Oppo Reno 8 review
Introduction
The Oppo Reno 8 is an all-around great mid-range smartphone, where it likes to keep it classy—between a svelte design and good all-round performance—along with an awesome main camera, yet it keeps the price pocket-friendly.
Price When Reviewed
Its price has yet to be officially released into the India market.They are Oppo Reno 8 Pro, being almost near the premium-end mid-ranger, Oppo Reno 8 for a balanced choice, and the one with the least plush set of features, Oppo Reno 8 Lite.
Although this phone does not compare with high-end camera technology, yet against all odds, the Reno 8 holds its grounds in a stylish design, fast charging, and decent processor for its price range. But the one big question remains: does the Reno 8 stand as the best among its siblings?
Design & Build Quality
• Striking Gold Finish with Oppo Glow.
• IP54 Certification.
• No Protective Case Included.
The Oppo Reno 8 ships in two color options : Shimmer Black and Shimmer Gold. I got the Shimmer Gold, treated with Oppo's Glow finish. This profile allows the phone to reflect other colors like reds, blues, and greens, depending on the ambient lighting and how you angle it.
In general, the look is really premium, and the phone even managed to get some compliments because of it. The plastic back is definitely much more durable than the glass ones, and that deals with the sliding-off-surfaces issue our Reno 8 Pro review unit was plagued with. The camera module is clearly visible, placed all by itself on the left side, giving a character to the back design with big, round lenses.
The phone measures 7.67 millimeters in thickness, and weighs 179 grams, which is up there for today's standards. It's also rated at IP54, providing some defense regarding the ingress of limited dust and light water splashes, but avoid heavy rain or immersion. Unfortunately, a MicroSD card slot isn't on board for expandable storage.
The Reno 8 supports wired charging via its USB-C port, but this precious little in for the headphone jack, since the handset lacks a 3.5mm input. Also, this phone does not have a carrying case of its own, with Oppo deciding the packaging waste was not worth it. Being a bit of an inconvenience, its being mid-range means that there's a less robust environment for third-party accessories in this space compared to making a case for a new Galaxy or Pixel.
Display & Audio
• 6.43-inch FHD AMOLED Display.
• Up to 90Hz Refresh Rate.
• Average Stereo Speakers.
The Oppo Reno 8 has a 6.43-inch Full HD AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The screen is bright and saturated, therefore great-colored reproduction, bringing out the visuals to life.
A hardcore gamer might feel that he has cheated himself by buying it for the sake of smooth operation compared to the ones with 120Hz displays. On top of that, the refresh rate is not dynamic. You are only able to toggle between 60Hz and 90Hz. But for everyday tasks like just scrolling through social media, as well as typing notes, this screen should do just fine, and most users will be very satisfied.
This under-display fingerprint sensor works readily in comparison with relatively old Oppo devices.
The Reno 8 has two stereo speakers, which get just like loud and have a lot of lower frequencies. However, it is not of high sound quality as compared to some competitive models on the higher level that would include much more audio processing.
Performance & Hardware
• 8GB RAM and 256GB Storage.
• MediaTek Dimensity 1300 Chipset.
• Overall Solid Performance.
There is just one Oppo Reno 8 configuration, coming with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1300, the same silicon that can be found in the OnePlus Nord 2T—a heavyweight, considering the latter is a prestige model within the mid-range sector.
It has the right kind of setup that gives quick, responsive usage even when multitasking with several apps. I easily open up social media, stream Twitch, take pictures, and open video calls without suffering through lags. Light gaming is also possible, but more demanding games can create a processor throttle and slight heat in the device.
It's not as strong as the Reno 8 Pro, which can stand up and actually compete with some of the flagship devices retailing today. Though in quite the same class, the Reno 8 can trade pound for pound against options from the likes of OnePlus and Google in the same price category.
Battery Life & Charging
• Long-lasting 4500mAh Battery.
• Fast 80W Charging.
The battery life on the Oppo Reno 8 is decent as well; my unit, with a 4,500mAh battery, allowed me to stream videos, browse the internet, and definitely doom-scroll on Twitter for more than a day even with the higher refresh rate switched on.
This is confirmed even more by our PCMark battery test, in which our unit managed a top-notch score of 14 hours and 18 minutes.
