OPPO A38

The OPPO A38 is available in two variants in Qatar. The base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 469, while the higher-end version with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for QAR 799. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

The OPPO A38 comes in two attractive colors: Glowing Gold and Glowing Black, giving users a choice to match their personal style.

OPPO A38 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.56″ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels (HD+)
Processor	MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm)
RAM	4GB / 6GB
Storage	128GB (expandable via microSD)
Main Camera	50MP (wide) + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	33W SuperVOOC fast charging
Operating System	Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1
5G	No (4G LTE)
Water Resistance	IP54 (dust and splash resistant)

 

Design and Display

The OPPO A38 boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag. With dimensions of 163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm and weighing 190 grams, it strikes a good balance between screen size and portability. The phone features a glass front, glass back, and a plastic frame, giving it a premium feel in hand.

The centerpiece of the OPPO A38 is its 6.56-inch IPS LCD display. With a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it offers a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks. The 90Hz refresh rate is a standout feature at this price point, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. The screen boasts a peak brightness of 720 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the OPPO A38 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. This octa-core processor, built on a 12nm process, features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz for efficiency. The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU handles graphics duties, making the phone capable of running most day-to-day apps and even some light gaming.

The device comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for moderate multitasking. The 128GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1) provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. If you need more storage, the microSDXC card slot allows for easy expansion.

On the software front, the OPPO A38 runs on Android 13 with OPPO’s custom ColorOS 13.1 skin on top. This combination offers a feature-rich and user-friendly interface with various customization options. OPPO promises one year of major OS updates and two years of security patches, ensuring the device stays relatively up-to-date in terms of software.

Camera Capabilities

For a budget smartphone, the OPPO A38 offers a respectable camera setup. The main rear camera boasts a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and a wide-angle lens. This is accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, which aids in creating bokeh effects for portrait shots.

The camera system supports various features including HDR, panorama, and LED flash. Video recording capabilities max out at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. While it may not compete with flagship devices, the OPPO A38’s camera setup should be more than adequate for casual photography and social media sharing.

On the front, a 5MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture takes care of video calls and self-portraits. It also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it suitable for video chats and vlogging.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the OPPO A38 is its large 5000mAh battery. This capacity should easily provide a full day of usage for most users, and potentially even stretch to two days with lighter use. The power-efficient processor and HD+ display contribute to the phone’s impressive battery life.

When it comes time to recharge, the OPPO A38 supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging. This technology can charge the device from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, according to OPPO. The inclusion of fast charging at this price point is a welcome feature, especially considering the large battery capacity.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The OPPO A38 offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected. It supports 4G LTE, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) provides quick and stable wireless internet connections, while Bluetooth 5.3 enables efficient pairing with wireless accessories.

For navigation, the phone supports multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick and secure unlocking, while face unlock offers an alternative method of authentication.

The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which will be appreciated by users who prefer wired audio. The USB Type-C port supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing you to connect external devices like flash drives directly to the phone.

OPPO A38 vs. Competitors

When comparing the OPPO A38 to its siblings and competitors, it holds its own in several areas. The OPPO A18, for instance, shares many similarities with the A38 but comes with a slightly less powerful processor and lower RAM options. The A38’s 90Hz refresh rate display also gives it an edge over the A18’s standard 60Hz screen.

Compared to the OPPO A17K and A17, the A38 offers improvements in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities. The A38’s larger battery and faster charging also make it a more attractive option for users who prioritize long battery life and quick charging times.

In the broader market, the OPPO A38 competes with devices like the Realme C53, Samsung Galaxy A05s, and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. The A38 holds its own with its balanced set of features, particularly its large battery, fast charging, and 90Hz display. However, some competitors like the Redmi 12 5G offer 5G connectivity at a similar price point, which might be a deciding factor for some users.

Who Should Buy the OPPO A38?

The OPPO A38 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable smartphone with a good balance of features. It’s particularly well-suited for:

1. Students or young professionals looking for an affordable device with decent performance for everyday tasks.
2. Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging capabilities.
3. Those who enjoy smooth scrolling and animations, thanks to the 90Hz display.
4. Casual photographers who want a capable camera system without breaking the bank.
5. Users who prefer a clean, user-friendly interface with the latest Android version.