Comprehensive Review of the Oppo A5 Pro: Features, Performance, and Value for Money

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, brands are continuously pushing the envelope to offer cutting-edge features at competitive prices. Oppo, a brand known for its innovative designs and tech, has recently launched the Oppo A5 Pro, a phone aimed at users looking for an affordable yet durable device.

This review dives deep into the Oppo A5 Pro’s specs, performance, pricing, and overall value to help you decide if this phone is worth the investment. With features such as AI integration, durability claims, and a large battery, Oppo is positioning the A5 Pro as a top contender in the budget segment. But, does it meet expectations?

Design and Build Quality

The Oppo A5 Pro, like its predecessor, offers a solid build. However, the major talking point here is its durability, which Oppo has emphasized heavily in their marketing. The phone comes with an IP68/69 rating, which indicates resistance to dust and water. While this might sound like a great selling point, it’s crucial to note that Oppo’s warranty does not cover water damage.

In terms of design, the Oppo A5 Pro does not bring anything revolutionary to the table. It features a modern glass and plastic build, which is quite common in mid-range smartphones. The phone feels premium to hold but is a bit bulky for those used to slimmer devices. Despite this, it is sturdy enough for everyday use, and its durability factor is a plus for those who tend to be rough on their phones.

Display: 720p in 2025?

One of the most glaring issues with the Oppo A5 Pro is its display. The phone sports a 720p resolution, which in 2025, feels underwhelming, especially given that competitors are offering Full HD displays and even AMOLED screens in the same price range.

While the 720p display is serviceable for basic tasks like browsing and social media, it falls short when it comes to media consumption. Streaming videos and playing games on this phone may not offer the sharpest visuals, making it hard to recommend to users who prioritize high-quality displays. For a phone priced around 55,000 INR, this is a significant drawback.

Performance: Snapdragon 685 – A Disappointment

When it comes to performance, the Oppo A5 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 685 chipset, which is essentially a rebranded version of the Snapdragon 6 series. While this chipset can handle basic tasks like browsing and messaging, it struggles with demanding apps and gaming. For users who expect smooth performance from their phones, especially for gaming or multitasking, this chipset may feel limiting.

The performance is further hindered by the phone’s 720p display. Given the chipset’s capabilities, the phone’s screen resolution feels like a bottleneck, limiting the device’s potential. The Oppo A5 Pro is by no means a performance powerhouse, and this makes it a tough sell when compared to phones in the same price bracket that offer better processing power.

Camera: Underwater Capabilities – A Gimmick?

Oppo has marketed the camera features of the A5 Pro heavily, especially its durability in underwater conditions. However, once you look closer, it’s clear that this is more of a gimmick than a true selling point. The phone’s camera, while decent for everyday shots, is nothing extraordinary. If you’re looking for great photo quality, you might be disappointed.

The camera struggles to produce sharp images in low light and lacks the advanced features seen in higher-end smartphones. While it does have a decent AI camera setup, it’s clear that Oppo hasn’t invested enough in the camera department to make the A5 Pro stand out in a competitive market.

Battery Life: Big Battery, But Not Enough

The Oppo A5 Pro comes with a 5800mAh battery, which is quite large for a mid-range device. However, despite the big battery, the phone’s performance and display resolution seem to cancel out any major advantages when it comes to battery life. The device offers a solid day of use for basic tasks, but heavy users may find themselves charging more frequently.

In comparison to other devices in the same price range, the Oppo A5 Pro’s battery doesn’t offer anything extraordinary. Fast charging support is absent, and users might find themselves waiting longer for the phone to charge fully, which can be frustrating.

Software: Oppo’s ColorOS and AI Features

Oppo has been known for its custom ColorOS UI, and it’s present on the Oppo A5 Pro as well. While ColorOS offers a range of customization options and AI-driven features, it’s not as polished as some other UIs, such as OxygenOS from OnePlus. The AI features, including AI-enhanced battery management and camera optimization, are present but don’t significantly improve the user experience.

If you’re used to a clean, stock Android experience, ColorOS might feel cluttered at times. For users who prioritize a streamlined, bloatware-free experience, this might not be the phone for you.

Durability and Additional Features

One of the A5 Pro’s most marketed aspects is its durability, with the phone being marketed as able to withstand heavy use, such as being dropped or submerged in water. While the IP68 rating adds a level of protection against water and dust, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean the phone is indestructible. Oppo has specifically stated that water damage is not covered under warranty, which undermines the durability claims.

Additionally, the phone lacks some of the features you would expect in this price range, such as 5G connectivity, a high refresh rate display, or even fast charging. This makes the Oppo A5 Pro feel like an outdated option in a rapidly advancing market.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Given its price point, the Oppo A5 Pro falls short in terms of both features and performance. For 55,000 PKR, you could easily find smartphones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, or Samsung that offer better displays, more powerful chipsets, and superior cameras. While the A5 Pro might appeal to those looking for a durable phone, the lack of competitive features makes it hard to recommend.

If you’re in the market for a budget phone, there are many better options available that provide a better overall experience. Oppo has a loyal fanbase, but with the A5 Pro, it seems like the brand is taking advantage of its reputation without delivering the performance and features expected at this price point.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Oppo A5 Pro?

The Oppo A5 Pro promises durability, decent AI features, and a large battery, but its performance, camera, and display leave much to be desired. For the asking price, there are better options available on the market that offer a more balanced and competitive package. Unless you are specifically looking for a durable phone that can withstand drops and water exposure, we recommend looking at alternatives that provide better value for money.

Oppo has built a reputation for offering good smartphones, but the A5 Pro feels like a misstep in their product lineup. If you’re willing to compromise on performance and features for durability, this phone may still have some appeal. However, for most users, there are more compelling options out there that offer a better overall experience.

Final Thoughts

While the Oppo A5 Pro offers decent durability and an AI-infused experience, it falls short in key areas like performance, display, and camera quality. At its price point, you can find smartphones from other brands that provide more power, better displays, and superior cameras, making the Oppo A5 Pro a less attractive option in today’s competitive market.