Oppo A38 Review – Honest Expert Take on Specs, Pros, Cons & Performance (2025)
Top Features of the Oppo A38
- 6.56″ HD+ IPS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G85 processor with 4GB RAM
- 128GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD
- 50MP dual rear camera + 5MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 33W SuperVOOC fast charging
- Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1
- Dual SIM, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Budget-friendly pricing for South African buyers
Introduction to the Oppo A38
The Oppo A38 is Oppo’s answer to the growing demand for affordable smartphones that still deliver reliable performance. While it doesn't boast flagship specs, it gets the basics right—and that’s often what matters most. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, someone looking for a dependable second phone, or simply want something uncomplicated, the A38 has plenty going for it.
Design & Build Quality – Simple, Sleek, and Practical
The A38 keeps things modest yet attractive with a clean matte plastic finish that resists fingerprints. It’s available in two stylish colours: Glowing Black and Glowing Gold—both offering a surprisingly premium look for a phone in this price range.
Despite having a 6.56-inch display, the phone feels compact and easy to handle thanks to its lightweight build and rounded corners. It's a great fit for one-handed use or long sessions browsing TikTok, WhatsApp, or emails.
Display – Smooth Scrolling, Decent Brightness
At this price point, you might expect a sluggish, low-end screen—but Oppo has surprised us with a 6.56″ IPS LCD panel that supports a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling smoother and gives the UI a more fluid feel than many other budget phones that stick to 60Hz.
It’s only HD+ resolution (720 x 1612 pixels), but for daily tasks like social media, watching YouTube, and messaging, it holds up well. With 720 nits of peak brightness, outdoor visibility is also manageable, especially in the South African sun.
Performance – Built for Everyday Use
The MediaTek Helio G85 processor combined with 4GB of RAM ensures that everyday apps run without stutter. Whether you're flipping between WhatsApp chats, checking your bank app, or browsing Instagram, the phone keeps up.
While it’s not made for serious gaming, casual titles like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush run well. Lighter versions of demanding games like PUBG will work—but expect occasional frame drops. The device also supports RAM expansion, which boosts responsiveness when multitasking.
Software – Clean, Customisable, and User-Friendly
Running on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1, the Oppo A38 delivers a clean and highly usable experience. ColorOS includes features like:
- FlexDrop for multitasking
- Smart Sidebar for quick tools
- Gesture controls that make one-handed use easier
There is some pre-installed bloatware, but most of it can be removed. The 90Hz refresh rate, combined with Oppo’s software optimisations, results in smooth transitions and animations across the interface.
Cameras – Functional and Fairly Impressive in Daylight
The A38 comes equipped with a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting, photos are sharp and colour-balanced. The portrait mode does a decent job separating subjects from the background, though don’t expect the level of detail you'd get from a flagship.
The 5MP front camera is serviceable for selfies and video calls—great for WhatsApp or Zoom. Low-light performance isn't its strength, but for casual daytime photography, it does a solid job.
Video recording is available at 1080p @ 30fps. It's good enough for social media posts or quick family clips.
Battery Life – A Major Selling Point
With a 5000mAh battery, this phone is a workhorse. It can easily last a full day and more, depending on your usage. Moderate use will give you around 7–8 hours of screen time, meaning it’ll get you through school, work, and entertainment without panic charging.
Even better is the 33W SuperVOOC fast charging. It charges 50% in just under 30 minutes and reaches 100% in just over an hour. That’s a standout feature in this budget category.
Audio & Connectivity – All the Essentials Covered
The Oppo A38 includes a mono speaker that’s loud enough for watching videos or taking calls, though it lacks deep bass. You’ll also be happy to know it keeps the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature many still value.
Connectivity-wise:
- 4G LTE support (no 5G)
- Dual SIM slots
- Bluetooth 5.3
- GPS & Wi-Fi work reliably for navigation and browsing
Call quality and network reception are solid, even in rural or semi-urban areas.
Oppo A38 vs the Competition
| Feature | Oppo A38 | Samsung Galaxy A14 | Redmi 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.56" IPS LCD 90Hz | 6.6" PLS LCD 60Hz | 6.79" IPS LCD 90Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Dimensity 6020 | MediaTek Helio G88 |
| Camera | 50MP dual | 50MP triple | 50MP triple |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 33W | 5000mAh, 15W | 5000mAh, 18W |
| Price (South Africa, est.) | ~R3,000 | ~R3,500 | ~R3,800 |
Samsung Galaxy A14: The A14 has a lower refresh rate (60Hz) and slower charging (15W), but a similar battery and camera setup. The A38 wins for smoother display and much faster charging.
Redmi 12: Redmi 12 has a sharper Full HD display and slightly better gaming performance. But Oppo offers faster charging and a cleaner software experience.
Who Should Buy the Oppo A38?
This phone is best suited for:
- Students who need reliability and battery life
- First-time smartphone users who want a clean, intuitive experience
- Parents or grandparents who value simplicity
- People on a budget looking for fast charging and day-to-day performance
- As a backup phone for travel or work
FAQs About Oppo A38
1. Does the Oppo A38 support 5G?
No, it supports 4G only.
2. Can I play games like PUBG on Oppo A38?
Yes, but only at low to medium settings.
3. Is storage expandable?
Yes, up to 1TB via microSD card.
4. Is the battery removable?
No, it’s a sealed unit.
5. Does it have waterproofing?
No IP rating is given, so it’s not water-resistant.
6. How long does it take to charge fully?
Around 75 minutes with the included 33W charger.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It in 2025?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers reliable performance, long battery life, and fast charging, the Oppo A38 is a standout. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not—and that’s its strength.
For everyday use—messages, calls, social media, streaming, and the occasional photo—it does a commendable job. And with Oppo’s clean software and slick design, it offers far more polish than you'd expect in this price range.
For South African buyers in 2025, the Oppo A38 proves you don’t need to break the bank to get a dependable, stylish smartphone.
