OPPO A3 4G Review: Affordable, Durable, and Packed With Useful Features

The OPPO A3, launched on September 13, 2024 here in the Philippines, offers a compelling mix of features for its price, making it an excellent choice for consumers in the Philippines who want reliable performance without overspending.

One of the key highlights of this handset is its durability, designed to withstand everyday challenges. With an IP54 rating for Dust and Splash Resistance and Military-Grade Shock Protection, the OPPO A3 is built to handle tough conditions, whether you're caught in a sudden downpour or accidentally drop your phone. This makes it an ideal companion for active users who need a phone that won't falter under pressure.

However, there’s more to the OPPO A3 than just its resilience. It’s packed with useful features like a high-quality 50 MP camera, a large battery with fast charging, and a sleek design that gives it a premium feel. In this review, we'll dive deep into what makes this budget-friendly phone stand out and why it might be the perfect fit for you.

Price and Availability in the Philippines

The OPPO A3 is available in the Philippines at an attractive price, starting at:

6GB RAM + 128GB ROM: PHP 8,999

8GB RAM + 256GB ROM: Not yet available locally.

This price point places the OPPO A3 firmly in the budget segment, making it accessible for students, young professionals, and anyone who’s looking for a solid daily driver without shelling out a lot of money. Available both online and through major retail stores across the country, the OPPO A3 is easy to find and purchase.

The affordable pricing of the OPPO A3 allows consumers to enjoy premium-like features such as a dual camera and fast charging without the hefty price tag. For those on a budget, this phone offers significant bang for the buck.

Quick Unboxing and Package Contents

When you first unbox the OPPO A3, the presentation is simple yet efficient, with minimal branding and a focus on functionality. 

OPPO A3 4G ships in this plain white box with grey accents and the model name printed on the cover

OPPO had neatly listed down the main highlights of the OPPO A3 on the side of the box so buyers can instantly see what the phone has to offer

The official OPP O A3 4G retail package includes:

The OPPO A3 unit itself

USB Type-C charging cable

45W SUPERVOOC Travel Charger

Metal pin for ejecting the SIM card tray

Free soft silicone case

Quick guide and safety manual

The soft silicone case has ridges on it, making it look unique compared to other free protective cases that companies usually provide

The silicone case, which is included for free, is a thoughtful addition. It has a ridged design, giving the phone a more premium look while also adding extra grip and protection. The 45W SUPERVOOC charger is another standout, providing ultra-fast charging speeds that are rare at this price point.

Durability Features

One of the standout aspects of the OPPO A3 is its focus on durability, making it an ideal choice for users who lead an active or fast-paced lifestyle. The device boasts IP54 dust and splash resistance, meaning it can handle exposure to dust and minor water splashes without compromising functionality. This is particularly useful for those who find themselves caught in sudden rain showers or working in environments where spills are a constant concern.

In addition to its water resistance, the OPPO A3 is MIL-STD-810H compliant, a military-grade certification that attests to its ability to withstand harsher conditions such as drops, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. While it’s not marketed as a rugged phone, this compliance ensures a higher degree of toughness compared to other devices in its price range. Whether you're frequently outdoors or simply prone to accidental drops, this added layer of durability gives you peace of mind.

For everyday protection, the package also includes a free soft silicone case with ridges, enhancing grip and giving the handset a distinct look reminiscent of Rimowa luggage. This practical case further boosts the phone’s durability, helping to protect it from scratches and minor impacts.

These durability features make the OPPO A3 a resilient companion for users who need a device that can keep up with the demands of daily life while maintaining its performance and style.

Design

The OPPO A3 flaunts an eye-catching design that feels more premium than its price suggests. Available in three colorways - namely, Sparkle Black, Starry Purple, and Starlight White - the phone has a glossy back with a polished finish, which makes it stand out. While the Starlight White variant draws comparisons to the sleek design of iPhones, it also has its own identity with a slimmer profile and ergonomic feel.

At 165.8 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm and weighing 186g, the OPPO A3 is light and thin, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. 

The right panel has the phone's power button that incorporates a fingerprint-scanner and above that, you will see the volume rocker

Nothing on the left side apart from the SIM card tray that you can eject using the provided metal pin

The top panel is completely clean

Finally, the rear part has the 3.5mm audio jack, which has become a rarity on today's smartphones, a microphone pinhole, the USB Type C charging port, and a row of three holes for the loudspeaker

The phone’s MIL-STD-810H compliance adds to its appeal, reflecting military-grade shock resistance that ensures it can survive drops and bumps. Combined with the IP54 dust and splash resistance, it’s perfect for users who need their phone to withstand everyday mishaps.

Its lightweight yet durable build matched with iPhone-like aura makes the OPPO A3 a great choice for those who need a sturdy phone that still looks good. Whether you're always on the go or just want peace of mind, the phone's design ensures it can handle the wear and tear of daily life.

Display

The OPPO A3 features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and more fluid visuals during gaming or video playback. While the resolution is 720 x 1604 pixels, which is a bit lower than Full HD, it’s still good enough for casual content consumption, offering decent sharpness for watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games.

