Oppo introduces the Reno8 in the Netherlands. The smartphone of the Chinese brand is predictable, but that does not have to be a disadvantage. Yet Oppo does not seem to dare to make real choices, so that the Reno8 and Reno8 Pro are (too) little noticeable.
The press talk from Oppo during the introduction of the latest Reno8 smartphone can be drawn in advance. Although the smartphone was already released on the Chinese smartphone in July and all information has therefore been available for a long time, it is pretended that it is a brand new introduction. An introduction method that is often used by Chinese smartphone makers. Yet there is a small difference: the Reno series in China consists of three devices. The Reno8, the Reno8 Pro and the Reno8 Pro+. The Reno8 Pro is the equivalent of the Chinese Reno8 Pro+.
Cameras
As always, a disproportionate amount of attention is paid to the camera. Bragging about its own chipset “MariSollicon”, night functions and portraits. So far, previous generations of the Reno smartphone have been shown to take good photos and videos. But no more than that: Samsung, Apple and Google have done this better and that seems to be mainly due to the software adjustment.
Although Oppo is collaborating with photography brand Hasselblad (which is owned by the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI), the Hasselblad stamp is not on the back of the Reno8. Hasselblad seems to be kept in reserve for Oppo’s top smartphones. Although that does not have to be regarded as a minus for the Reno8. The previous collaboration between Hasselblad and Oppo’s sister brand OnePlus did not make a difference.
No choices
It also seems as if they have not made any innovative choices at the head office. No Hasselblad is okay. But on the back there is still a 2 megapixel macro camera. We have found this camera on smartphones from BBK Electronics, Oppo’s parent company, for generations. OnePlus and Realme smartphones are also equipped with this completely worthless lens. That this lens is capable of little (blur, noise, moderate brightness) has already been shown in previous reviews. Incidentally, the manufacturers themselves know that, the macro photography function is tucked away in the camera settings. In fact in the specifications on the site the limited number of megapixels of this camera is secretly omitted.
Why do these brands continue to choose this macro camera? Does BBK have an overstock of these lenses? Is it to brag about the number of cameras on the back? Or is there a practical use case I’m overlooking? Inquiries have not yielded any answers so far.
However, the focus is on fast charging technologies. Just like other Oppo smartphones.
Selective inspiration
Oppo is a brand that likes to be inspired by Apple. This is reflected in the design and the hefty price. No notable choices here either. What Oppo is not taking over from Apple is long-term software support. The brand should also have made choices in this area. With the promised two Android version updates and four years of security updates, Oppo is far behind not only Apple, but also Samsung and Google.
The Oppo Reno8 comes in two versions: the Reno8 and Reno8 Pro. The difference is in the chipset, which is more powerful with the Pro version, more working memory and more storage memory. The Pro version is also a bit bigger, with a slightly better screen panel.
Still, the smartphones seem to stand out little, and the Oppo smartphones should do that. The market share in the Netherlands is low and the brand awareness of the brand is not high, while the brand has been active in the Netherlands for years.
The Oppo Reno 8 series is available immediately from 529 euros. The Pro version costs 749 euros.
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