Oppo A97 5G

The OPPO A97 5G is available in Qatar at varying price points depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. The base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced between QAR 1,200 to QAR 1,400.

OPPO A97 5G Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.6″ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB
Main Camera	48MP (wide) + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera	12MP
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	33W wired fast charging
Operating System	Android 12, ColorOS 12
5G	Yes
Dimensions	163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm
Weight	188 g

 

Release Date and Availability

The OPPO A97 5G was officially announced on July 12, 2022, and released to the market on July 15, 2022. Since then, it has been available in various markets worldwide, including Qatar. The phone’s release marked OPPO’s continued efforts to provide mid-range devices with 5G capabilities, catering to consumers looking for future-proof technology without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The OPPO A97 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that’s both eye-catching and functional. With dimensions of 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm, it strikes a balance between screen size and comfort in hand. The phone weighs 188 grams, which is relatively light for a device with a 5000mAh battery. The back panel is available in two attractive colors: Blue and Black, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.

The front of the device is dominated by a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels. This results in a crisp pixel density of about 400 ppi, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz displays, enhancing the overall user experience.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the OPPO A97 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process. This octa-core processor features two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and six efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz. This configuration provides a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making the phone suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles graphics processing, offering decent performance for most mobile games and applications. With 12GB of RAM, the OPPO A97 5G excels in multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps smoothly and keep multiple applications running in the background without noticeable slowdowns.

Storage-wise, the device comes with a generous 256GB of internal storage. This ample space allows users to store a large number of apps, photos, videos, and other files without worrying about running out of room quickly. However, it’s worth noting that the specifications don’t mention a microSD card slot, so expandable storage may not be an option.

Camera Capabilities

The OPPO A97 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 48MP main wide-angle camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera uses phase detection autofocus (PDAF) to quickly lock onto subjects, ensuring sharp images in various lighting conditions. While not as versatile as some triple or quad-camera setups, this configuration can still produce good quality photos for social media and everyday use.

The depth sensor assists in creating a bokeh effect for portrait shots, helping to separate the subject from the background. The camera system also supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, giving users more creative options when capturing images.

For selfies and video calls, the OPPO A97 5G is equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera. This should provide clear and detailed self-portraits and be more than adequate for video conferencing.

Video recording capabilities include 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second for both the rear and front cameras. While not cutting-edge, this is sufficient for casual video recording and social media content creation.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the OPPO A97 5G is its large 5000mAh battery. This capacity should easily provide all-day battery life for most users, even with moderate to heavy usage. The energy-efficient processor and display also contribute to extending battery life.

When it comes time to recharge, the phone supports 33W wired fast charging. While not the fastest charging speed available in the market, it’s still considerably quicker than standard charging and should be able to replenish the battery in a reasonable amount of time.

Software and User Interface

The OPPO A97 5G runs on Android 12 with OPPO’s custom ColorOS 12 skin on top. This combination offers a feature-rich and customizable user experience. ColorOS 12 brings a range of enhancements and optimizations over stock Android, including additional customization options, privacy features, and performance improvements.

Users can expect a smooth and intuitive interface with useful features like floating windows for multitasking, a customizable always-on display, and various power-saving modes to extend battery life further.

Connectivity and Additional Features

As its name suggests, the OPPO A97 5G supports 5G connectivity, allowing users to take advantage of high-speed mobile networks where available. This future-proofs the device to some extent, ensuring it remains relevant as 5G networks continue to expand.

The phone also supports dual SIM functionality, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD for high-quality wireless audio, and various positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for accurate location services.A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick and secure unlocking, while other sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass enhance the overall functionality of the device.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio connections, and the USB Type-C port supports OTG (On-The-Go) functionality for connecting external devices.

OPPO A97 5G vs. Competitors

When comparing the OPPO A97 5G to its predecessors and competitors, we can see how it fits into the mid-range smartphone market. Let’s start with OPPO’s own lineup.

Compared to the OPPO A94, the A97 5G offers 5G connectivity and a larger battery, but the A94 has a slightly better camera setup with a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide, and two 2MP sensors for macro and depth. The OPPO A95 and the Oppo A96 are more recent models but still lack 5G capabilities, making the A97 5G a more future-proof option.

Looking at other brands, the OPPO A97 5G competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. The Galaxy A33 5G offers water resistance and a more versatile camera setup but has less RAM.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G boasts a 108MP main camera and faster 67W charging but may be priced slightly higher.

In terms of performance, the MediaTek Dimensity 810 in the OPPO A97 5G holds its own against similar mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 695 found in some competing devices. The 12GB of RAM in the A97 5G is particularly noteworthy, as it’s more than what many phones in this price range offer, potentially providing a smoother multitasking experience.

When it comes to display technology, the 90Hz refresh rate of the OPPO A97 5G is competitive, though some rivals like the Realme 9 Pro+ offer 120Hz AMOLED displays. However, the IPS LCD on the A97 5G still provides good color accuracy and brightness for its class.

Battery life is an area where the OPPO A97 5G shines, with its 5000mAh capacity matching or exceeding many competitors. While its 33W charging isn’t the fastest in its class, it’s still reasonably quick for most users’ needs.

Is the OPPO A97 5G Right for You?

The OPPO A97 5G presents an attractive option for consumers in Qatar looking for a mid-range 5G smartphone with solid all-around performance. Its strengths lie in its ample RAM, large battery, and 5G connectivity, making it a device that should remain capable and relevant for several years.

For those who prioritize multitasking and want a phone that can handle numerous apps without slowdowns, the 12GB of RAM is a significant selling point. The large 5000mAh battery ensures that users won’t have to worry about running out of power during a busy day, and the 33W fast charging provides quick top-ups when needed.

The camera system, while not class-leading, is capable of producing good quality photos for social media and everyday use. The 90Hz display offers a noticeable improvement in smoothness over standard 60Hz screens, enhancing the overall user experience.

However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs. If having the absolute best camera in this price range is a priority, there might be other options worth exploring. Similarly, if you’re looking for the fastest charging speeds or a 120Hz AMOLED display, you might want to compare the OPPO A97 5G with other devices in the market.

Overall, the OPPO A97 5G offers a well-rounded package that balances performance, battery life, and future-proofing with 5G support. Its competitive pricing in Qatar makes it an attractive option for those looking to step into the world of 5G without breaking the bank. Whether it’s the right choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and how well its feature set aligns with your smartphone needs.