Oppo F21 Pro 5G

The base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced between QAR 666 and QAR 857. This price range makes it an attractive option for those seeking a mid-range smartphone with 5G capabilities.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.43″ AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB, expandable via microSDXC
Main Camera	64MP Wide + 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	32MP
Battery	4500mAh
Charging	33W SuperVOOC fast charging
Operating System	Android 12, ColorOS 12
5G	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor	Under-display, optical

 

Release Date and Availability

The OPPO F21 Pro 5G was officially announced on April 12, 2022, and released to the market on April 15, 2022. This smartphone quickly gained popularity due to its sleek design and impressive features at a competitive price point. In Qatar, the device became available shortly after its global release, giving local consumers access to OPPO’s latest mid-range offering.

Design and Build Quality

OPPO has always been known for its attention to design, and the F21 Pro 5G is no exception. The phone boasts a slim profile, measuring just 7.5mm in thickness, which makes it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket. The device features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a plastic frame, and a plastic back with a unique texture that provides both style and grip.

One of the standout design elements is the Orbit Light, a ring-shaped LED surrounding the camera module. This feature serves multiple purposes, including notifications and charging indicators, adding a touch of uniqueness to the phone’s appearance.

Display Technology

The OPPO F21 Pro 5G comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of OLED technology. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the screen provides sharp visuals and an immersive viewing experience. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and improved responsiveness, which is particularly noticeable when navigating the user interface or playing games.

The display also features a peak brightness of 600 nits, making it readable even in bright outdoor conditions. Additionally, the under-display fingerprint sensor adds to the seamless design while providing quick and secure access to the device.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera setup on the OPPO F21 Pro 5G. The main camera array consists of a 64MP wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This combination allows for versatile shooting options, from detailed landscape shots to close-up macro photography.

The 64MP main sensor utilizes pixel-binning technology to produce 16MP images with improved low-light performance. The camera software includes various AI-enhanced features, such as night mode, portrait mode, and HDR, which help users capture stunning photos in different scenarios.

For selfie lovers, the 32MP front-facing camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout and is capable of capturing detailed self-portraits. It also supports various beautification features and can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. This octa-core processor is built on a 6nm process, offering a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The CPU consists of two Kryo 660 Gold cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for high-performance tasks and six Kryo 660 Silver cores at 1.7 GHz for less demanding operations.

Paired with 8GB of RAM, the F21 Pro 5G handles multitasking with ease. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. For users who need more storage, the phone supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card slot.

5G Connectivity and Network Features

As the name suggests, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G is equipped with 5G capabilities, making it future-proof for the next generation of mobile networks. This allows for faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability when connected to a 5G network.

The device supports various 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with different carriers. It also includes other connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments and quick pairing with other devices.

Battery Life and Charging

A 4500mAh battery powers the OPPO F21 Pro 5G, which is ample for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The energy-efficient processor and optimized software contribute to extending battery life.

When it comes to charging, OPPO has included its 33W SuperVOOC fast charging technology. This allows the phone to charge from 0 to 100% in approximately one hour, which is quite impressive for a mid-range device. The fast charging capability ensures that users can quickly top up their battery when in a hurry.

Software and User Experience

The OPPO F21 Pro 5G runs on ColorOS 12, based on Android 12. This custom skin offers a range of features and customization options while maintaining a clean and intuitive user interface. OPPO has included several useful additions such as a system-wide dark mode, an always-on display feature, and various gesture controls.

The software also includes AI-powered optimizations that learn from user behavior to improve performance and battery life over time. Regular software updates from OPPO ensure that the device stays secure and receives new features throughout its lifecycle.

Gaming Performance

For mobile gamers, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G offers a decent gaming experience. The Adreno 619 GPU, while not top-of-the-line, is capable of handling most popular mobile games at medium to high settings.

The 90Hz refresh rate display contributes to smoother gameplay, especially in games that support higher frame rates.OPPO has included a Game Space feature that optimizes system resources for gaming, blocks notifications, and provides tools to enhance the gaming experience. While it may not compete with dedicated gaming phones, the F21 Pro 5G is more than capable of satisfying casual to moderate gamers.

Audio Quality

The OPPO F21 Pro 5G comes with a single bottom-firing speaker that produces clear audio for calls and media consumption. While it may not match the immersive experience of stereo speakers found in some higher-end models, it’s adequate for most users.

For those who prefer personal audio, the phone retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones without the need for an adapter.

Comparison with Other OPPO Models

When compared to its predecessors and siblings in the OPPO lineup, the F21 Pro 5G shows significant improvements. The OPPO F19 Pro, for instance, lacks 5G capabilities and uses an older MediaTek processor. The F21 Pro 5G’s upgraded Snapdragon chipset offers better performance and power efficiency.

The OPPO F19 and F17 models, while still capable devices, fall short in terms of display technology and camera capabilities when compared to the F21 Pro 5G. The newer model’s AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a more premium visual experience, and the 64MP main camera outperforms the 48MP sensors found in the older models.

Comparison with Competitors

In the mid-range smartphone market, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G faces stiff competition from devices like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, and the Realme 9 Pro+. Each of these phones offers unique features and strengths.

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a higher refresh rate display at 120Hz and benefits from Samsung’s reputation for software support. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers faster 120W charging, while the Realme 9 Pro+ features a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset.

However, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G holds its own with its sleek design, capable camera system, and the unique Orbit Light feature. Its price point in Qatar also makes it an attractive option for those looking for a balance of features and affordability.

OPPO F21 Pro 5G in the Context of Qatar’s Smartphone Market

In Qatar’s competitive smartphone market, the OPPO F21 Pro 5G positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range segment. Its 5G capabilities are particularly relevant as Qatar continues to expand its 5G network infrastructure, allowing users to take advantage of faster mobile data speeds.

The phone’s price range makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers, from students to young professionals looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. Its stylish design and camera capabilities also cater to the fashion-conscious and social media-savvy population of Qatar.

Long-term Value and Support

OPPO has committed to providing two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the F21 Pro 5G. This commitment to long-term software support adds value to the device, ensuring that it remains up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements.

The phone’s 5G capabilities also future-proof it to some extent, as 5G networks continue to expand and improve in Qatar and around the world. This means that users can expect their device to remain relevant and capable for several years after purchase.

Accessories and Ecosystem

OPPO offers a range of accessories compatible with the F21 Pro 5G, including cases, screen protectors, and wireless earbuds. These accessories can enhance the user experience and protect the device from everyday wear and tear.Additionally, OPPO’s ecosystem of smart devices, including smartwatches and wireless earphones, can seamlessly integrate with the F21 Pro 5G, providing a connected experience across multiple devices.