Introduction
Finding a solid 5G phone on a budget isn’t as hard as it used to be—but it’s still tough to find one that actually feels good to use every day. Enter the OPPO A5x 5G, which aims to deliver modern features, strong battery life, decent cameras, and reliable performance—all under ₹16,000 in India.
But does it truly live up to OPPO’s marketing, or is it just another budget compromise?
In this long-form, human-friendly review, I’ll break down everything you need to know: specs, design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth buying.
If you’re shopping for an affordable 5G phone with good all-around value in 2025, read on.
✅ Quick Verdict: Why Consider the OPPO A5x 5G?
👉 Pros
✔️ 5G connectivity on a budget
✔️ Large, smooth display
✔️ 5000 mAh battery with decent charging
✔️ Lightweight, modern design
✔️ Clean ColorOS experience
👉 Cons
❌ Performance is entry-level for gaming
❌ Average low-light camera shots
❌ Plastic build feels cheaper
✅ Verdict: The OPPO A5x 5G is a genuinely strong contender for under ₹16,000. It’s ideal for everyday use, social media, streaming, and moderate photography. Don’t expect flagship power, but for students, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone needing 5G without spending ₹25,000+, it delivers solid value.
📦 What’s in the Box?
When you buy the OPPO A5x 5G in India, expect:
- OPPO A5x 5G handset
- USB Type-C cable
- 33W SuperVOOC charger
- SIM ejector tool
- Quick start guide and warranty
OPPO continues to include chargers in the box—a nice touch as many brands cut them out.
🌟 Design and Build Quality
OPPO knows how to make budget phones look good, and the A5x 5G is no exception.
✅ Aesthetic & Colors
- Available in Midnight Black and Aurora Blue finishes
- Subtle gradients under light
- Slim and modern profile
✅ Materials
- Plastic back and frame
- Glossy finish (prone to smudges)
- Decent durability for the segment
✅ In-Hand Feel
- Lightweight (~190 g)
- Slightly curved edges for grip
- Easy to use one-handed
Verdict: Don’t expect metal or glass here, but for ₹16,000, it’s attractive and comfortable.
📱 Display: Smooth and Bright Enough for Daily Use
A big screen is one of OPPO’s main selling points in this segment.
✅ Specs:
- Size: 6.72 inches
- Resolution: FHD+ (2400 × 1080)
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Panel Type: LCD
✅ User Experience:
- Sharp enough for movies and browsing
- 120 Hz makes scrolling smoother than many 60 Hz rivals
- Decent brightness outdoors (~650 nits peak)
While it’s not AMOLED, the 120 Hz refresh rate is a big plus at this price.
⚡ Performance: Perfectly Acceptable for Budget Users
Performance on budget 5G phones often disappoints—but OPPO picked a solid chipset here.
✅ Core Specs:
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- RAM: 6 GB or 8 GB options
- Storage: 128 GB (expandable via microSD)
- OS: ColorOS 14 based on Android 14
✅ Real-World Use:
- Smooth for social media, messaging, video streaming
- Multitasking is fine with 8 GB RAM version
- Occasional app reloads in the 6 GB version
- Basic gaming is okay (BGMI, Free Fire on lower settings)
✅ Benchmarks (Approximate):
- AnTuTu: ~420,000
- Geekbench single-core: ~700, multi-core: ~1900
Verdict: Not a gaming powerhouse but absolutely fine for normal daily use at this price.
📸 Camera Review: Solid for Daylight, Just OK at Night
Budget phones live and die by camera compromises. Here’s what you get:
✅ Rear Camera Setup:
- 50 MP primary sensor (f/1.8)
- 2 MP depth sensor
- LED flash
✅ Front Camera:
- 8 MP selfie camera (f/2.0)
✅ Daylight Shots:
- Sharp, colorful photos
- Good dynamic range for the class
- AI modes improve saturation
✅ Low Light / Night:
- Soft details
- Occasional noise
- Night Mode helps but can’t match pricier devices
✅ Selfies:
- Good enough for social sharing
- Beauty modes work well
✅ Verdict: For under ₹16,000, it’s decent. Don’t expect flagship results, but social-ready photos in good light are easily doable.
🔋 Battery and Charging: All-Day Life with Decent Speed
Battery life is one of OPPO’s reliable strengths in this segment.
✅ Specs:
- 5000 mAh battery
- 33 W SuperVOOC charging
✅ Real-World Use:
- 1.5 days of moderate use (social media, browsing, video)
- ~6–7 hours of screen-on time
- Charges 0–50% in ~30 min
Verdict: It’s reliable for even heavy users. Charging speed at 33 W is great for this segment.
