While Oppo might not be as much of a household name as Samsung, it’s actually one of the top five global smartphone brands (on market share) on a regular basis, and most of its phones now launch in the UK and across Europe and Asia. Over the last few years we’ve seen improvements in its hardware and more competitive devices across the board, with constant reworkings and improvements to its Android software skin ColorOS – now one of our favourite versions of Android. Oppo’s latest 5G flagship line is the Find X5, which launched in early 2022 and includes the Find X5 Pro and Find X5 Lite. Note that the company skipped the Find X4, so the Find X3 series are actually 2021’s models – and thanks to price drops many of them are still solid buys. The Find X6 series is expected early in 2023. The company’s Reno line doesn’t launch reliably in the UK and Europe, but some Reno options are still around – and in fact the current Reno 8 series has launched globally. Then there are the company’s budget offerings within the Oppo A series, along with its Find N foldables – although these are only out in China for now, the Find N2 Flip has been promised a European release this spring.
Best Oppo phones 2023
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Beautiful, unique design Powerful camera Brilliant display
Big and heavy No periscope lens Expensive
Yes, it’s expensive, and there’s no denying that. But you get the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and 80W wired charging together with 50W wireless. The main and ultrawide cameras both pack the same 50Mp sensor, and offer almost exactly the same quality shots, with punchy colours, oodles of detail, and great dynamic range. There’s ‘only’ a 2x zoom camera – no periscopic lens here, sadly – but results are impressive here too. It’s a big, heavy phone – thanks in part to the ceramic rear – and the design takes some getting used to, but this is an excellent all-rounder that delivers in every area. This is not just Oppo’s best phone, but one of the best flagships on the market from any company.
Incredible folding hardware Strong triple camera Surprisingly affordable
No IP rating Only available in China
Still, we have tested the first Find N, and if you’re brave enough to import the phone then you’ll find a phenomenal bit of kit. This has one of the sturdiest foldable designs around (though unlike Samsung’s latest, there’s no waterproofing) along with flagship specs – including a very capable triple rear camera. Foldables feel like the future of phones, and nowhere more so than in the Find N.
Great cameras Unusual design Strong performance
No IP rating Not the latest processor
Really all you miss out on are the ceramic body, the IP rating, and the latest chip – with last year’s (still excellent) Snapdragon 888 powering the phone instead. Most importantly, it undercuts plenty of flagship rivals, delivering great value for money right now.
Striking design Beautiful screen Novel microlens camera
Big and bulky Now 1+ years old
You get a Snapdragon 888 chipset, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and 65W wired charging together with 30W wireless. Like the Find X5 Pro, the main and ultrawide cameras both use the same 50Mp sensor, and offer almost exactly the same quality shots, with punchy colours, oodles of detail, and great dynamic range. You also get the 2x zoom camera, along with one novelty the newer phone lacks: a microlens camera, capable of taking super-closeup shots. Those cameras are capable of outputting images in 10-bit colour, and in fact the phone supports true 10-bit storage and encryption too, right through to the 10-bit, 120Hz, WQHD+ display.
Stunning colour-changing finish Two-day battery life Speedy charging Capable performance
Mixed camera set-up No variable refresh rate
Whilst there are some notable downgrades from the Pro variant of this phone (below) – notably the processor, the refresh rate, the camera software and the IP rating – the Reno 8’s price tag is much better situated in the mid-range market. It’s a true gem, and a worthy rival to other phones from OnePlus and Google.
Glossy and refined design Speedy charging Powerful performance for the price Decent main camera, even in low light
So-so secondary cameras
In addition, the short security update promise mean that customers will be less likely to hold onto this device for years to come, and there is fierce competition from rivals when it comes to price. Regardless, Oppo has once again delivered a reliable mid-ranger.
Fast 65W charging Great battery life
Mixed cameras Only 90Hz Android 11
The main camera and selfie shooter are both good, but the other rear lenses disappoint a little. More damningly, despite launching in 2022 the phone ships with the older Android 11, meaning it’s already a year behind on software. Still, this is one of the best mid-range phones in Oppo’s line-up, and has plenty to offer for those who can’t afford the flagships.
Affordable 5G support Decent camera
Slow charging Poor performance
First, the good stuff. The 90Hz LCD display, excellent battery life, and unexpectedly strong camera make this a reliable option despite the price. As for the bad? You’ll have to put up with slow charging – just 10W – and a sub-par chipset, which leaves the A54 stuttering and freezing every now and then. While this isn’t the only 5G phone that costs this little, it’s one of the stronger options out there.
Refined design Fast charging 5G
Middling camera Now 1+ years old
Factor in the Snapdragon 765G chipset (with 5G support), a 90Hz display, and 65W fast charging and you have a phone that delivers a decent amount for the price. That said, the mid-range space is extremely competitive and the specs here – especially the camera – don’t always hold up against rivals from other manufacturers; you can get more for less elsewhere. Nonetheless, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is still a solid phone, and one to consider if you want a device that strikes an even balance between good features and reasonable pricing.
Dazzling design Good camera Fast charging
Over-price No IP rating Now 1+ years old
We love the slim design, fast 65W charging, and reliable camera performance, but the use of 2020’s Snapdragon 865 chipset and a 90Hz display prevent the Find X3 Neo from feeling truly competitive at full price. The company is best known for its impressive camera and display tech, along with seriously fast charging, so if those are your priorities then you should definitely consider an Oppo handset. Oppo is also a part of a tech conglomerate called BBK, and the company owns other phone manufacturers. In fact, both Realme and OnePlus share R&D with Oppo, and run similar software, so if you like the idea of an Oppo phone then you should definitely consider those too. Vivo is also a part of BBK, but has its own R&D facilities, so its phones are a little more unique. Oppo’s sister company OnePlus does sell phones in North America though, so you should look to try a OnePlus phone if you really can’t find anything from Oppo. Tech Advisor’s Deputy Editor, Dom covers everything that runs on electricity, from phones and laptops to wearables, audio, gaming, smart home, and streaming - plus he’s a regular fixture on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
