The Oppo A5i is Oppo’s latest budget smartphone in Nepal, designed to deliver a balanced performance, stylish design, and long battery life without straining your wallet. Positioned in the entry-level segment, the A5i aims to offer solid features for everyday users who prioritize aesthetics and endurance. But how well does it stand up to the competition? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (1612 x 720), 90Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G36 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable) |
| Cameras | 13MP Main + 2MP Depth |
| Front Camera | 5MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 10W wired charging |
| OS | ColorOS 13.2 based on Android 13 |
| Price | Starting at Rs. 15,990 in Nepal |
Design & Build Quality
The Oppo A5i reflects Oppo’s signature style with a premium-looking plastic back and a glass front. The rear panel features a smooth, matte-like finish that resists fingerprints and feels comfortable to hold.
Available in Glowing Black and Glowing Green, the color options add a youthful and vibrant flair to the phone.
At 163.8 x 75.1 x 8.12 mm and 185g, the A5i is compact and lightweight enough for one-handed use. While there’s no official IP rating, the build feels sturdy enough for everyday wear and tear.
Display
The 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display offers a decent viewing experience for budget users:
- 90Hz refresh rate: Smooth navigation and fluid animations.
- 720p resolution: Adequate sharpness for social media and video streaming.
- Adaptive brightness and eye comfort mode for better readability.
It’s not AMOLED or Full HD, but the 90Hz panel gives it a slight edge over other phones in its segment.
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G36, the Oppo A5i performs well for basic usage:
- Smooth performance with social apps, YouTube, web browsing.
- Can handle light gaming like Clash of Clans or Free Fire on medium settings.
- AnTuTu Score: ~130,000
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: ~180 | Multi-core: ~860
With ColorOS 13.2 optimization, multitasking is smoother than expected in this price range.
Camera
The dual-camera system on the A5i delivers passable results in good lighting:
- 13MP Main Sensor: Decent shots with fair color accuracy and detail.
- 2MP Depth Sensor: Helps with portrait blur effects.
- 5MP Front Camera: Suitable for casual selfies and video calls.
Video Recording:
- Rear Camera: Up to 1080p at 30fps.
- Front Camera: Up to 720p video capture.
Low-light performance is limited, but acceptable for the budget category.
Battery Life
The 5,000mAh battery is a major highlight of the A5i:
- Up to 9–10 hours screen-on time on average usage.
- Can last 1.5 days with moderate usage.
- 10W wired charging takes around 2.5 hours for a full charge.
For students and users on the go, the battery backup is dependable.
Software
Running on ColorOS 13.2 (Android 13), the software is light and functional:
- App cloner, smart sidebar, and gesture navigation add value.
- Background app management is aggressive but improves battery life.
- Oppo has a good track record with basic software updates in this segment.
Connectivity & Extras
- USB-C port with OTG support.
- Dual 4G SIMs + dedicated microSD card slot.
- 3.5mm headphone jack retained.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock are both fast and accurate.
- Single bottom speaker: Loud enough but lacks richness.
Missing features include 5G, NFC, and stereo speakers — which are rare at this price point.
Pricing & Competition
The Oppo A5i is officially priced at Rs. 15,990 in Nepal and goes head-to-head with:
- Redmi 13C: Offers similar specs but with a slightly better camera.
- Samsung Galaxy A05: Known for brand reliability and better UI updates.
- Honor X6c: Slightly cheaper and includes a 50MP main camera.
The A5i stands out with its stylish design, smoother 90Hz display, and ColorOS polish.
Service Centers in Nepal
Oppo has a strong presence in Nepal with authorized service centers across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, Butwal, and Dhangadhi. Warranty and repair services are handled by Telecell Pvt. Ltd., Oppo’s official distributor.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display
- Reliable battery life
- Expandable storage + dual SIM
- Clean and optimized ColorOS experience
Cons:
- Basic cameras, especially in low light
- No fast charging support
- No 5G or stereo speakers
Conclusion
The Oppo A5i is a well-rounded budget smartphone with a stylish design, reliable battery, and a user-friendly interface. It’s ideal for students, first-time smartphone users, and anyone seeking a dependable daily driver under Rs. 16,000 in Nepal.
While not a performance or camera powerhouse, its strengths in display smoothness, software, and overall user experience make it a worthwhile option in the entry-level market. If you’re upgrading from older Oppo A-series models or similar budget devices, the Oppo A5i offers a meaningful upgrade at an affordable price.