The OPPO A78 is a 6.43-inch smartphone with a powerful main camera, an interesting design, and hardware under the hood that covers all the needs of even the most demanding user. Read about my impressions of the new product, as well as the arguments “FOR!” for choosing this particular device in the review below.
The package
But let’s take everything in turn. The user will receive the smartphone in a compact modular cardboard box – the package itself plus a lid with large sides. On the walls of this, so to speak, “duo” there is a lot of various information about the capabilities and features of the product. There is also information about the manufacturer.
Of course, the packaging of a product is something that is usually sent for disposal immediately or almost immediately after unpacking. However, even if the box from OPPO A78 suffers a similar fate, I would advise you to familiarize yourself with the data on the walls first, because the manufacturer has put the most key technical points about the model we are considering in this review here. But we will talk about it in the next section. Don’t switch to it.
Information from the box walls
In our case, we are dealing with a version of the terminal with 256 GB of internal memory and 8 GB of RAM, respectively. The manufacturer put this information on the top wall of the lid. In addition to the above, there is also the name of the smartphone, a separate note “78” (it’s not very clear why) plus the manufacturer’s logo.
Behind it is a rather detailed, let’s say, “information” about the supplier in our country and two other countries.
Finally, looking at the side walls of the box, you will learn some details about the 67 W charging adapter implemented on board the display, as well as speakers + RAM. In addition, there is also information about supported networks, manufacturer information, the production date, and much more. In short, one way or another, all of this together definitely deserves your attention. So you study it, and we will move on.
The package contents
We have already familiarized ourselves with the package itself and with the data on its walls. Now it is time to unpack it. So, what is inside:
- OPPO A78 smartphone with a protective film glued to the box;
- 67W charger adapter;
- USB/USB Type C cable;
- user manual in several languages;
- warranty documentation;
- cardboard tab with a paper clip for access to the SIM card/memory card container.
Next, a small note. There are no questions about the quality of the elements included in the package. But what I think is missing is a silicone case as standard, and yet this is the most complete set of ORRO smartphones – one of the signature features of this Chinese manufacturer. Obviously, the emphasis here has shifted somewhat.
As for the headset, the issue is less fundamental, because it is more difficult to please in this regard. Although at the same time, its presence here would also add to this offer.
Specifications of OPPO A78
- Dimensions: 160×73.23×7.93mm;
- Weight – 180 g;
- RAM – 8 GB, LPDDR4x @ 2133MHz, dual 16-bit channels;
- Built-in memory – 256 GB (128 GB version available), UFS 2.2 @ 2-Lanes Gear 3 + USB OTG support;
- Display – 6.43 inches, screen ratio – 90.80%, resolution – FHD+ (2400×1080), refresh rate – 90 Hz / 60 Hz, 120 Hz, 98% NTSC, 95% DCI-P3 (coverage), soft mode – sRGB, 16.7 million colors (8 bits), 409PPI, 430 nits, AMOLED;
- Protective glass – Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (GG5);
- Cameras:
- Main camera – 50 megapixels; f/1.8; 77° viewing angle; 5-lens lens; autofocus supported, open lens focus, ODD not supported, 89° viewing angle, 3-lens lens + IR lens, fixed focus;
- Front – 8MP; f/2.0; 83° viewing angle; 4-lens lens, does not support autofocus;
Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Licensed by Qualcomm, 8 cores, Adreno 610 @ 1115MHz;
- Battery – 5000 mAh;
- Fast charging – 67W SUPERVOOCTM;
- Biometrics – fingerprint;
- Supported – face recognition;
- Frequency range – GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz, WCDMA: bands 1/5/8, FDD-LTE: bands 1/3/5/7/8/20/28, TD-LTE: bands 38/40/41;
- Connectivity – WLAN (Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/n, WLAN 2.4G/WLAN 5.1G/WLAN 5.8G), Bluetooth v5.2, Bluetooth Low Energy (SBC, AAC and aptX HD, and LDAC is not supported), NFC;
- Operating system – ColorOS 13.1;
- Navigation technology – GNSS Beidou: B1I + B1C + B2a; GPS: L1; GLONASS: G1; Galileo: E1; QZSS: L1.
The materials
OPPO A78’s body is a combination of polycarbonate and protective glass. Speaking for the latter, we’re talking about Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which is, let’s just say, very cool.
As for the polycarbonate, it is used for the frame itself, plus the side walls and the panel behind. On top of the latter is a beautiful textured glass, the pattern of which shimmers under inclinations. As a result, it looks very interesting, especially if you add the impression of a powerful dual camera. The lenses of the latter, by the way, are also covered with glass. But the transparent insert that “binds” the lenses together, so to speak, is plastic.
As I mentioned earlier, the front panel glass is covered with a protective film out of the box.
Build quality
There are no questions here, including no discounts or other conventions – the model is assembled qualitatively, materials are not cheap either – in short, there is nothing to complain about. Well, personally, I love uncompromising. How do you feel about it?
Body colors
According to the manufacturer’s official website, OPPO A78 is available in two colors – “black fog” and “green water”. Personally, I don’t know the origin of the names, but subjectively, at least with regard to the second one (this is the one we tested), it was chosen very well. Especially when you look at the panel at an angle. I doubt very much that the “fog” was less successful, so there is no need to say something like “marketers went overboard”.
Impressions of the design
In terms of appearance, I think there is an interesting combination of color, lightness with simultaneous reliability of assembly, and powerful camera capabilities. That’s what caught my attention.
