OPPO RENO 8T 5G mid-ranger brings a futuristic look to the Reno 8 series

The OPPO Reno series has carved a niche for itself, offering stylish smartphones with impressive features. The latest addition, the Reno 8T 5G, launched globally in February 2023 and arrived in Nigeria shortly after. This review delves into three key aspects of the phone: design, performance, and camera capabilities.

Inside the OPPO Reno 8T 5G Box 

• The 5G phone
• 80W SuperVOOC fast charger
• USB Type-C cable
• Protective case
• SIM Ejector tool
• User guide

Design + Display

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G cuts a striking figure. Incredibly thin at 7.7mm and featherlight at 171 grams, it's a pleasure to hold for extended periods. But its beauty transcends mere aesthetics. The back gleams with the signature OPPO Glow design creates a captivating play of light that shifts with movement. And the best part? It's fingerprint-proof!

The display takes a step up from previous Reno models, offering a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The slightly curved edges of the display seamlessly meet the curved back, creating a visually stunning and slim profile. While the brightness is good enough for Full HD Netflix viewing, the lack of HDR support is a missed opportunity considering the phone's listed 950 nits peak brightness.

Overall, the design language of the Reno 8T 5G prioritizes a sleek and user-friendly experience. The incredibly lightweight build, captivating OPPO Glow finish, and larger curved display make it a phone that's as pleasing to the eye as it is comfortable to hold.

The phone comes in two colour options: Midnight Black and Sunrise Gold

Performance

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G's performance caters to everyday users with a familiar setup. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, delivers smooth operation for daily tasks. While some might prefer a newer chipset, the Reno 8T 5G prioritizes a balance between affordability and capability.

Key differentiator: OPPO backs its focus on user experience with a commitment to long-term software support. They promise a whopping 4 years of Android System Updates and 5 years of Security Updates, surpassing even Google's Pixel offerings. This extended software support ensures your phone stays secure and receives the latest features for years to come.

Thanks to optimizations in ColorOS, the user interface should feel snappy and smooth overall but real-world usage over 48 months would be needed to confirm.

Camera

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G boasts of a camera system that makes everyday photography even more delightful. The centrepiece is the 108-megapixel main sensor, praised for capturing detailed shots in good lighting conditions. However, some reviewers have observed a persistent "softness" in image processing.

The front-facing camera offers a high resolution of 32 megapixels, ideal for capturing wide selfies with good detail under good lighting. While details might be slightly softer indoors, selfies remain passable. The front camera also features a display flash for low-light situations.

For those who enjoy exploring the miniature world, the Reno 8T 5G has a unique trick up its sleeve: a 2-megapixel microscope lens that allows for up to 40x zoom magnification. This can be a fun way to capture close-up details of textures, objects, or even tiny living organisms.

While video recording is limited to 1080p due to an always-on "Ultra Steady" mode, the camera app is described as fast and responsive. Overall, the camera system offers a good main sensor for everyday use, a high-resolution front camera, and a unique microscope lens – though low-light performance and video limitations might be drawbacks for some users.

Pros

• Lightweight Design (7.7mm, 171g)
• Eye-Catching Display (6.7" AMOLED, 120Hz)
• Unique Notifications (Edge Lighting, Always-On Display customizations, allowing you to use your image or a sketch of your face for a unique look.
• Immersive Audio (200% Super Volume)
• Fast Charging

Cons

• Mid-range processor considering the price point.
• Low-light camera needs could be improved.
• Moderate Battery Life
• No Headphone Jack

Should you buy it?

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G is a solid mid-range contender and impresses with its lightweight design, upgraded camera system, and fast charging capabilities. However, it lacks higher-resolution video recording and may not appeal to videography enthusiasts. 

Despite some camera limitations and less-than-ideal processing software, it's a great option for those who prioritize design and software support. The Reno 8T 5G offers reliable performance and fast connectivity for everyday use.

If you can overlook the few limitations and the price point, it's a viable alternative to the ₦420,000/$615 4G version.

OPPO Reno 8T 5G price and availability in Nigeria

The OPPO Reno 8T 5G, priced at ₦560,000/$820 in Nigeria, offers a fair balance between cost and performance in the mid-range market. The handset is available on Jumia and other OPPO-authorised dealers. In Ghana, it has a starting price of GHS 4,100; PKR 84,999 in Pakistan; and BDT 56,000 in Bangladesh. From the lineup, the Reno 8 5G serves as an alternative for tighter budgets.

Considering its features and price, is the new Reno 8T 5G a hit or a miss choice for you?