The Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G has arrived, offering a stylish design and some intriguing upgrades over its predecessor, the Reno 7 Pro 5G. However, it also comes with a higher price tag, landing it squarely in the midst of competition from powerful phones like the OnePlus 10R 5G Endurance Edition and the Realme GT Neo 3 (150W). This begs the question: is the Reno 8 Pro 5G worth the extra cost? A day of use has given me initial impressions, and while the phone does boast a premium look and powerful hardware, it faces a tough battle in a crowded market.
Design and Display: A Step Up?
The Reno 8 Pro 5G embraces a classy, subtle design, eschewing the flashy LED lights found on the Nothing Phone 1 and its own predecessor. While the glossy finish on the back may not be for everyone, it’s paired with a premium, raised camera module seamlessly integrated with the glass rear. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection and IP54 rating for dust and water resistance add further to the sense of quality. Despite its large footprint, the phone feels surprisingly lightweight thanks to its metal frame.
Oppo has wisely kept the flat display design introduced in the Reno 7 Pro 5G, making it a standout feature in a market dominated by curved screens. The 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display boasts thin bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smooth scrolling and a visually appealing experience. The in-display fingerprint scanner works reliably, and the stereo speakers promise an immersive experience for gaming and video consumption.
Performance and Software: The Power Within
Under the hood, the Reno 8 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max SoC, a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 1200-Max SoC found in its predecessor. This powerful chipset, customized by Oppo, promises smooth performance. The phone also benefits from the MariSilicon X NPU, Oppo’s dedicated image processing unit, which aims to improve video recording capabilities, including HDR video recording up to 4K 30fps.
The ColorOS 12.1, based on Android 12, provides a user-friendly interface and is complemented by two years of Android updates and four years of security updates guaranteeing long-term support.
Cameras: Similar Features, But With Tweaks
While the camera setup mirrors the Reno 7 Pro 5G, some notable changes are present. The 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony IMX766 sensor remains, albeit without optical image stabilization (OIS). The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and 2-megapixel macro camera return as well. However, the front-facing camera now boasts a 32-megapixel sensor with autofocus. The lack of OIS for the primary camera is surprising at this price point and could impact image quality in low-light scenarios.
Battery and Charging: A Bolt of Speed
The Reno 8 Pro 5G retains the 4,500mAh battery capacity of its predecessor but boasts an upgrade in charging speed with 80W fast charging, up from 65W in the Reno 7 Pro 5G. Oppo claims that a full 50% charge can be achieved in just 11 minutes. The real-world performance of this fast-charging technology will be closely examined in the full review.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender, But Can It Win?
From a design and hardware perspective, the Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G is a compelling smartphone. The sleek and stylish design, combined with the powerful chipset, fast charging, and promising camera upgrades, create a compelling package. However, the price hike puts it in direct competition with devices like the OnePlus 10R 5G Endurance Edition and the Realme GT Neo 3 (150W), forcing it to justify its premium positioning.
The lack of OIS in the primary camera is also a significant point of concern, especially considering its price tag. Ultimately, the Reno 8 Pro 5G’s success will hinge on its performance in real-world scenarios. Can it deliver a user experience that justifies its price, outperforming its competitors? Only a full review can answer that question.
