Introduction
The OPPO R5, introduced by the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO in December 2014, made headlines as the world’s thinnest smartphone at that time, measuring just 4.85mm in thickness. Designed for users who prioritize sleek design and portability, the OPPO R5 caters to fashion-forward individuals and tech enthusiasts seeking a device that combines aesthetics with functionality.
Design & Display
The OPPO R5’s ultra-slim profile is complemented by a metal frame and back, providing a premium feel and sturdy build. Despite its thinness, the device offers a comfortable grip, though the protruding rear camera and absence of a standard headphone jack are notable design compromises.
Display Specifications:
- Screen Size: 5.2 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- Technology: AMOLED
- Pixel Density: 423 ppi
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
The AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 enhances durability, protecting the screen from scratches and minor impacts.
Performance & Hardware
Under the hood, the OPPO R5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset, featuring an octa-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. Paired with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage (non-expandable), the device handles daily tasks and moderate multitasking efficiently.
Hardware Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, Octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Adreno 405 |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB (no microSD slot) |
Real-World Performance:
- Multitasking: Handles everyday applications such as browsing, social media, and media consumption smoothly.
- Gaming: Capable of running casual games; high-end games may experience occasional frame drops.
- Thermal Management: Features Cool Element technology for effective heat dissipation.
Camera & Photography Capabilities
The OPPO R5 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring a Sony IMX214 sensor and an aperture of f/2.0, alongside a 5 MP front camera suitable for selfies and video calls.
Camera Specifications:
| Feature | Rear Camera | Front Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 13 MP | 5 MP |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.0 |
| Sensor | Sony IMX214 | – |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K | 1080p |
Camera Performance:
- Daylight Photography: Captures images with good detail and accurate color reproduction.
- Low-Light Photography: Performance is average; the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) affects clarity in dim conditions.
- Selfies: The 5 MP front camera delivers satisfactory results for social media purposes.
- Video Recording: Supports up to 4K resolution; however, the lack of OIS may result in shaky footage.
Battery & Charging
The device houses a 2,000 mAh battery, which, given its slim design, is relatively modest. To compensate, OPPO integrates its proprietary VOOC rapid charging technology, allowing the battery to reach 75% charge in just 30 minutes.
Battery Performance:
- Screen-On Time: Approximately 3-4 hours under standard usage.
- Charging: VOOC technology significantly reduces charging times.
Software & Special Features
Running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat with OPPO’s custom ColorOS 2.0, the R5 offers a user-friendly interface with various customization options. Notable features include gesture controls and a Super Power Saving Mode, which extends battery life by limiting device functionality to essential apps.
Special Features:
- Gesture Controls: Quick access to applications via customizable gestures.
- Super Power Saving Mode: Enhances battery longevity by restricting background processes.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔️ Ultra-Slim Design: At 4.85mm, it stands out as one of the thinnest smartphones available.
✔️ Premium Build Quality: Metal construction offers a high-end feel.
✔️ Rapid Charging: VOOC technology significantly reduces charging times.
Cons:
❌ Limited Battery Life: The 2,000 mAh capacity may not suffice for heavy users.
❌ No Expandable Storage: Fixed 16 GB internal storage without microSD support.
❌ Camera Protrusion: The rear camera’s design disrupts the sleek profile.
❌ No Standard Headphone Jack: Requires an adapter for traditional headphones.
Competitor Comparison
In the ultra-slim smartphone category, the OPPO R5 faced competition from devices like the Gionee Elife S5.1, which measured 5.1mm in thickness.
| Feature | OPPO R5 | Gionee Elife S5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 4.85mm | 5.1mm |
| Display | 5.2″ AMOLED Full HD | 4.8″ AMOLED HD |
| Processor | Snapdragon 615 | Snapdragon 400 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB (non-expandable) | 16 GB (expandable) |
| Battery | 2,000 mAh | 2,050 mAh |
Conclusion & Buying Recommendation
The OPPO R5 is a stylish, ultra-slim smartphone designed for users who prioritize aesthetics and portability. With a stunning AMOLED display, rapid charging, and solid build quality, it remains an attractive option despite some compromises like limited battery life and non-expandable storage.
Who Should Buy It?
- Fashion-forward users who appreciate premium aesthetics.
- Casual smartphone users who prioritize design over high performance.
- Those needing a secondary phone for light usage.
For those seeking better battery life and expandable storage, alternative models like the Gionee Elife S5.1 may be worth considering. However, if you want the thinnest and most stylish smartphone from OPPO, the R5 remains a solid choice.
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