One of the phone’s unique features is its Splash Touch Technology, which ensures the display remains responsive even when wet. Whether you're in the rain or using your phone with damp fingers, this feature ensures you’ll still be able to interact with your device without any issues. Additionally, with a maximum brightness of 1000 nits, the screen is bright enough to remain visible even under direct sunlight.

The combination of a high refresh rate and the Splash Touch Technology makes the OPPO A3 ideal for users who want smooth performance and the convenience of being able to use their phone in all weather conditions.

Cameras

The camera setup on the OPPO A3 is impressive for a phone in this price range. It features a 50 MP primary shooter with f/1.8 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), which ensures quick and accurate focusing, especially in well-lit conditions. The second auxiliary lens supports depth sensing, enhancing portrait shots with better background blur (bokeh).

The 50 MP main camera allows you to capture high-quality images without needing to invest in an expensive smartphone. Whether you’re documenting your day or snapping memories with friends, you’ll get detailed shots even in challenging lighting.

Here are some sample photos taken using the main camera at the back of OPPO A3. Kindly tap the images for larger view:

2X Zoom

Sample Low Light Shot

For selfies, the phone includes a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is good enough for basic selfies. While it’s not the most advanced front-front camera, it gets the job done for everyday use.

Here are some sample selfies and groufies that I took using the OPPO A3. Kindly tap for larger view:

OPPO A3's front-facing camera supports Portrait Mode

I'm quite impressed with the Portrait Mode of OPPO A3 for both the front and main cameras. The edges look clean an well-defined even if the background has many elements

Having tea with my younger brother, Val

As you can see in these selfie images, the OPPO A3's 5MP front-facing camera takes decent shots in well-lit settings but it could perform better in low light conditions. I wish that OPPO had put a higher resolution front-cam on this model but hey, given its price, I guess it's alright. 

If you want an OPPO smartphone that takes more detailed selfies with greater dynamic range, take a look at the brand's pricier releases.

Video Recording

For video enthusiasts, the OPPO A3 offers up to 1080p video recording at 30fps for both the main camera at the back and the front-facing camera, which is perfect for capturing smooth, high-definition video content. Although it lacks the advanced video capabilities of more expensive devices, the quality is more than adequate for social media posts, vlogs, and casual videos.

For budding content creators or social media enthusiasts, the OPPO A3’s video capabilities offer a cost-effective way to create polished content. Just get a good wireless microphone and you're good to go.

One thing I wish that the OPPO A3 had in terms of video recording is some sort of electronic image stabilization or EIS, which could make videos appear more stable even when recorded on the move. This would have been particularly useful for users who love shooting on-the-go content for platforms like TikTok or YouTube, as it reduces the need for external stabilizers.

Internal Hardware

Under the hood, the OPPO A3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 chipset, which ensures smooth performance for daily tasks. The phone comes in two configurations: 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM and 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM. For multitasking or running resource-heavy apps, the RAM is expandable via OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology, which allows part of the internal storage to be used as virtual RAM, effectively boosting the phone’s performance.

The review unit that OPPO Philippines sent me is the OPPO A3 8GB + 256GB variant. I'm not sure when this version will be released in the Philippines. As of September 13, 2024, only OPPO A3 6GB + 128GB variant is available nationwide. Stay tuned for updates.

Storage isn’t an issue with the OPPO A3, thanks to its dedicated microSDXC slot. You can expand the internal storage by adding a memory card, which is great for users who like to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps on their device.

The ability to expand both RAM and storage ensures that your phone will continue to run smoothly even as you load it with more apps and media files, making it future-proof for heavy users.

Software

The OPPO A3 runs on Android 14 with OPPO’s custom ColorOS 14 skin on top. The latest Android version brings several improvements in terms of security, speed, and overall user experience. ColorOS 14 adds useful features such as privacy indicators, enhanced gesture controls, and a more efficient task manager for better handling of background apps.

For users who enjoy customization, ColorOS offers plenty of themes, icon packs, and wallpapers, allowing you to personalize your phone to match your style.

The intuitive and customizable interface, along with the latest Android features, ensures that the OPPO A3 provides a user-friendly experience with enhanced security and personalization options.

Gaming Performance

The OPPO A3 is powered by an Adreno 610 GPU, which allows for decent gaming performance, particularly with casual games and mid-tier titles. For popular games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the phone handles gameplay smoothly at medium settings. While it may not be able to handle the most graphically demanding games at the highest settings, it performs well for its price range.

Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone manages to stay cool, thanks to its optimized thermal management. This is a big plus for gamers who don’t want to experience lag or overheating while playing.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who enjoys playing mobile games for long periods, the OPPO A3’s gaming performance ensures that you’ll have a smooth experience without dealing with frustrating slowdowns or heating issues.

However, if you are looking for a stellar or an elevated gaming experience on a new smartphone, you might want to look at more expensive models from OPPO that can provide more power and better graphics performance.