Then, of course, the Reno 8 comes in a propitiatory USB cable with an 80W SuperVOOC quick charger boxed in. Still, the phone lacks both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
Their fast-charging technology really leaves little to be desired considering one charges from empty to 99% in only half an hour. Once almost completely drained to 1%, a quick top-up added about six hours to one's use of it at 50%.
"It is a pity to see the lack of market for a phone at such a price point for the same battery rating and fast charging," I added. "Sure, the battery is Oppo's stronghold.".
Cameras & Video Recording
• Triple Rear Camera Setup.
• Excellent Main Camera, Forgettable Secondary Lenses.
• Decent 32MP Selfie Camera.
The Oppo Reno 8 gets equipped with a triple-camera system, in this case having a main 50-megapixel lens with a Sony IMX766 sensor, a 5MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. It shares the same main camera hardware as the more expensive Reno 8 Pro, but this phone lacks Oppo's dedicated Marisilicon X NPU.
That being said, the primary camera captures great shots, particularly in well-lighted conditions. The images blur a bit in indoor or low-lighted conditions. The camera also captures fairly good footage, which has been shot of a moving stream of water—or fireworks, though, without being stabilized by OIS.
While HDR is helpful enough, every once in a while, it overdramatizes the colors. Particularly greens in grass, because sometimes they can over-exaggerate too much and create a digitally, unnaturally vibrant feel to it. This detracts, unfortunately, from some good overall highlighting of the other elements of the.
The 5MP wide-angle lens is less impressive and only does good work with big landscape shots. The details in the sky are generally overexposed, and the textures of buildings are fuzzy. In contrast, the 2MP macro lens is quite problematic to work with and most of the results are mediocre.
In the aspect of camera, this is where it works best, up to 5× magnification on close-ups; any further is slightly problematic. 20× magnification greatly differs as the camera greatly trembles, such jolts can almost make the use practically impossible. Apart from the camera greatly trembling or shaking, such reflections, besides the reflection, could even possibly become a problem from the lighting.
The night mode on the Reno 8 is a bit less punchy than what we saw on other Oppos equipped with the Marisilicon X chip; details tend to feel like they mesh quite often, particularly if the primary object or person was somewhat distant. It handled brightening whites adeptly, but left the sky simply natural instead of overexposed and bleach-blue like some Realme products do.
The front-facing shooter is a 32MP sensor, f/2.4 aperture, driven by the Sony IMX709 sensor. On most occasions, selfies appear decent, but the bokeh feature spirals out of control in a few instances that include capturing finer textures, like hair, when the lowest available setting has been used – this setting is immutable after the photo is taken and can't be re-edited). Photos captured in good light display vivid and energetic colors.
It records video at 4K resolution at 30 fps and 1080p resolution at 60 fps. An available 1080p ultra-steady mode really helps reduce handshake, though in some shots, the effect doesn't look perfect, sometimes even too aggressive and on the other side, unreasonably over-the-top.
Software & Updates
• Based on Android 12.
• OS Updates Guaranteed for Two Years.
This is powered by ColorOS 12.1, Oppo's flavor of Android 12. Here, the implementation is alright with features such as "split-screen multitasking" working fine, including proper presentation of floating windows. However, the implemented gestures for these are really finicky.
Some bloatware comes pre-installed: games like Piggy Go and Tile Master 3D. However, exceptions may include brands where other handsets really push its nefariousness, like Huawei and Xiaomi.
The unit is confirmed to get the ColorOS 13 update, though that update may not come until the very end of this year or early next year.
Oppo has guaranteed updates for two years of OS and three years of security. This sounds pretty decent, until you look at the competition offered by a company like Samsung: four years of OS updates and five years of security updates—it's really setting the bar high. Perhaps Oppo should stretch those out a little bit further in future iterations …the cost of living is climbing at the best of times.
Price & Availability
The Oppo Reno 8 is priced between Rs. 41,000 and Rs. 60,000, depending on the location and point of sale after conversion. Residents of the UK can buy it SIM-free from Oppo, Amazon, Currys, and Carphone Warehouse stores.
However, please note that Oppo does not officially target the US market. Still, prospective buyers can purchase the Reno 8 through importers or websites like AliExpress.
