OPPO A98 Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The OPPO A98 brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment with a focus on balanced performance and practical features. Launched in May 2023, this device targets users who want modern smartphone capabilities without breaking the bank. Its 6.72-inch display, Snapdragon 695 processor, and 5000mAh battery form the foundation of a phone designed for everyday reliability. The inclusion of 67W fast charging stands out in this price category, addressing one of the most common pain points for smartphone users.
OPPO has positioned this device with a large screen and dual speakers for media consumption, while the 64MP main camera aims to satisfy casual photography needs. The phone runs Android 13 with ColorOS 14 upgradability, ensuring software support for the near future. With 8GB RAM and 256GB storage expandable via microSD, the A98 offers enough headroom for typical usage patterns.
What Makes the OPPO A98 Worth Buying?
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 67W fast charging capability. Reaching 50% battery in just 18 minutes means you can quickly top up during short breaks, eliminating the anxiety of running out of power mid-day. This charging speed is rare in this segment and provides tangible daily convenience.
The 120Hz IPS LCD display delivers smooth scrolling and responsive touch interaction. While not AMOLED, the screen reaches 680 nits in high brightness mode, making outdoor visibility manageable even in direct sunlight. The 6.72-inch size offers ample space for gaming, streaming, and multitasking without feeling unwieldy in hand.
Dual speakers enhance the multimedia experience significantly. Watching videos or playing games becomes more immersive with stereo sound, and the included 3.5mm headphone jack provides flexibility for wired audio enthusiasts. Many competing phones have eliminated this port entirely.
The Snapdragon 695 chipset handles daily tasks smoothly. Social media browsing, casual gaming, and productivity apps run without noticeable lag. The 5G modem ensures future network compatibility, though real-world 5G speeds depend heavily on carrier infrastructure in your area.
Storage flexibility through the microSDXC slot means you won’t hit capacity limits quickly. Combined with the generous 256GB base storage, you can store thousands of photos, hours of video, and numerous apps without constant management.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OPPO A98
The camera system includes an unusual 2MP microscope lens alongside the 64MP main sensor. While the microscope feature sounds intriguing, practical use cases are limited for most people. The absence of an ultrawide camera means you’ll miss the versatility that’s become standard in many competitors. Video recording tops out at 1080p 30fps, which feels dated when many phones in similar price ranges offer 4K capability.
Gaming performance has clear boundaries. The Adreno 619 GPU handles casual games well but struggles with demanding titles at high graphics settings. If you’re into intensive mobile gaming, you’ll need to adjust expectations or look elsewhere.
The IPS LCD panel, while bright enough, doesn’t offer the deep blacks and vibrant colors of AMOLED technology. This becomes noticeable when watching movies or viewing photos, especially in dark environments where AMOLED excels.
ColorOS can feel heavy compared to stock Android. OPPO includes several pre-installed apps and customizations that some users appreciate for added functionality, while others find them unnecessary bloat. The interface requires some adjustment if you’re coming from a near-stock Android experience.
At 192 grams and 8.2mm thick, the phone isn’t particularly slim or light. Extended one-handed use can cause fatigue, and it may feel bulky in tight pockets. The plastic frame, while durable, doesn’t convey the premium feel of metal or glass construction.
Is the OPPO A98 Right for You?
Budget-Conscious 5G Adopters: If you want 5G connectivity without spending flagship prices, the A98 delivers. The technology is there even if you don’t have 5G coverage yet, ensuring the phone remains relevant as networks expand.
Media Consumers: The large display paired with stereo speakers creates an enjoyable viewing and listening experience. Streaming services, YouTube, and music playback all benefit from this combination. The fast charging means you won’t be tethered to a wall outlet for long.
Casual Photographers: The 64MP main camera captures detailed shots in good lighting. It’s perfectly capable for social media sharing, casual documentation, and everyday memories. Just don’t expect professional-grade results or excellent low-light performance.
Students and Professionals: For productivity tasks like email, document editing, web browsing, and video calls, the A98 provides smooth performance. The ample RAM keeps multiple apps running simultaneously, and the storage handles work files comfortably.
Not Ideal For:
- Mobile gamers seeking high-performance graphics
- Photography enthusiasts wanting versatile camera systems with ultrawide lenses
- Users who prioritize premium build quality and materials
- Anyone needing 4K video recording capabilities
Best Alternatives to the OPPO A98
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: Offers superior AMOLED display, better camera versatility with ultrawide lens, water resistance rating, and longer software support. Costs slightly more but delivers noticeable improvements in screen quality and overall refinement.
Realme 11 Pro: Provides curved AMOLED display, faster charging, better camera system, and more premium design. Direct competitor with similar pricing that edges ahead in several key areas.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Features AMOLED screen, superior camera setup with ultrawide capability, similar fast charging, and competitive pricing. Stronger value proposition for photography-focused users.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo: Brings cleaner Android experience, OLED display, water resistance, and wireless charging. Slightly different price positioning but worth considering for users preferring stock-like software.
OPPO A98 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OPPO A98 support 5G networks?
Yes, the OPPO A98 supports 5G connectivity through its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. The phone works with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, making it compatible with next-generation mobile data speeds where available. The dual nano-SIM slot allows you to use two different carriers simultaneously if needed.
How long does the battery last on the OPPO A98?
The 5000mAh battery typically provides full-day usage for moderate users. This includes social media browsing, messaging, some video streaming, and photography. Heavy users who game extensively or stream video constantly may need a midday charge. The 67W fast charging technology charges the battery to 50% in approximately 18 minutes, minimizing downtime significantly.
Can I expand the storage on the OPPO A98?
Yes, the OPPO A98 includes a microSDXC card slot for storage expansion. The phone comes with 256GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage standard, and you can add a microSD card to store additional photos, videos, and media files. The card slot operates independently, so you can use two SIM cards and a memory card simultaneously.
What Android version does the OPPO A98 run?
The OPPO A98 ships with Android 13 and OPPO’s ColorOS 14 interface. The phone is upgradable to Android 14 with ColorOS 14, providing access to newer features and security updates. OPPO typically provides two major Android updates and security patches for several years on their A-series devices.
Is the OPPO A98 camera good for low-light photography?
The 64MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture performs adequately in good lighting conditions but struggles in low-light environments. The lack of optical image stabilization and limited computational photography capabilities mean nighttime shots may appear grainy or lack detail compared to more expensive phones. The camera works best in daylight or well-lit indoor settings.