Privacy and Security Features

The OPPO A3 offers multiple layers of security to protect your data. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that is responsive and quick to unlock the phone. For those who prefer other options, the device also has a facial recognition system, which works well even in low-light conditions.

For added privacy, ColorOS 14 includes features like App Lock, Private Safe, and System Cloner, which allows you to create separate profiles on your phone for work and personal use. This level of security is ideal for those who need extra protection for their sensitive information.

With its comprehensive security features, the OPPO A3 provides peace of mind for users who prioritize privacy and data safety. Whether it's personal or work-related data, the phone ensures that your information remains secure.

Battery Life and Charging

The OPPO A3 comes equipped with a 5,100 mAh battery, offering solid endurance for day-to-day use. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last a full day on a single charge. For heavy users, the 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging is a game-changer, allowing the phone to charge from 0% to 50% in just 20 minutes.

For users always on the go, this fast-charging capability is incredibly useful, ensuring that you’re not tethered to an outlet for long periods.

Whether you’re a busy professional or someone who relies on their phone for entertainment, the OPPO A3’s battery life and fast charging will ensure you have enough power to get through your day without interruptions.

Verdict

The OPPO A3 presents a solid balance of durability, performance, and affordability, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers in the Philippines. For balance, here are the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

Durability: IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H compliance, ensures protection from drops and rough conditions.

50 MP Camera: High-quality camera performance for capturing detailed shots at an affordable price.

Battery Life and Charging: Large 5,100 mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging for quick top-ups.

Affordability: Competitive pricing starting at PHP 8,999 for the 6GB RAM model, offering great value for money.

Cons:

Display Resolution: The 720p display resolution might not appeal to users who expect sharper visuals, especially at larger screen sizes.

Front Camera: The 5 MP front-facing camera is basic and may not satisfy selfie enthusiasts.

Limited High-End Gaming Performance: While decent for casual games, the OPPO A3 may struggle with more graphically intensive titles at higher settings.

Recommendation

In a market saturated with budget smartphones, the OPPO A3 sets itself apart with its impressive durability features, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize reliability. The phone’s IP54 dust and splash resistance ensures that it can withstand everyday mishaps, whether it's accidental spills or sudden rain. On top of that, its military-grade shock resistance (MIL-STD-810H) means the OPPO A3 is built to handle drops and impacts better than most phones in its class.

Beyond its ruggedness, the OPPO A3 doesn’t skimp on other essential features like fast charging, a solid 50 MP camera, and a sleek, lightweight design. For users in the Philippines who want a phone that offers durability without sacrificing performance or style, the OPPO A3 proves to be a reliable, feature-packed option that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re always on the go or simply need a phone that can keep up with life’s unpredictability, the OPPO A3 delivers where it counts.

OPPO A3 Specs

Model: CPH2669

BODY

Dimensions: 165.8 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.30 in)

Weight: 186 g (6.56 oz)

SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

IP54 Dust and Splash Resistant

MIL-STD-810H Compliant

Colorways: Sparkle Black, Starry Purple, Starlight White

DISPLAY

Size: 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm² (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)

Resolution: 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)

Type: IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)

Protection: Panda Glass

Splash Touch Technology, remains responsive even when wet

PLATFORM

OS: Android 14, ColorOS 14

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 1

GPU: Adreno 610

MEMORY

RAM + ROM Options: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, both support RAM Expansion

Card slot: Dedicated microSDXC Slot

MAIN CAMERA

Dual:

50 MP, f/1.8, Wide, PDAF

Auxiliary lens

Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama

Video: 1080p 30/60fps

SELFIE CAMERA

Single:

5 MP, f/2.2, Wide

Video: 1080p 30fps

SOUND

Loudspeaker: Yes

3.5mm jack: Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

SIM: Dual nanoSIM, Dual Standby

5G: No

4G LTE-A: Yes

WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE

Positioning: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS

NFC: Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)

Radio: Unspecified

USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, Side-Mounted

Facial Recognition: Yes

Password and Passcode Unlock: Yes

SENSORS

Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass

BATTERY

Type: 5100 mAh, non-removable

Charging: 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge, PD2.0, PPS, 50% in 30 Minutes

OPPO A3 Official Retail Package Details

Box: Plain White Box with Minimal Grey Accent and Model Name Printed on Cover, Product Highlights Listed on Side

Contents: OPPO A3 unit, Quick Guide, Safety Guide, Metal Pin for Ejecting SIM Card Tray, USB Type C Charging Cable, SUPERVOOC Travel Charger, Free Soft Silicone Case with Ridges

OPPO A3 Highlights

iPhone-Like Design, especially for the Starlight White review unit

Installing the free Soft Silicone Case with ridges gave the handset a Rimova Travel Luggage-like vibe

Military Grade Shock Resistance

Snapgradon 6s 4G Gen1 Mobile Platform

Slash Touch Display Technology

IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance

Over 4 Years Durable Battery

45W Flash Charge

OPPO A3 Price in the Philippines

6GB RAM + 128GB ROM = PHP 8,999

Official Launch Date: September 13, 2024