Meet the sleek OPPO RENO 8 5G: brilliance and heat combined

Oppo continues its tradition of eye-catching designs with the Reno 8 5G. It’s more than just looks, though – packing a capable processor, respectable battery life, and incredibly fast 80W charging. All of this comes at a mid-range price of roughly ₦350,000. But there’s a catch:  surprisingly, it lacks the water resistance that’s become standard on many similarly priced phones.

The Reno 8 5G shares a lot in common with the OnePlus Nord 2T, including the standout main camera sensor. The biggest differences are the design and software – OnePlus offers a less cluttered Android experience.

The Question: Is the lack of water resistance a dealbreaker for you, or are its other features enough to seal the deal?

OPPO RENO 8 Specs at a glance

• 6.4 inches, AMOLED
• Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
• 4500mAh
• 50MP triple rear camera
• 1080 x 2400 pixels
• Android 12, ColorOS 12.1
• 80W fast charging
• 32MP selfie camera

What’s in the box?

The OPPO Reno 8 includes everything you need to get started.  In the box, you’ll find the usual user manuals, a powerful 80W SuperVOOC charger, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a clear case for basic protection. Handy for those first few days until you find a case that matches your style.

What are the features of the OPPO Reno 8 5G phone?

The OPPO Reno 8 grabs attention with its sleek design. A glass and metal combination creates a premium feel. The phone is available globally in two colours: Shimmer Gold and Shimmer Black (the black option boasting a cool matte touch). It’s surprisingly lightweight (178g) for its size, and the textured back minimizes fingerprints. OPPO also offers a generous 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Moving to the front of the Reno 8 5G, you’ll be impressed by the vibrant 6.4-inch AMOLED display. It offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, delivers excellent colour accuracy, and won’t leave you squinting in the sun. The curved edges add a touch of style, but it’s worth noting that this can sometimes lead to some unintended inputs in your pocket or palm. On the bright side, the 180Hz touch response rate more than makes up for it, ensuring a super-responsive experience.

 

At the heart of the OPPO Reno 8 lies a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor, backed by generous RAM options. This translates to smooth multitasking and the ability to handle even demanding games without a hitch. OPPO has also included a liquid cooling system to prevent performance throttling, aiming to keep things cool under pressure.

While the phone is built for performance, some users are reporting occasional overheating issues. This seems most likely during intense tasks like prolonged gaming or streaming.  To help minimize overheating, consider closing unnecessary apps while running demanding tasks, and regularly check for software updates, as these can include optimizations for heat management.

Let’s shift gears and talk cameras.

The main 50MP camera on the Reno 8 delivers clear, detailed photos with good dynamic range.  It performs well even in low light conditions, keeping noise reduction effective. The 32MP front camera also shines, capturing selfies with excellent detail. Unfortunately, the secondary cameras (ultrawide and macro) don’t quite measure up.

For battery life, the 4,500 mAh battery should easily power you for a full day, even with demanding use. But the real star of the show is the blazing-fast 80W SuperVOOC charging. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a full charge – perfect for those quick top-ups before you head out.

The OPPO Reno 8 runs ColorOS 12 based on Android 12. While the interface is clean and offers lots of customization, be prepared for a few pre-installed apps like Facebook, InDriver, LinkedIn, ShareIt, Snapchat, and Viu. Thankfully, most of these can be uninstalled.  OPPO does have a good track record with regular software updates, ensuring your phone stays secure and runs smoothly.

What we like about OPPO Reno 8

• Display: The 6.4-inch AMOLED screen offers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Great for everyday content and some light gaming. Plus, Gorilla Glass 5 offers added protection.
• Cameras: The 50MP quad-camera setup performs well in various lighting conditions, and the 32MP front camera is solid for selfies.
• Charging: The 80W SuperVOOC charger is incredibly fast, taking you from empty to full in under 50 minutes. Perfect for topping up on the go.
• 5G Connectivity: Stay ahead of the curve with 5G support, offering faster speeds and lower latency and more reliability than 4G, which can enhance your online experience, especially for streaming, gaming, and downloading.
• Software: ColorOS 12.1 offers a clean interface with customization options, running on the latest Android 12. ColorOS 12.1 offers many features and customization options. It also has a clean, intuitive design and supports regular updates and security patches.

What we don’t like about OPPO Reno 8

• Processor: The MediaTek Dimensity 1300 is decent for everyday use and most games, but demanding titles might push it to its limits, leading to potential slowdown or frame drops.
• Durability: The lack of an official water resistance rating means extra caution is needed around splashes or rain.
• Single Speaker: Audio is adequate, but lacks the immersive quality ideal for gaming or media experiences.
• No Headphone Jack: Wired headphone users will need to rely on wireless options or a USB-C adapter.

Should I buy the OPPO Reno 8?

The OPPO Reno 8 has its strengths, but it’s important to weigh those against your specific needs:

If you prioritize display, camera, and fast charging, the Reno 8 5G could be a good choice. But if you focus on performance, durability, or audio, you might be better served by alternatives.

Consider phones like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which offers better water resistance and software support at the same price point, though slightly slower charging.

Bottom Line: The best phone for you depends entirely on what features matter most.  Think about how you use your phone and if the Reno 8’s strengths align with what’s critical to you.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO Reno 8 offers impressive features for a mid-range phone. You’ll find it in two storage options:

• 8GB RAM with 128GB storage
• 8GB RAM with 256GB storage

The OPPO Reno 8 5G is priced at around ₦350,000 in Nigeria. It is now available in OPPO stores, authorized dealers, and online shops. If you want to know more about another intriguing device from OPPO, check out our full review of the OPPO A58 4G.

Source