Oppo A53s Review: A Budget-Friendly Performer with Surprising Strengths

The Oppo A53s is a budget smartphone that aims to strike a balance between affordability and functionality. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it offers a compelling package for users who prioritize value for money. With a large display, decent battery life, and a capable chipset, the A53s is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease. Let’s dive deeper into what this device has to offer.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Oppo A53s doesn’t break new ground in terms of design, but it does offer a sleek and modern look. The phone features a plastic back with a glossy finish that mimics glass, giving it a more premium appearance than its price tag suggests. The rear panel houses a rectangular camera module, which is becoming increasingly common in budget devices. The device is available in two color options: Electric Black and Fancy Blue, both of which have a gradient effect that adds a touch of flair.

Despite its large 6.5-inch display, the A53s feels relatively comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges and lightweight design. The power button and volume rocker are placed on the right side, while the SIM tray is located on the left. A welcome addition is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming a rarity in modern smartphones. The build quality is solid, though the plastic construction does make it feel a bit less durable compared to devices with glass or metal backs.

Display and Multimedia

The Oppo A53s sports a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. While the HD+ resolution may not be as sharp as Full HD or higher, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday use. The display produces vibrant colors and decent contrast, making it suitable for watching videos or browsing social media. The brightness levels are also satisfactory, though outdoor visibility can be a challenge under direct sunlight.

One of the standout features of the display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which is uncommon in this price range. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother, enhancing the overall user experience. However, the touch sampling rate is only 60Hz, which means the display may not feel as responsive during fast-paced gaming. The phone also lacks HDR support, so don’t expect the same level of detail in high-dynamic-range content as you’d get on more expensive devices.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Oppo A53s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The Snapdragon 460 is an entry-level processor, but it handles basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming without significant hiccups. Multitasking is manageable, though you may experience occasional slowdowns when switching between multiple apps. The storage can be expanded via a microSD card, which is a plus for users who need extra space for photos, videos, or apps.

The phone runs on ColorOS 7.2, based on Android 10. ColorOS has come a long way in terms of usability, offering a clean and intuitive interface. However, it does come with some pre-installed bloatware, which can be annoying for users who prefer a minimalist setup. Oppo has included useful features like Dark Mode, Game Space for optimizing gaming performance, and a system-wide smart sidebar for quick access to frequently used apps.

Camera Performance

The Oppo A53s features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and acceptable dynamic range. However, details can appear soft when zooming in, and low-light performance is underwhelming. The macro and depth sensors feel more like filler additions, as they don’t contribute significantly to the overall camera experience.

On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout. It produces satisfactory results for video calls and social media posts, though it struggles in low-light environments. The camera app includes features like AI beautification, portrait mode, and night mode, but these are fairly basic compared to what you’d find on mid-range or flagship devices.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the strongest aspects of the Oppo A53s is its battery life. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with the 90Hz refresh rate enabled, the phone manages to deliver impressive endurance. Streaming videos, browsing the web, and using social media apps won’t drain the battery as quickly as they would on some competing devices.

Charging, however, is a different story. The A53s supports only 10W charging, which feels sluggish compared to the 18W or faster charging standards found in similarly priced phones. A full charge takes over two hours, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re running low on battery. The lack of fast charging is a notable downside, especially for users who are accustomed to quicker top-ups.

Audio and Connectivity

The Oppo A53s comes with a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers average sound quality. While it gets loud enough for casual media consumption, the audio lacks depth and can sound tinny at higher volumes. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a plus for wired audio enthusiasts, and Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connectivity with wireless headphones.

In terms of connectivity, the phone supports 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, and GPS. It also has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable for unlocking the device. Face unlock is available as an alternative, though it’s less secure and struggles in low-light conditions.

Final Verdict

The Oppo A53s is a solid budget smartphone that excels in key areas like battery life and display smoothness. While it has its limitations—such as mediocre cameras and slow charging—it offers good value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable device that can handle everyday tasks without breaking the bank, the A53s is worth considering.

Oppo A53s Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 460

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 13MP primary, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 8MP

Battery: 5,000mAh, 10W charging

Operating System: ColorOS 7.2 (Android 10)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS

Other Features: Rear fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm

Weight: 186g