Oppo A74

The OPPO A74 is available in two variants in the Qatari market. The 4G version with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 959, while the 5G variant with the same memory configuration is available for QAR 999.

These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

OPPO A74 Specifications

Feature	OPPO A74 4G	OPPO A74 5G
Display	6.43″ AMOLED, 60Hz	6.5″ IPS LCD, 90Hz
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels	1080 x 2400 pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 662	Snapdragon 480 5G
RAM	6GB	6GB
Storage	128GB	128GB
Main Camera	48MP + 2MP + 2MP	48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	16MP	16MP
Battery	5000mAh	5000mAh
Charging	33W Fast Charging	18W Fast Charging
5G	No	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor	In-display	Side-mounted

 

Design and Display

The OPPO A74 boasts a sleek and modern design that’s sure to catch the eye. The 4G version features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, while the 5G model comes with a slightly larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen. Both variants offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), ensuring crisp and clear visuals for all your content. The 5G model has an edge with its 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to the 60Hz display on the 4G version.

The phone’s body is made of high-quality plastic, giving it a premium feel while keeping the weight manageable. The 4G model weighs about 175 grams, while the 5G version is slightly heavier at 190 grams. Both variants feature a punch-hole camera design, minimizing bezels and maximizing screen real estate. The device is available in two elegant colors: Prism Black and Fluid Black.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the OPPO A74 4G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, while the 5G variant uses the Snapdragon 480 5G chipset. Both processors are capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, from browsing the web to using social media apps. The 5G model, despite having a lower-numbered processor, actually offers better performance and, of course, 5G connectivity.

Both versions come with 6GB of RAM, which is plenty for smooth multitasking. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. If you need more storage, both models support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile camera setup on the OPPO A74. The 4G model features a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 5G version goes a step further with a quad-camera setup, adding an 8MP ultra-wide lens to the mix.

Both variants are equipped with a 16MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. The camera software includes various modes and features like Night mode, Portrait mode, and AI scene recognition, allowing users to capture stunning photos in different scenarios.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the OPPO A74 is its large 5000mAh battery, which is present in both the 4G and 5G models. This generous battery capacity ensures that the phone can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.

When it’s time to recharge, the 4G version supports 33W fast charging, while the 5G model offers 18W fast charging. Both charging speeds are respectable and will get your phone back up and running quickly.

Software and User Experience

The OPPO A74 runs on ColorOS 11.1, based on Android 11. This user interface offers a clean, intuitive experience with useful features like Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing tools, and customizable Always-On Display.

OPPO has also included some of its own enhancements, such as Game Space for optimized gaming performance and OPPO Relax for mindfulness and relaxation.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both versions of the OPPO A74 support dual SIM cards, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers on a single device. The 5G model, as the name suggests, is compatible with 5G networks, future-proofing your investment and enabling faster data speeds where 5G is available.

Both models also include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The 4G version features an in-display fingerprint sensor, while the 5G model opts for a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

OPPO A74 vs. Other OPPO Models

When comparing the OPPO A74 to other OPPO models, it sits comfortably in the mid-range segment. The OPPO A59 5G, released after the A74, offers 5G connectivity at a lower price point but compromises on some features like camera quality and display resolution.

The OPPO A55, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option with slightly lower specifications across the board. The OPPO A76 is a close competitor to the A74, offering similar features but with a different design aesthetic and minor variations in camera setup.

OPPO A74 vs. Competitors

In the broader smartphone market, the OPPO A74 competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A32, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, and Realme 8 Pro. Each of these phones has its own strengths and weaknesses.

For example, the Galaxy A32 offers a similar feature set but with Samsung’s well-known brand reliability. The Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 108MP main camera, potentially appealing to users who prioritize display quality and camera performance.

The Realme 8 Pro also features a 108MP main camera and faster charging speeds but lacks 5G connectivity in its base model.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The OPPO A74 is designed to appeal to users who want a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank. It’s particularly suitable for:

1. Budget-conscious consumers: The A74 offers a good balance of features at a competitive price point.
2. Photography enthusiasts: With its versatile camera setup, the A74 caters to users who enjoy taking photos and videos.
3. Battery life prioritizers: The large 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance for heavy users.
4. 5G early adopters: The 5G variant allows users to take advantage of next-generation network speeds where available.
5. Multitaskers: With 6GB of RAM and efficient processors, the A74 can handle multiple apps and tasks smoothly.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

In day-to-day use, the OPPO A74 proves to be a capable performer. The phone handles common tasks like web browsing, social media, and video streaming with ease. The 6GB of RAM ensures that app switching is smooth, and you can keep multiple apps open in the background without noticeable slowdowns.

For gaming, the A74 can handle most popular titles at medium to high settings. Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run well, although you may need to lower some graphical settings for the smoothest experience, especially on the 4G model.

The camera performance is impressive for the price range. In good lighting conditions, the 48MP main sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos. The night mode helps in low-light situations, though it may not match the quality of more expensive flagship devices. The addition of the ultra-wide lens on the 5G model adds versatility to your photography options.

Long-Term Value and Software Support

When considering the long-term value of the OPPO A74, it’s important to note OPPO’s track record with software updates. While not as long as some competitors, OPPO typically provides two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for its mid-range devices. This means the A74 should receive updates at least until 2023, keeping it relatively up-to-date with new features and security improvements.

The 5G variant, in particular, offers good future-proofing as 5G networks continue to expand globally. Even if 5G isn’t widely available in your area now, it’s likely to become more prevalent over the next few years, making this a smart choice for those who plan to keep their phone for an extended period.

Accessories and Ecosystem

To enhance your OPPO A74 experience, consider investing in some accessories. OPPO offers a range of official cases that provide additional protection while maintaining the phone’s slim profile. For audio enthusiasts, OPPO’s wireless earbuds like the Enco Air2 Pro or Enco X2 pair well with the A74, offering good sound quality and seamless connectivity.

OPPO’s ecosystem also includes smartwatches and fitness bands that can sync with the A74 to provide health tracking and notifications. While not as extensive as some other brands’ ecosystems, OPPO is continually expanding its range of smart devices that work well together.