While the Reno 8 Pro goes one better with Marisilicon X NPU, a more powerful processor, and better waterproofing, the Reno 8 is the one that delivers a value that's kinder on the pocket. It makes some of the very best choices of corners to cut, therefore, managing to keep that one attainable cost in the middle tier.
If you're checking out alternatives from that price point, the OnePlus Nord 2T and Google Pixel 6a are not a bad place to start. You could also check out our list of best mid-rangers for more realistic options.
Verdict
The Oppo Reno 8 is a great mid-ranger, succeeding in many different departments. Great design, strong performance, user-friendly software, fast charging, and really decent battery mean that a lot of boxes are ticked. The main camera is great, but the additional lenses—literally not—add to the overall picture quality.
While the Reno 8 has a few noticeable downgrades from the Pro variant—like processor, refresh rate, camera software, and lack of an IP rating—it still stands firmly on its own as a solid competitor in the mid-range market. Packed in under Rs. 41,000, it gives you a really expensive experience and is very competitive against the houses of OnePlus and Google at that range.
Specifications:
• Operating System: Android 12 with ColorOS 12.1.
• Display: 6.4-inch Full HD AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate.
• Fingerprint Sensor: In-display.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1300.
• RAM: 8GB.
• Storage: 256GB.
• Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8.
• Ultra-wide Camera: 5MP, f/2.2.
• Macro Camera: 3MP.
• Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.4, hole-punch.
• Charging Port: USB-C.
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC.
• Battery: 4500mAh with 80W wired charging.
• Weight: 179g.
• Dimensions: 160 x 73.4 x 7.67mm.
FAQs
1. What is the Oppo Reno 8 price in India?
Price in India is expected to be around Rs 41,000 to Rs 60,000 subject to the retailer you procure from and specification picked. The following are some of the estimated prices, varying by the configuration you pick and storage, among other factors. More expensive configurations usually weight on storage and RAM capacities, then the price tends to peak toward the top-end range because of this fact; the basic models hover to the low end of the cheap configuration. More than one retailer should be visited to determine which deals are available to you according to the budget and preference you have selected.
2. Is there wireless charging for the Oppo Reno 8?
The device does not ultra-support wireless charging; this can be a downside for those who do not like staying around with cables. On the brighter side, the phone comes armed with an 80W SuperVOOC fast charger truly mean in boosting up your time, meaning you'll only have to spend the least time possible while attached, as the phone reaches up to 99% in a meager 30 minutes. With a wired fast-charging solution, it lacks wireless charging, but even that configuration will complement this configuration very efficiently and make it very fast, which will be practical for those who would like to have their fuel done to their devices in the nick of time.
3. How many colors will the Oppo Reno 8 be available in?
Oppo Reno 8 is available in two stunning colors: Shimmer Black and Shimmer Gold. Two classic and stylish colors released towards the electronic gadget present very sophisticated feel, thus being fit for diverse users: Shimmer Black is classic and stylish, and Shimmer Gold is better than the two—Primary Oppo Glow. The strength and uniqueness are focused on the form when viewing at different angles the beautiful reflected colors. They were both designed with two different tastes in mind—one of understated elegance and, the other, of bold flair.
4. How many years of software updates does Oppo provide in its promise for the Reno 8?
This means that Oppo has committed ThOne rightly says two years—or something along its lines—of further OS upgrading with three years of security updates to keep the device relevant with the latest changes and protection. That means the Reno 8 can reasonably be counted upon to be updated to include the ColorOS 13 based on Android 13. That adds life and performance to the device over time; after all, Oppo's general policy on updates is a clear testimony to this. In addition, it updates the respective device enough to have peace of mind.
5. How's the low light performance of the camera on the Oppo Reno 8?
The Oppo Reno 8 main camera works decently in low light conditions, therefore being suitable for taking pictures at night. Again, this may not be as sharply clear as the ones installed with the advanced Marisilicon X chip from Oppo, but it does a good job at taking well images in difficult lighting conditions.
The in-built Night mode lightens the lighter colors; with the night sky, the image quality is further enchained to look even more natural. However, users would experience some details blurring, especially in the images captured of very distant and moving subjects, thus portraying the inability of the camera in the extremely low-light scenes.
