The OPPO F25 Pro is a unique example of the brand’s 2024 budget smartphone. Despite its low price, the phone successfully ticks off several features that are usually appealing to younger consumers. For example, the phone’s design is still thin and light even if it has a 5,000mAh battery that lasts all day. It even boasts a 32-megapixel front camera that can capture 4K videos, which is helpful for people who use social media applications like BeReal and Snapchat regularly.
Some problems do, however, still exist. One such problem is that certain brands only allow stereo speakers to be installed in more expensive gadgets, even though this is a feature that ought to be accessible on all price ranges. Additionally, NFC is absent, which might improve the digital payment experience. So, should you give the OPPO F25 Pro any thought at all?
Verdict
In case you are concerned about design, cameras, and battery life, the OPPO F25 Pro can be considered a dependable smartphone. Moreover, it has a big 6.7-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors. However, the absence of stereo speakers somewhat detracts from the viewing experience. ColorOS, which is based on Android 14, is available right out of the box, albeit the pre-installed applications clog the interface. In any event, taking the pricing into account, the OPPO F25 Pro is a respectable option.
Design and display
Before moving on to the appearance, let’s first look at the design: OPPO deserves praise. OPPO F25 Pro is only 7.5 mm thick and weighs 177 grams even with the battery. The phone also feels well-balanced, and the placement of the physical buttons (size and power) is ergonomic, at least to me.
Even the camera module has a small protrusion that allows you to place the phone wherever you want. Although most of its structure is plastic, the quality is not felt at the same level. There’s also an IP65 certification for dust and water resistance, compared to the IP54 rating of most flagship phones. So the phone is resistant to water stains even on a rainy day.
Stereo speakers would have improved the viewing experience overall if OPPO had included them with the F25 Pro. Furthermore, since there isn’t a headphone socket, you’ll need earphones that support Bluetooth.
Cameras
Much like the OPPO F23, the F25 Pro also has three cameras on its back. Notable features of the camera system include a 64MP primary sensor that lacks OIS capability. The 8MP sensor on the ultra-wide camera has been improved. A 2 MP macro camera is also included.
Warm tones are usually given priority by the Oppo F25 Pro when creating an image with strong shadows. Because of this, images captured in good surround light appear more dramatic than they are. These photos taken with the OPPO F25 Pro are more suitable for social media, even though other people—including myself—might prefer a more impartial approach. It implies that consumers won’t have to deal with the difficulties of modifying.
4K30 frames per second or 1080p60 frames per second can be recorded for videos. For a phone in this budget range, there aren’t many details or color issues to be concerned about. But the majority of videos have an odd stutter during dynamic scenes, which is probably because optical image stabilization, or OIS, is absent. A potential solution could be an over-the-air upgrade.
Considering the cost of the OPPO F25 Pro, it is remarkable that the 32MP front camera has the same recording capabilities. Both in portrait and non-portrait modes still have well-balanced colors and natural skin tone detection. In addition, rich bokeh effects with almost precise edge detection are included in portrait pictures.
Performance and software
A new MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC built on the TSMC N6 (6nm-class) chip manufacturing technology powers the OPPO F25 Pro. For Rs 23,999, the device I’m reviewing comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. You can purchase the model with a 256GB storage option for an extra Rs 2,000. It also implies that the OPPO F25 Pro faces up against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Nothing Phone 2(a), among other well-known competitors.
The OPPO F25 Pro does reasonably well on benchmarks, although it lags behind some of its main competitors, such as the Phone 2(a) with a Dimensity 7200 Pro processor (pictures below). Notably, during the CPU Throttle test, it provided more stability in its maximum performance.
I used Call of Duty (COD) and BGMI to test the game’s performance. Fortunately, the rather flat screen prevents mistouches, however, you might occasionally notice stutters, possibly as a result of problems with optimization. Thankfully, after playing these two rather demanding games, the OPPO F25 Pro did not show any signs of serious heating or battery drain.
Battery
A larger 5,000mAh battery with 67W charging is a feature of the OPPO F25 Pro and comes in the box. The charger’s boxy shape makes it look a lot like the previous OnePlus charger. The phone took about 45 minutes to reach 100 percent battery life using the included charger.
Both PC Mark’s battery test and my review revealed that the battery backup is similarly reliable. With flight mode on and a 50% battery life, the OPPO F25 Pro operated for more than 19 hours in the latter scenario. If not, a full day’s worth of battery life with moderate gaming, camera use, and high refresh rate enabled should be expected.
Final verdict
If you’re looking for a stylish smartphone with dependable performance and cameras, a strong battery, and quick charging, the OPPO F25 Pro sticks out as a respectable option. I don’t personally like the design, even though it might appeal to some people. Still, it might just appeal to you.
Having said that, OPPO needs to improve the software experience for its entry-level models. Prioritizing clean software could make the Nothing Phone 2(a) a great choice. The Redmi Note 13 Pro and POCO X6 Pro might be better options for gamers. But if cameras are your thing, especially for selfies, the 32MP front camera on the OPPO F25 Pro is guaranteed to wow.
