The Oppo F3 was launched in India in May 2017 with an original price tag of ₹19,990. However, at the beginning of 2018, the smartphone saw a price drop of ₹2,000, although the device returned to its original price as the year progressed.
With Deepika Padukone being the brand ambassador for Oppo in India, the smartphone giant launched the Deepika Edition of the Oppo F3 in August 2017, a special edition of their already popular F3 smartphone. Everything in the device was kept the same, except the color. Buyers could now get an Oppo F3 in Rose Gold with their favorite actress’ signature and a logo on the back panel of the phone.
But at almost 20k, is this device a good purchase? Here’s my take.
In this article...
Specifications
The Oppo F3 is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Nano-SIM in both slots. The phone features a 5.50-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080 X 1920 pixels at 401 PPI (pixels per inch). The handset weighs 153 gm and measures 153.30 x 75.20 x 7.30 mm.
The device is powered by a 1.5GHz octa-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. The Oppo F3 runs on Android 6.0 and is fueled by a 3200mAh non-removable battery.
Given that Oppo has positioned itself as a camera specialist among mobile phone makers, it has given the F3 a 16MP front camera and a 13MP primary camera on the rear. The connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G, and 4G, while sensors on board include a proximity sensor, accelerometer, compass/magnetometer, ambient light sensor, and gyroscope.
Related: Here are the best mobile phones in India.
Technical Features
Screen Size: 5.50-inch touchscreen
Display Resolution: 1080X1920 pixels
Processor: 1.5GHz octa-core processor
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Front Camera: 64GB
Rear Camera: 13-MP
Battery: 3200mAh
Also read: Oppo A71 and F1 review
Display and Looks
If you are someone like me, who chooses phones to a great extent due to their design and display, the Oppo F3 will definitely get your attention. Flaunting a metal unibody design and an industrial finish on the rear, embellished with Oppo’s logo, this phone is a visual treat.
To protect the 5.5-inch full HD display, the manufacturer has used Gorilla Glass 5 protection, which has actually amplified the look of this already pleasing phone. I am happy that Oppo F3 has an advanced solid-state fingerprint reader that unlocks the phone even with the slightest touch. Oppo claims on their website that the device is equipped with a hydrophobic membrane that works on the same principles as a naturally water-resistant lotus leaf. To check, I tried to open the phone with moist fingers, and guess what – their claim does seem to hold true.
Performance and Battery
The Oppo F3 is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MT6750T 64-bit processor paired with a generous 4GB RAM. I was impressed with how seamlessly the device allowed multitasking and switching between apps, music, and movies. However, I did notice some heating issues during prolonged gaming or movie watching.
Although the processor is fast, I find it costly for the price. The Mediatek MT6750T Octa-Core SoC in the F3 is being offered at ₹20,000, whereas Xiaomi is providing a better Snapdragon chipset at less than ₹15,000.
Talking of the storage for photos, videos, apps, and games, the F3 offers a generous 64GB of internal storage that can be further expanded by up to 128GB with the help of a microSD card.
On the software side, the Oppo F3 runs on Android Marshmallow-based Color OS 3.0, which is a good choice. However, you might not be interested in buying a device that has Android 6.0 Marshmallow at a time when most other phones have Android 7.0 Nougat and Android Oreo.
Another minus point for me was the gaming performance, which is very poor and includes a lot of lags. This phone, even with its full HD display and MediaTek chipset, will disappoint gaming enthusiasts.
The device is fueled by a 3200mAh battery that comes with fast charging support. You’ll get quick charging and ample battery life, which is a plus point.
Camera and Apps
The major highlight of the Oppo F3 is its dual front camera. The dual setup comprises 16MP and 8MP sensors that actually capture some great selfies. The combination of the 16MP main sensor with extra-large pixels and the 8MP camera sensor allows a double view, helping you effortlessly click some amazing selfies that can get hundreds of likes on social media. To help users capture bokeh effects, Oppo has included the Beautify 4.0 mode in the suite.
However, it is not only the front camera that boasts some impressive optics. Moving to the rear, you’ll find the 13MP primary camera, the performance of which is no less than the snappers at the front. The use of LED flash and features like dual phase detection autofocus and Beautify 4.0 gave me awesome camera performance.
Price
As I mentioned earlier, the Oppo F3 is available in India at a price tag of almost ₹20,000. If you are convinced to buy this device, look for EMIs and bank offers at the leading e-commerce site, Amazon.
Reasons Why I Like This Phone
- Dual selfie camera
- Big battery with fast charging support
- Great design and display
Reasons Why I Hate This Phone
- Overpriced
- Heating issues during intensive gaming
- Use of old Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Although the Oppo F3 is loaded with awesome features and boasts pretty impressive specs, the ₹20,000 price tag doesn’t appear fully justified. It is a great device for memorable selfie experiences, although you’ll get much better hardware in the Lenovo P2 and Moto G5, at a much lower price.
