Oppo Reno 4

The base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced between QAR 789 and QAR 1,499. It’s important to note that prices may fluctuate over time and across different retailers.

The Oppo Reno 4 is available in two stunning color options: Galactic Blue and Space Black, catering to different style preferences.

Oppo Reno 4 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.4″ OLED, 430 nits (typ)
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB (expandable via microSDXC)
Main Camera	48MP Wide + 8MP Ultra-wide + 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	32MP Wide
Battery	4015 mAh, non-removable
Charging	30W wired, 50% in 20 min (advertised)
Operating System	Android 10, ColorOS 7.2
5G	No
Water Resistance	No official IP rating

 

Display and Design

The Oppo Reno 4 boasts a 6.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a crisp 411 ppi pixel density. The screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of OLED technology. With a peak brightness of 430 nits, the display performs adequately in most lighting conditions, though it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience for multimedia content and games.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the Oppo Reno 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, built on an 8nm process. This octa-core processor features two Kryo 465 Gold cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and six Kryo 465 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, providing a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The Adreno 618 GPU handles graphics tasks smoothly, making the device capable of running most modern games at medium to high settings.

With 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the Oppo Reno 4 offers smooth multitasking and app switching. The device comes with 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage, which provides fast read and write speeds. For users who need more space, the dedicated microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile quad-camera setup on the Oppo Reno 4. The main 48MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.7 aperture captures detailed and well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 119-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots and group photos. The 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots of small subjects, while the 2MP depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode.

On the front, a 32MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout delivers sharp and flattering self-portraits. Both the rear and front cameras are capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, with the rear camera also offering 1080p recording at 60fps. The inclusion of gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) helps in capturing steady footage.

Battery Life and Charging

The Oppo Reno 4 is equipped with a 4015 mAh non-removable battery, which should provide most users with a full day of usage on a single charge. The device supports 30W fast charging, which Oppo claims can charge the battery to 50% in just 20 minutes. This fast-charging capability is a significant advantage for users who are always on the go and need quick power top-ups.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 10 with Oppo’s ColorOS 7.2 overlay, the Reno 4 offers a feature-rich and customizable user experience. ColorOS includes various useful features such as a system-wide dark mode, gesture navigation, and a game space for optimizing gaming performance. The under-display fingerprint sensor provides quick and secure access to the device.

Connectivity and Additional Features

While the Oppo Reno 4 doesn’t support 5G, it offers comprehensive 4G LTE connectivity. The device also includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support for high-quality wireless audio, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG capabilities. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Comparison with Other Devices

When compared to its predecessor, the Oppo Reno 3 Pro, the Reno 4 makes some trade-offs. While the Reno 3 Pro offers a more powerful Helio P95 chipset and a higher resolution 64MP main camera, the Reno 4 counters with a more energy-efficient Snapdragon 720G processor and a slightly larger display.

 

The Reno 4 also maintains the sleek design language of the Reno series, with a thinner profile compared to the Reno 3 Pro.

In the broader smartphone market, the Oppo Reno 4 competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A52, OnePlus Nord, and Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite. The Galaxy A52 offers water resistance and a higher refresh rate display but at a higher price point. The OnePlus Nord provides a similar user experience with OxygenOS and 5G capabilities, while the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite offers a larger battery and 5G support at a competitive price.

When considering alternatives from other brands, the Nokia 8.3 5G stands out with its 5G capabilities and clean Android One experience, though it’s typically priced higher. The Google Pixel 4a, while featuring a smaller display, excels in camera performance and software updates. For those prioritizing battery life, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers a massive 5000 mAh battery, albeit with less powerful specifications in other areas.

Design and Build Quality

The Oppo Reno 4 continues the sleek and modern design language of the Reno series. Its slim profile, measuring just 7.7mm in thickness, makes it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket.

 

The device features a glass front, which is protected by an unspecified version of Gorilla Glass, providing some resistance against scratches and minor drops.

 

The plastic frame and back panel, while not as premium as glass or metal, contribute to the phone’s lightweight nature and offer better durability against drops.

The color options, Galactic Blue and Space Black, add a touch of elegance to the device. The Galactic Blue variant, in particular, features a subtle gradient effect that catches the light beautifully, giving the phone a premium look despite its mid-range positioning. The rear panel houses the quad-camera setup in a vertical arrangement, with a slight camera bump that may cause the phone to rock when placed on a flat surface.

On the front, the punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is positioned in the top-left corner of the display, minimizing interruption to the screen real estate. The bezels around the display are relatively thin, contributing to an immersive viewing experience and a modern appearance.

Audio and Multimedia Experience

The Oppo Reno 4 comes equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker, which provides clear and loud audio output suitable for casual media consumption. While it may not match the depth and richness of stereo speakers found in some higher-end models, it performs adequately for most users’ needs. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio solutions or have legacy audio equipment.

For wireless audio enthusiasts, the Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with support for aptX HD codec ensures high-quality audio streaming to compatible headphones and speakers. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize audio quality in their mobile experience.

The 6.4-inch OLED display, with its vibrant colors and deep blacks, provides an excellent canvas for multimedia consumption. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games, the screen offers an engaging visual experience. The 20:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for widescreen content, making movie watching particularly enjoyable.

Gaming Performance

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, coupled with the Adreno 618 GPU, positions the Oppo Reno 4 as a capable gaming device in the mid-range segment. This chipset can handle most popular mobile games with ease at medium to high settings. Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run smoothly, with stable frame rates and minimal lag.

The 8GB of RAM ensures that the device can keep multiple games in memory, allowing for quick app switching and resuming games from where you left off. The 128GB of storage provides ample space for installing several large games, and the option for expandable storage via microSD card allows gamers to store even more content.

While the Reno 4 doesn’t feature a high refresh rate display like some gaming-focused phones, the 60Hz OLED panel still offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The phone’s thermal management is generally good, maintaining comfortable temperatures even during extended gaming sessions.

Camera Performance in Detail

The quad-camera setup on the Oppo Reno 4 offers versatility for different shooting scenarios:

1. Main 48MP Wide Camera: This sensor captures detailed and well-exposed images in various lighting conditions. In good light, photos show excellent color reproduction and dynamic range. The camera uses pixel binning technology to produce 12MP images by default, which helps in low-light situations by combining data from multiple pixels.
2. 8MP Ultra-wide Camera: With its 119-degree field of view, this lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots. While it may not match the main sensor in terms of detail, it provides a useful perspective for creative photography.
3. 2MP Macro Lens: This allows for close-up shots of small subjects, revealing intricate details that might be missed by the naked eye. However, like many macro lenses in this class, it requires good lighting for the best results.
4. 2MP Depth Sensor: While not used for direct image capture, this sensor aids in creating a more natural bokeh effect in portrait mode, helping to separate the subject from the background.

The camera app offers various modes and features, including Night mode for low-light photography, Portrait mode for bokeh effects, and Pro mode for manual control over camera settings. Video capabilities are solid, with 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. The inclusion of gyro-EIS helps in capturing steadier footage, especially useful for handheld video recording.

The 32MP front-facing camera delivers sharp and detailed selfies. It also supports various beautification features and can capture portrait mode selfies with background blur.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

The 4015 mAh battery in the Oppo Reno 4 provides reliable all-day battery life for most users. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, some gaming, and video streaming, the phone can easily last a full day on a single charge. Heavy users might find themselves needing a top-up towards the end of the day, especially with intensive tasks like gaming or video recording.

The standout feature in this department is the 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0 technology. This fast-charging solution can replenish the battery from 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes, and a full charge takes around an hour. This rapid charging capability is particularly useful for users who are often on the go and need quick power boosts.

While the device doesn’t support wireless charging, the fast wired charging largely compensates for this omission in the mid-range segment.

Software Features and User Interface

ColorOS 7.2, based on Android 10, offers a feature-rich and customizable user experience on the Oppo Reno 4. Some notable features include:

1. Dark Mode: A system-wide dark theme that not only looks sleek but also helps conserve battery on the OLED display.
2. Game Space: This feature optimizes system resources for gaming, blocks notifications, and provides tools to enhance the gaming experience.
3. Smart Sidebar: A customizable quick access panel for frequently used apps and tools.
4. Gesture Navigation: Offers a more intuitive way to navigate the phone’s interface, maximizing screen real estate.
5. Clone Apps: Allows users to run multiple instances of the same app, useful for managing multiple accounts.
6. Privacy and Security Features: Includes app lock, private safe for securing files, and permissions manager for controlling app access to system features.

The interface is generally smooth and responsive, thanks to the efficient processor and ample RAM. However, some users might find ColorOS to be feature-heavy compared to stock Android, which could impact long-term performance.

Connectivity and Network Performance

While the Oppo Reno 4 doesn’t support 5G, its 4G LTE capabilities are comprehensive, ensuring good network coverage and speeds in most areas. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers on a single device.

Wi-Fi performance is solid with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards and dual-band connectivity. This ensures fast and stable connections on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Bluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.1 provides reliable and energy-efficient connections to wireless accessories, with improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth versions.

The inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication) enables contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices. The USB Type-C port supports OTG (On-The-Go) functionality, allowing users to connect external storage devices or peripherals directly to the phone.

Long-term Usage and Software Updates

Oppo has been improving its track record with software updates, and the Reno 4 is expected to receive at least one major Android version update and security patches for a couple of years. However, the frequency and duration of updates may not match those of some competitors like Google or Samsung.

The Snapdragon 720G processor and 8GB of RAM should ensure that the phone remains responsive and capable of handling most tasks even after a year or two of use. The plastic back, while not as premium as glass, is likely to be more durable over time, resisting cracks from accidental drops.

Value for Money and Market Position

In the competitive mid-range smartphone market in Qatar, the Oppo Reno 4 offers a balanced package of features at a reasonable price point. Its strengths lie in its sleek design, capable camera system, fast charging, and smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

When compared to other devices in its price range:

1. Samsung Galaxy A52: Offers water resistance and a higher refresh rate display but at a slightly higher price.
2. OnePlus Nord: Provides a cleaner OxygenOS experience and 5G support, appealing to tech enthusiasts.
3. Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite: Features 5G and a larger battery, often at a competitive price.
4. Nokia 8.3 5G: Offers 5G and a clean Android One experience but typically costs more.
5. Google Pixel 4a: Excels in camera performance and software updates but has a smaller display.

The Oppo Reno 4 holds its own in this competitive landscape by offering a well-rounded package that doesn’t excel in any particular area but performs competently across the board.

Who Should Consider the Oppo Reno 4?

The Oppo Reno 4 is an excellent choice for:

1. Style-conscious users who appreciate a sleek, modern design.
2. Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system without breaking the bank.
3. Users who prioritize fast charging capabilities.
4. Those who need a reliable performer for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
5. Consumers looking for a balance of features at a mid-range price point.

However, it may not be the best choice for:

1. Users who need 5G connectivity.
2. Those who prefer a stock Android experience.
3. Heavy gamers who require top-tier performance.
4. Users who prioritize water resistance or wireless charging.