OPPO Reno5 recently launched in Kenya and went on sale a few days later. We’ve been taking it through its paces including a first impressions review, a comparison review with the OPPO Reno4 and now a full review.
OPPO Reno5 Review: Basically Perfect
The OPPO Reno5 is an incredible midrange smartphone packing quite the heat. We have a massive 6.4-inch AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate backed by the latest hardware, all-day battery life with 50W SuperVOOC charging, the phone ticks all the right boxes. ColorOS 11 brings a host of new software features and Android 11 to the device, making it that much more enticing.
In terms of optics, we have five cameras comprising of a 44MP hole-punch selfie camera and a 64MP quad setup that also includes an 8MP wide-angle lens, 2MP macro module, and 2MP mono lens.
OPPO Reno5 sports upgraded and new features to play around with including AI Highlight Video that fuses the power Ultra Night Video and LiveHDR. AI Highlight Video uses an AI algorithm to recognize light levels, and then applies a corresponding solution to make every video clear and vibrant.
OPPO also features Dual-view Video where both front and rear cameras record what’s happening and how you’re reacting at the same time. With both angles on camera, your videos can capture all the excitement of your interactions.
We have AI Color Portrait and in this distinctive video mode, color keeps all eyes on your subject as they move through black-and-white scenery.
Other features include Monochrome Video, Soloop Smart Video Editor, Night Flare Portrait, Ultra-clear 108MP Image, AI Scene Enhancement, AI Mixed Portrait and Slo-Mo.
We took a ton of photos and videos with both phones to see how they performed and we’re glad to report that the OPPO Reno 5 takes the crown as evidenced by these sample shots below.[Link to full resolution images below]
OPPO Reno 5 took better, more clear and brighter and well-detailed images with decent saturation for both daylight and lowlight shots ready for sharing on social media. HDR, highlights, white balance, exposure and colour accuracy was on point with the natural-looking photos and videos during the day and at night.
Selfies and portraits turned out pretty well thanks to the improved camera even for less-than-ideal scenes. The night mode for selfies was a hit and miss and we prefer you only use it when you have to. Lowlight performance is good on its own.
The improved ultrawide camera maintains colours similar to the main lens.
Videos get shot at 4K at 30FPS; 1080P and 720p at either 30fps of 60fps for both. Slo-mo video at either 1080p or 720p.
The videos are super-stable and sharp. You can also switch to the ultrasteady mode for shooting moving objects.
Selfies
Portraits
Regular Shots and Bokeh mode shots
OPPO Reno5 regular shot 8 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 3 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 4 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 2 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 1 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 5 
OPPO Reno5 regular shot 6 OPPO Reno5 bokeh 4 OPPO Reno5 bokeh 3 OPPO Reno5 bokeh 2 OPPO Reno5 bokeh 1 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 14 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 18 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 17 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 10 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 16 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 7 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 9 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 13 OPPO Reno5 regular shot 11
Lowlight shots
OPPO Reno5 lowlight 1 OPPO Reno5 lowlight selfie OPPO Reno5 lowlight 6 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 5 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 2 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 7 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 4 OPPO Reno5 lowlight portrait OPPO Reno5 lowlight 3
Lowlight selfies, portraits and nightmode selfies
OPPO Reno5 lowlight selfie 2 OPPO Reno5 nightmode selfie 2 OPPO Reno5 lowlight portrait 1 OPPO Reno5 nightmode selfie 1
More lowlight shots and their nightmode shots
OPPO Reno5 lowlight 17 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 17 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 16 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 16 portrait OPPO Reno5 nightmode 16 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 15 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 15 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 13 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 13 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 14 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 14 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 12 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 12 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 8 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 8 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 11 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 11 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 9 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 9 OPPO Reno5 lowlight 10 OPPO Reno5 nightmode 10
Full Resolution Images can be accessed here.[Direct Link]
In terms of camera performance, you are getting your money’s worth with the OPPO Reno5.
OPPO Reno5’s cameras are reliably consistent for the most part. You’ll be incredibly proud of every photo and video you take with the smartphone and you won’t second guess whether to share on social media – because they’ll be perfect for your friends, family and strangers to see and watch.
So if you are a shutterbug or photography is your main priority, then the OPPO Reno 5 is worth considering if you’re in the market for a new midrange device.
Pricing and Availability:
OPPO Reno5 is available for Ksh 41,999 at OPPO’s retail stores countrywide and in online retail stores including Jumia, Kilimall and Masoko.
