireless charging and the mediocre macro camera. In addition, the update policy could be much better for a Pro version. The price of this phone is therefore a bit on the high side compared to the competition.

Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G
MSRP: € 749,-

Advantages
+ very nice device with clear image
+ great results with main and selfie camera

Cons
– price and update policy
– mediocre macro camera