The Oppo A94 5G is a mid-range smartphone that aims to strike a balance between performance, design, and affordability. With 5G connectivity becoming more mainstream, Oppo has positioned this device as an accessible gateway to faster networks without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Oppo A94 5G sports a sleek and modern design, featuring a glossy plastic back that mimics the look of glass. While it doesn’t have the premium feel of higher-end devices, it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. The phone measures 160.1 x 73.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs just 173 grams, making it easy to handle with one hand. The rear camera module is arranged in a rectangular layout, which is becoming increasingly common in smartphones today. The device is available in two color options: Fluid Black and Fantastic Purple, both of which have a gradient finish that catches the light nicely.

The front of the phone is dominated by a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a small punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera. The bezels are relatively thin, though the chin is slightly thicker than the sides. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of modernity, and it’s both fast and reliable in daily use.

Display

The Oppo A94 5G features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The colors are rich and punchy, thanks to the AMOLED technology, which also delivers deep blacks and excellent contrast. The screen supports a 60Hz refresh rate, which is somewhat disappointing given that many competitors in this price range now offer 90Hz or even 120Hz panels. That said, for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and scrolling through social media, the display performs admirably.

Brightness levels are decent, making the phone usable outdoors under direct sunlight, though it’s not the brightest panel out there. The touch response is smooth, and the lack of a high refresh rate isn’t a dealbreaker unless you’re coming from a device with a faster screen.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Oppo A94 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset, a capable mid-range processor that handles day-to-day tasks with ease. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the phone manages multitasking well, though heavy gaming or intensive applications can cause occasional stutters. The Dimensity 800U also brings 5G connectivity, ensuring future-proofing as networks continue to expand.

The phone runs ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11, which offers a feature-rich but somewhat cluttered experience. Oppo’s skin includes a lot of customization options, from themes to gesture controls, but it also comes with pre-installed bloatware that can’t be uninstalled. Performance is generally smooth, but the software could benefit from a cleaner, more streamlined approach.

Camera Performance

The Oppo A94 5G features a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures detailed and well-exposed shots in good lighting, with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is useful for capturing larger scenes, though there’s some noticeable distortion at the edges and a drop in sharpness compared to the primary sensor.

The macro and depth sensors feel more like filler than genuinely useful additions, as the macro lens struggles with detail and the depth sensor’s contributions are minimal. Low-light performance is average, with the phone relying on software processing to brighten images, which can sometimes lead to noise or loss of detail.

On the front, the 16MP selfie camera produces good results in daylight, with natural skin tones and sufficient detail. Portrait mode works well, though edge detection isn’t always perfect. Video recording maxes out at 4K@30fps, and while footage is stable in good lighting, it lacks the polish of more expensive devices.

Battery Life and Charging

The Oppo A94 5G packs a 4,310mAh battery, which provides solid all-day endurance under moderate usage. With tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional video streaming, the phone easily lasts a full day. More intensive use, such as gaming or prolonged camera usage, will drain the battery faster, but it’s still respectable for a device in this category.

Charging is where the phone shines, thanks to Oppo’s 30W VOOC Flash Charge technology. The included charger can top up the battery from 0 to 100% in just over an hour, which is impressive for a mid-range device. There’s no wireless charging, but that’s expected at this price point.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone includes a single downward-firing speaker, which is loud enough for casual media consumption but lacks depth and bass. A 3.5mm headphone jack is absent, so wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. On the connectivity front, the Oppo A94 5G supports 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC, covering all the essentials. Call quality is clear, and signal reception is strong.

Final Verdict

The Oppo A94 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that delivers a solid mix of performance, design, and features. While it doesn’t excel in any single area, it avoids major pitfalls and offers a reliable experience for the price. The AMOLED display, fast charging, and 5G connectivity are standout features, though the 60Hz refresh rate and mediocre low-light camera performance hold it back from being a true standout. If you’re looking for an affordable 5G device with a good screen and decent battery life, the Oppo A94 5G is worth considering.

Oppo A94 5G Specifications:

Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800U

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 16MP

Battery: 4,310mAh with 30W fast charging

Operating System: ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC

Dimensions: 160.1 x 73.4 x 7.8 mm

Weight: 173 grams

Colors: Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple