Oppo A77s Review: Worth Buying at 13,999 Pesos?
Unboxing the Oppo A77s
After a year since Oppo's last A-series review, the Oppo A77s arrives in its signature blue box. Inside, you'll find paperwork, a surprising semi-transparent case (not the typical cheap jelly cover), and the phone itself in Starry Black or Sunset Orange. The matte fiberglass leather back feels premium at just 7.99mm thickness. Charging components include a 33W SuperVOOC brick and USB-C cable – noteworthy for this price segment. Having tested this device extensively, I appreciate Oppo's attention to unboxing experience here.
Key Physical Features
Right-side placement houses the power button while volume rockers sit on the left. The bottom edge packs a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port, and primary speaker. What immediately stands out is the dual stereo speaker setup – a major upgrade from predecessors like the A76. The secondary speaker cleverly integrates into the earpiece, enhancing audio immersion.
Performance and Display Analysis
Powered by the Snapdragon 680 chipset with 8GB RAM (expandable to 16GB via software), the A77s handles multitasking smoothly. In my testing, it maintained eight background apps without reloading. However, this processor struggles with intensive gaming – a limitation considering the price.
Display Compromises
The 6.56-inch LCD features a dated waterdrop notch rather than modern punch-hole designs. While HD+ resolution suffices for basic use, pixel density falls short for media consumption. Brightness is adequate outdoors, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling. For this price point, competitors like Redmi Note series offer sharper FHD+ panels.
Camera Capabilities Explored
Oppo upgrades to a 50MP main sensor (from 13MP in previous models), paired with a 2MP depth lens. Daylight photos show impressive detail and color accuracy in ideal conditions. However, dynamic range fluctuates – some shots appear flat while others pop unnaturally.
Critical finding: The 50MP mode captures significantly more texture than standard shots, making it essential for quality photography.
Video and Selfie Limitations
Video recording maxes at 1080p due to chipset constraints. The 8MP front camera delivers average selfies – acceptable for video calls but lacking detail for social media. Low-light performance suffers from noise and slow processing, consistent with other Snapdragon 680 devices.
Camera Comparison Table
| Feature | Oppo A77s | Previous A-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 50MP | 13MP |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Zoom Capability | Digital Only | Digital Only |
Battery Life and Software
The 5000mAh battery is a standout performer. In my two-day test with moderate use, it consistently delivered 7-8 hours screen time. ColorOS 12.1 (Android 12) runs efficiently, and the 33W charging refills 50% in 30 minutes.
Who Should Consider This Phone?
This phone suits:
- Casual users prioritizing battery life over performance
- Those valuing speaker quality in budget devices
- Oppo ecosystem users needing RAM flexibility
However, gamers and photography enthusiasts should explore alternatives. The HD+ display remains a significant compromise at this price.
Final Verdict
The Oppo A77s delivers exceptional battery endurance and surprising speaker quality but compromises on display resolution and chipset power. At 13,999 pesos, it's justifiable only if you specifically need its RAM expansion feature or prefer Oppo's software. Competitors offer better value with superior displays and performance.
Pro Tip: Consider the Sunset Orange variant if aesthetics matter – its fiberglass leather back feels uniquely premium.
Based on your usage habits, which matters more: battery life or display quality? Share your priorities below!
