Oppo A40 Review: A Budget Contender
If you’re in the market for an affordable smartphone, the Oppo A40 might catch your eye with its enticingly low price tag of £129. This Chinese manufacturer has made a name for itself by offering budget-friendly devices that pack a punch in terms of features. The A40 boasts a 6.67-inch LCD display, a 5,100mAh battery, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 chip, all for a fraction of the cost of flagship models.
Design & Build
The Oppo A40 sports a simple yet elegant design that sets it apart from other budget smartphones. With a plastic rear and an aluminum frame, it feels surprisingly sturdy and premium. The 6.67-inch display is punctuated by a pin-hole selfie camera, while the overall design exudes a minimalist aesthetic. Despite its large size, the phone weighs only 186g, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Screen & Speakers
While the A40’s display is decent for its price range, it falls short compared to higher-end models. The LCD panel delivers colors that lack the richness of OLED screens, and the maximum brightness of 1,000 nits may not be sufficient for outdoor use on sunny days. However, the 90Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, providing smoother scrolling and screen transitions.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 chip and 4GB of RAM, the A40 struggles with performance, especially when handling multiple apps or tasks simultaneously. Apps may be slow to open, and the 90Hz refresh rate is often overshadowed by stuttering. While the 128GB of internal storage is adequate for most users, the micro-SD card slot offers expandable storage options.
Cameras
The A40’s camera setup includes a 50Mp main rear lens and a 5Mp selfie camera. In well-lit conditions, the main camera captures decent photos with good detail and color balance. However, it falters in low-light situations, producing noisy and underwhelming results. The phone can record 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for basic videography needs.
Battery Life & Charging
One area where the Oppo A40 shines is its battery life, thanks to the sizable 5,100mAh battery capacity. For moderate usage, the phone can easily last through a full day. However, heavy users may find themselves reaching for the charger before the day ends. The device supports 45W wired charging for faster refueling, although a compatible charger is not included in the box.
Software & Apps
Running Android 14 with Oppo’s ColorOS 14 skin, the A40 offers a user-friendly interface with some pre-installed bloatware that can be removed. While the software provides customization options and useful features like Smart Sidebar, the phone’s performance may suffer due to its modest chipset and RAM.
Price & Availability
The Oppo A40 is currently available in the UK for £129 and can be purchased from various retailers, including Oppo’s official website and Amazon. While the phone may not cater to power users or gamers, it offers a compelling option for casual users seeking a budget-friendly device.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Oppo A40 presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable smartphone with essential features. While its performance may not match that of premium devices, its affordable price, decent camera capabilities, and long-lasting battery make it a suitable choice for casual users. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and basic functionality, the Oppo A40 could be the right fit for you.