🎵 Audio, Connectivity & Extras
✅ Audio:
- Mono bottom-firing speaker
- 3.5 mm headphone jack retained
- Dolby Atmos support via wired/wireless
✅ Connectivity:
- Dual SIM 5G support
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Wi-Fi 5
- USB-C port
- microSD expansion
✅ Security:
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- Face unlock
✅ Haptics:
- Basic vibration feedback (not flagship-level)
✅ Verdict: For the price, you get all the essential features with no big omissions.
⚙️ Software: ColorOS 14 Based on Android 14
OPPO’s latest software skin feels mature and stable.
✅ Pros:
- Clean UI with customizable themes
- Less bloatware than older OPPO versions
- Smooth animations
- 2 years of major Android updates promised
✅ Cons:
- Some pre-installed apps you might uninstall
- Ads in the default app store (can be disabled)
✅ Verdict: ColorOS is one of the better Android skins in 2025—no major complaints.
🌊 Enhanced Durability & Build Confidence
Oppo’s engineers didn’t just give the A5x 5G a splash-resistant rating—they built it to withstand real-world bumps and scrapes. Beneath the sleek matte or glossy back lies an internal reinforced skeleton that better handles accidental drops. Even the screen benefits from this protection: Oppo added an extra toughening layer under the protective glass, which not only helps with sunlight visibility but also improves impact resistance. For anyone who’s ever worried about phones slipping off dashboards or getting caught in rough handling, this phone offers both peace of mind and rugged reliability—rare in its price segment.
🎧 Display & Audio That Punch Above Their Weight
Don’t let the LCD name mislead you—the 6.72-inch FHD+ screen is vibrant, fluid, and sunlight-friendly, thanks to its 120 Hz refresh rate and 1,000-nit peak brightness. It’s a treat whether you’re scrolling Instagram or watching videos on the go. The audio experience is equally impressive: Oppo’s Ultra Volume Mode isn’t just noisy—it enhances clarity, making even quiet voices audible in crowded environments. Pair that with Dolby Atmos support and surprisingly full-bodied sound, and you have entertainment quality you’d expect from much pricier phones.
🧠 Software & Everyday Smoothness
Running ColorOS 14 (based on Android 14), the A5x 5G offers a refined, intuitive user experience. The good news? No annoying ads or bloatware, just handy tools like a Smart Sidebar for quick app access, robust app-locking for privacy, and digital wellbeing features. The animations feel smooth, boosting the phone’s premium feel, while gesture navigation is fluid and intuitive. And yes, Oppo supports expandable microSD storage—something even higher-priced models sometimes ditch. The result: an experience that feels carefully crafted, quick, and reliable—just like a high-end device but without the cost.
💰 Price in India
- 6 GB + 128 GB: ~₹14,999 (may vary)
- 8 GB + 128 GB: ~₹15,999
✅ Availability:
- OPPO’s online store
- Flipkart, Amazon
- Offline retail partners
✅ Offers:
- Bank cashback deals
- EMI options
- Free screen-replacement plans in launch promos
📈 Competitors to Consider
If you’re shopping in this range, check these too:
✅ Redmi Note 13 5G
- AMOLED display, similar price, slightly weaker battery
✅ Realme 12x 5G
- Similar Dimensity 6100+, often cheaper
✅ Samsung Galaxy M16 5G
- Exynos 1330, slightly better One UI software
✅ POCO M6 Pro 5G
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, good display, budget-friendly
✅ Standard A5 5G: You get the same rugged build and smooth display, plus fast charging—but with a slightly downgraded selfie camera.
✅ K12x 5G: The K12x may match performance, but lacks IP65 protection and fast charging—making the A5x a safer, more versatile bet.
This puts the A5x squarely at the top of the sub-₹16k range for users who want a durable, long-lasting phone without sacrificing daily usability.
Verdict: OPPO A5x 5G holds up well against these, especially with 120 Hz and solid battery.
👍 Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros:
- 5G support under ₹16,000
- 120 Hz large display
- Solid 5000 mAh battery with 33 W charging
- Clean, modern ColorOS 14
- Expandable storage
- Headphone jack
❌ Cons:
- Plastic build
- Average low-light photography
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
🧭 Who’s This Phone Really For?
✅ Adventure seekers who need durability for outdoor use.
✅ Students and everyday users who want long battery life and reliable performance.
✅ Media lovers looking for vibrant displays and clear audio without splurging.
❌ Skip it if you’re a mobile gamer seeking ultra-high frame rates or if you prefer the deep blacks and contrast of AMOLED displays.
❌ If you frequently take night-time shots, consider a device with a stronger low-light camera setup.