The Oppo F3 was a part of Oppo’s F series, which was primarily focused on camera capabilities, especially selfies. Launched in 2017, the Oppo F3 was dubbed as a “Selfie Expert” due to its dual front camera setup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Oppo F3:
Overview:
The Oppo F3 was designed for the selfie-loving generation. With a dual front camera setup and a sleek design, it aimed to capture a significant share of the mid-range smartphone market, especially among users who prioritize camera capabilities.
Features:
- