The Oppo A71 was initially launched in the Indian markets in September 2017, priced at around ₹12,990. However, Oppo relaunched this smartphone in January 2018 at a new MOP (marketing operating price) of ₹9,990. Here’s an in-depth Oppo A71 review.
The device is now available at Indian offline retailers at this new and reduced price. It is interesting to know that before launching the A71 in the Indian markets, Oppo decided to launch this device in Pakistan and Malaysia first.
Oppo has strongly positioned itself as a selfie-centric smartphone maker across the globe. So, when they announced the launch of the Oppo A71 with the best features and specifications, people had high expectations regarding at least the camera.
Soon after its launch in India, the device gained popularity mainly because of the value people got for their money with this product. Take pictures, listen to music, watch videos and play games, the Oppo A71 is suitable for all. And, given its affordable price, a review by Digit pitched the A71 as the best gift you can give a friend or a loved one, so that they can create memories, in the form of selfies, of the best time they spent with you.
Here are my thoughts on whether the Oppo A71 is worth investing in or just another passing addition to the affordable range of smartphones.
Related: Oppo F5 Review
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Specifications
The Oppo A71 is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Nano-SIM in both slots. The phone features a 5.20-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 X 1280 pixels. The handset weighs 137 gm and measures 148.10 x 73.80 x 7.60 mm.
The Oppo A71 (2018) is powered by a 1.8GHz octa-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card. The Oppo A71 (2018) runs on Android 7.1 and is fueled by a 3000mAh non-removable battery.
Talking of the camera, this smartphone features a 5MP front camera for selfies and a 13MP primary camera on the rear. The connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G, and 4G; while the sensors include a proximity sensor, accelerometer, compass/magnetometer, and ambient light sensor.
Technical Features
Screen Size: 5.20-inch touchscreen
Display Resolution: 720 X 1280 pixels
Processor: 1.8GHz octa-core processor
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB
Front Camera: 5MP
Rear Camera: 13MP
Battery: 3000mAh
Display and Looks
The Oppo A71 has a 5.2-inch touchscreen display and a sleek metal unibody design. Weighing just 137 gm, the 7.6 mm thick device looks very elegant. To strengthen the gloss of the metal, the phone’s surface has been finished with nano-silver technology. I quite liked the lustrous yet smooth edges that gave this smartphone a compact look, along with a pleasant grip.
The display received a big thumbs up from me. The screen color reproduction amplified my movie-watching and gaming experience, while the scratch-resistant glass, used to protect the display, worked well.
For complete protection of the device, Oppo has provided a soft transparent case along with pre-installed screen protectors, just like you’ll find in any other models from this smartphone giant.
Also read: Oppo F3 Review
Performance and Battery
Oppo A71 (2017) is powered by a 64-bit octa-core 1.5GHz MediaTek MT6750 SoC, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The combination of this RAM and ROM is sufficient for most smartphone users. This thoughtful specification allows intuitive control and greater fluidity in app launch times. The presence of the latest Color OS 3.1, based on Android 7.1, allows speedy operations for users.
The device is fueled by a 3000mAh non-removable battery, which is big enough for the device to last all day long with normal usage. However, with heavy usage, you might need to charge the phone after 16-18 hours. The SoC used in the Oppo A71 comes with a 14nm manufacturing technology that allows the user get the most from the 3000mAh battery.
However, I was highly disappointed to see that this phone didn’t have a fingerprint scanner, which makes the A71 quite average for its price.
Camera and Apps
The Oppo A71 features a 5MP front camera that comes with a bigger 1.4 µm pixel. As a result, you get great selfies even in low light conditions. This makes the A71 a preferred choice for couples who often enjoy low-light romantic dinners and want to preserve special moments they spend together in photographs.
To further enhance image quality, the device flaunts Oppo’s expert photography settings and modes. Using features like selfie panorama, Bokeh effect, pre-set filters, and beautify technology, you can add further drama to the pictures.
At the rear, the Oppo A71 features a 13MP camera with improved optics. To capture images in great detail, the device features an ULTRA HD mode that allows users to take Ultra Hi-def 52MP photos. The Ultra HD feature combines multiple photos to create a single 52MP photo. The phone comes with multi-frame denoising technology, which reduces noise in order to make pictures clearer in low light conditions and even in the dark.
Also read: Oppo F1 Review
Oppo A 71 Price
At ₹9,990, the price is definitely one of the best features of the 3GB variant of the A71. I think the price tag proudly justifies the tech this device offers. While the price could still be high for some, the phone does offer value for money.
Reasons Why I Like This Phone
- Affordable price
- Good rear camera
- Amazing build & design
Reasons Why I Hate This Phone
- No fingerprint scanner
- No fast charging support
- Less internal storage for the price
Summary
Oppo A71 is a great choice for a mid-range phone. Given its price, the Oppo A71 can easily become a birthday gift for a loved one, as the ads had said.