Who won’t like this format? Here the answer is clear: the model is designed for any audience, no age, gender, or other restrictions. Unless you don’t have the money for it, but this issue can be easily resolved. It’s an interesting unisex format that will make you feel comfortable without any conventions. It will complement you, your style, even a rather expensive business style, and will help you save a lot of time.
That’s right, because the “tube” with a combination of such characteristics is capable of real multifunctionality. The main thing is what! The main thing is to set everything up correctly. And for a modern business person, it is unlikely to be difficult.
To the question of ergonomics
One of the interesting features of ORRO A78 is the placement of the front camera – directly in the display itself. At the very least, it looks very interesting, including in the format of a design element. The display itself occupies 90.80% of the entire front panel and has a very minimal edging on three sides – top + side edges, and somewhat more noticeable at the bottom. The three touch buttons at the bottom of the screen are “disappearing” with good touch sensitivity.
The most noticeable element of the rear panel is a dual main camera with a flash. In addition to the above, there is a little more technical information, both directly on the panel itself and on a sticker placed here.
The right side is notable for the dual volume buttons and the power button.
A “seat” for a SIM card/memory card container has been moved to the side panel on the left.
Finally, there is a loudspeaker, a USB Type-C port, and a built-in microphone slot and a 3.5 mm jack on the bottom.
Display. Numbers
The screen, as we said above, occupies almost 91% of the front panel.
Its resolution is FH+, or 2400×1080 pixels. The refresh rate is 90 Hz / 60 Hz. The bright mode is NTSC, 95% DCI-P3 (coverage), and the soft mode is sRGB.
- It supports 16.7 million shades.
- Density – 409 ppi.
- The matrix is AMOLED.
Impressions of working with the screen
As for the impressions of working with the screen, they are extremely positive, and regardless of the weather conditions – cloudy or sunny – you definitely do not have to run in search of shade.
The sensor for automatic light control works correctly, as I personally verified during testing. There are no problems with viewing angles, even at a significant angle.
There are a lot of interesting things in the settings. For example, you can choose a light or dark mode with the appropriate switching schedule, set up automatic brightness control, activate the optimal color mode on the screen and much more, including the optimal refresh rate for the tasks performed on the smartphone.
Speakers
ORRO A78 has a separate speaker and a loudspeaker. You can see how they are placed in the illustrations below.
Impressions of speakers and settings
As for the sound quality, there are no complaints in this regard, both with regard to the earpiece speaker and the loudspeaker. Speaking of the latter, I advise you to pay attention to the really interesting settings in the corresponding menu item. Thus, Real Sound technology allows you to adjust the sound, depending on the content – a movie, a game, music.
If you are “too lazy” to adjust all this, activate the “smart” mode – you will get the same result, but without unnecessary “movements” in this regard. The item called “Tactile system response” is interesting. It allows you to get the most accurate and natural response to touches, swipes, and so on. Interesting!
Among other things, you should pay attention to the volume button function – you can set it to control the volume of melodies or multimedia. And the “Personal Monitoring” feature allows you to listen to your voice with a low delay and carefully calibrated reverb effects.
Built-in memory
ORRO A78 is available with 128 GB of internal memory and 256 GB, as we have. See the illustrations below to see what the user actually gets.
Memory expansion options
The user can expand the built-in memory using any cloud service or by installing a microSD card in the appropriate slot. There is no official word on the maximum capacity, but with the 128 GB drive I had, the system worked without any reservations. But this is hardly the maximum in terms of capacity.
USB OTG support is also mentioned. The maximum capacity is also not specified, but there were no issues with my “regular” 128 GB USB flash drive. Well, the general possibilities for expanding the built-in capacity look very, very good.
Battery
ORRO A78 has a non-removable battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh.
Autonomy
Battery life testing was performed using the Battery HD application. Below are the results.
Charging speed
The first thing you need to know here is that 5 minutes of charging the battery will be enough to get the reserve necessary for almost 5 hours of talk time (4.6 hours).
As for 100% charge, you will need to wait a little less than 50 minutes, which is also a very good indicator by its nature.
Operating system
The software platform of ORRO A78 is ColorOS 13.1, which is based on Android 13.
Among the OS features are improved stability and smoothness compared to previous versions, improved capabilities for connecting other devices to ColorOS 13.1 smartphones, additional tools for performing everyday tasks, improved payment security, and much more.
Pre-installed applications
The pre-installed applications, in addition to all Google mobile clients, include Facebook, Linkedin, Netflix, TikTok, and many others.
Hardware
The heart of the system is an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor.
It is accompanied by Adreno 610 graphics and 8 GB of RAM. The volume of the latter can be expanded in a special submenu under appropriate conditions – see the illustrations.
Camera capabilities
The main camera of ORRO A78 is very cool – 50MP + 2MP. The viewing angle is up to 89 degrees. Support for autofocus. Open objective focus.
The front camera is 8MP with a viewing angle of up to 83 degrees and 4 lenses.
The main camera’s shooting modes include expert mode, time-lapse and slow-motion video, supertext, extra HD, etc.
The front-facing camera is trained to capture beautiful panoramas.
Test photos
Test video
The conclusion
Well, in the case of the A78 we have a great example of a slim, functional smartphone with good hardware, a great OS and advanced camera capabilities. The only nuance that might make a user pause the purchase of A78 is its price. However, this is a matter of time, interest in the company’s overall policy, and does not detract from the model’s features.
The estimated cost of the smartphone is 11,250 UAH (about 300 USD) for the 8GB RAM / 256GB ROM version.
Product provided by the press service of OPPO
