Oppo A76

In the competitive mid-range smartphone market, Oppo has introduced the Oppo A76, a budget-friendly device that offers an attractive design and decent specifications. In this article, we will explore the Oppo A76's key features, its price in Pakistan, and whether it is a recommended option for consumers seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone.

Case and Equipment: A Sleek Design with Notable Differences

Compared to its predecessor, the Oppo A74, the Oppo A76 showcases significant improvements in both design and specifications. The device features a matte back available in light blue or black, exuding a premium look. The placement of the standby button on the right side, which integrates the fingerprint sensor, adds a touch of convenience. While the smartphone is solidly built, slight pressure on the screen can cause minor distortion.

The Oppo A76 boasts 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of fast UFS 2.2 storage, providing ample space for applications and media. It's worth noting that other storage variants are currently unavailable in Europe. Furthermore, Oppo has included NFC support in the Oppo A76, a feature that is not commonly found in this price range. The presence of a separate microSD reader ensures expandable storage options, offering typical speeds for this class.

Communication, Software, and Operation: LTE Connectivity and NFC Support

Unlike its predecessor, the Oppo A76 does not offer a 5G model, limiting users to LTE as the fastest mobile technology. While the smartphone supports several frequency bands, it is advisable to check local mobile internet compatibility before traveling abroad.

The Oppo A76 features a Wi-Fi module that supports Wi-Fi 5, the standard prevalent in this price range. However, during tests, it exhibited inconsistent transmission speeds when connected to the reference router Asus ROG GT-AXE11000, falling slightly behind other similarly priced smartphones. This behavior was also observed in the Oppo A74.

Out of the box, the Oppo A76 comes with ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11. It is worth mentioning that a beta version of ColorOS 12, based on Android 12, has already been released for the Oppo A76 in India, indicating a future software update for European users. Oppo promises two new Android versions and security updates every three months.

Cameras: A Decent Option with Room for Improvement

The Oppo A76's camera setup offers room for improvement. Unlike many other models, it lacks a wide-angle camera, limiting flexibility in capturing various perspectives. The device features a 13-megapixel main camera and an additional camera for blurring effects in portrait mode.

Compared to its predecessor, the Oppo A76's main lens is not a pixel-binning camera, resulting in lower light sensitivity. Consequently, low-light images appear dim with noticeable noise and limited details.

The Oppo A76 allows video recording at 1080p and 30 fps, with autofocus and exposure reacting quickly and accurately.

While the smartphone's camera is suitable for capturing everyday snapshots, users with higher photography expectations may need to consider investing in a higher-quality smartphone.

Display: High Refresh Rate and Good Brightness

The Oppo A76 stands out in terms of its display, featuring a 90 Hz IPS screen—a rarity in this price range. However, it compromises on resolution, offering 720p, which results in slightly washed-out visuals compared to the more common 1080p screens.

Performance, Emissions, and Battery Life: Moderate Power and Decent Endurance

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, the Oppo A76 delivers performance comparable to its competitors. However, it falls short when compared to 5G phones from Xiaomi and Samsung, which offer greater power within the same price range. The graphics unit performs well in on-screen tests due to the screen's lower native resolution. Nevertheless, some rivals outperform the Oppo A76 in this aspect.

Fortunately, Oppo includes fast UFS 2.2 storage, contributing to relatively faster app loading and launching times. However, users should expect occasional slow or unresponsive system operation when running complex apps in the background. The device maintains acceptable maximum case temperatures.

The Oppo A76 supports charging at up to 33 watts with the included charger, allowing the device to reach a full charge in approximately one and a half hours. In WLAN tests, the Oppo A76 exhibits slightly longer battery life compared to many competitors, with only the Galaxy A22 5G offering more endurance.

Verdict: A Solid Mid-Range Option, but Not Exceptional

When considering the Oppo A76's memory configuration, it offers a slight price advantage compared to its predecessor, the Oppo A74. Notable improvements include a less light-sensitive camera, the removal of the macro lens, and the adoption of an IPS screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, which provides brighter, colorful visuals without PWM.

However, the Oppo A76 falls behind its rivals in various aspects. The absence of an ultra-wide-angle camera, relatively low system performance, unstable Wi-Fi signal, and a 720p screen resolution are noticeable drawbacks. On the positive side, the device offers good battery life and fast storage.

While the Oppo A76 lacks standout features, it remains a solid and affordable mid-range smartphone, primarily due to its 90 Hz screen.

Overall, considering the available options, the Oppo A76 faces tough competition, particularly from the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G, which offers more features at a similar price point. Samsung's Galaxy A22 5G also presents a compelling option, boasting an inexpensive mid-range smartphone with a brighter screen.