What Makes the OPPO Reno 4 Worth Buying?
The OPPO Reno 4 strikes a compelling balance between style and substance. Released in August 2020, this device brings flagship aesthetics to the mid-range segment with its sleek 7.7mm profile that feels remarkably slim in hand. Weighing just 165 grams, it’s one of the lighter smartphones in its category, making extended use comfortable throughout the day.
Performance gets a solid boost from the Snapdragon 720G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination handles everyday tasks smoothly, from multitasking between apps to casual gaming sessions. The processor’s efficiency means you won’t experience significant lag during normal usage patterns.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile camera setup. The 48MP main sensor captures detailed shots in various lighting conditions, while the 119-degree ultrawide lens opens up creative possibilities for landscape and group photos. The dedicated macro lens lets you explore close-up photography, adding creative flexibility to your shooting options.
Charging speed stands out as a practical advantage. The 30W VOOC charging technology powers the 4015mAh battery to 50% in just 20 minutes. This rapid charging capability proves valuable when you need a quick power boost before heading out.
The 6.4-inch OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience whether you’re streaming content or browsing social media. The under-display fingerprint sensor adds a modern touch while keeping the screen uninterrupted.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OPPO Reno 4
Several considerations deserve attention before committing to this device. The plastic build, while keeping the phone lightweight, doesn’t offer the premium feel of glass or metal construction found on higher-priced alternatives. The back panel and frame may show scratches more readily with regular use.
Camera performance has limitations worth noting. While the 48MP main sensor performs well in good lighting, low-light photography reveals the sensor’s constraints. The 2MP macro and auxiliary lenses serve specific purposes but don’t match the quality of the primary camera. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps, lacking higher frame rate options that newer devices provide.
The Snapdragon 720G chipset, though capable for everyday tasks, shows its age with demanding games and intensive applications. Heavy gamers might notice frame drops in graphics-intensive titles, especially at higher settings. The Adreno 618 GPU handles moderate gaming but isn’t designed for sustained peak performance.
ColorOS 7.2 based on Android 10 was the shipping software. Software update support has likely ended, meaning you won’t receive the latest Android features or security patches. This limitation affects long-term usability and app compatibility as developers optimize for newer Android versions.
The 4015mAh battery capacity provides adequate daily usage but falls short compared to devices with 5000mAh or larger batteries. Moderate users will get through a full day, but power users might need that 30W fast charger before evening arrives.
NFC absence limits contactless payment options. If you rely on mobile payment services like Google Pay for transactions, this device won’t support that functionality.
Is the OPPO Reno 4 Right for You?
Social Media Enthusiasts and Content Creators: The lightweight design and capable front camera make this phone practical for selfies and video calls. The OLED screen displays your content with punchy colors, perfect for Instagram and TikTok browsing.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: As a discontinued model, the Reno 4 appears in the secondary market at attractive prices. If you find one in good condition at a significant discount, it offers reasonable value for basic smartphone needs.
Casual Users: For calls, messaging, web browsing, and light app usage, the Reno 4 handles these tasks without fuss. The smooth ColorOS interface and adequate performance make daily interactions straightforward.
Students: The combination of decent performance, fast charging, and portable design suits student life. Taking notes, attending online classes, and managing productivity apps work well within this device’s capabilities.
NOT Ideal For:
- Mobile Gamers: The Snapdragon 720G struggles with demanding titles
- Photography Enthusiasts: Serious photographers need better low-light performance and more advanced camera features
- Power Users: Heavy multitaskers will push against the performance ceiling
- Security-Conscious Users: Limited software update support raises security concerns
- Long-Term Investment Seekers: The device’s age and discontinued status make it a short-term solution
Best Alternatives to the OPPO Reno 4
The smartphone market offers several compelling alternatives depending on your priorities. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro delivers superior camera performance with its 108MP sensor and larger battery capacity at a competitive price point. Samsung’s Galaxy A52 provides better software support with guaranteed updates and water resistance.
For those prioritizing gaming performance, the POCO X3 Pro features the more powerful Snapdragon 860 chipset while maintaining a budget-friendly price. Realme 7 Pro offers similar fast charging capabilities with a 65W charger and slightly better overall specifications.
If camera quality tops your list, the Google Pixel 4a provides exceptional computational photography despite modest hardware specs. OnePlus Nord presents a step up in build quality and performance within a reasonable budget increase.
OPPO Reno 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OPPO Reno 4 support 5G connectivity?
No, the OPPO Reno 4 doesn’t support 5G networks. It operates on GSM, HSPA, and 4G LTE networks. The Snapdragon 720G chipset inside this device lacks 5G modem capabilities. If 5G connectivity is important for your needs, you’ll want to consider the OPPO Reno 4 Pro 5G variant or newer models with 5G support built in.
How long does the battery last on normal usage?
The 4015mAh battery typically provides a full day of moderate use, which includes social media browsing, messaging, video streaming, and casual photography. Light users might stretch it into a second day, while heavy users—those gaming frequently or streaming video for extended periods—will likely need to recharge before evening. The 30W VOOC fast charging compensates for the moderate battery size by delivering 50% charge in approximately 20 minutes.
Can I expand the storage on the OPPO Reno 4?
Yes, the OPPO Reno 4 includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing you to expand beyond the 128GB internal storage. This dedicated slot means you can use two SIM cards while still adding a memory card, unlike hybrid slots that force you to choose between dual SIM functionality and storage expansion. The phone supports large capacity cards, giving you flexibility for photos, videos, and apps.
Is the OPPO Reno 4 still getting software updates?
As a device discontinued in 2020 and originally shipped with Android 10, the OPPO Reno 4 has likely reached the end of its software update cycle. OPPO typically provides around two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches. Users should not expect further major Android version upgrades or regular security updates. This limitation means newer apps may eventually face compatibility issues.
How good is the camera quality compared to newer phones?
The 48MP main camera produces detailed photos in good lighting conditions with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. However, compared to newer mid-range phones, the Reno 4’s camera system shows its age in low-light situations where noise becomes more apparent. The lack of optical image stabilization affects video smoothness, and the supporting cameras (ultrawide, macro) deliver basic performance. Night mode exists but doesn’t match the computational photography capabilities found in 2023-2024 devices. For casual photography and well-lit scenarios, it performs adequately, but photography enthusiasts will notice the gap between this and current camera technology.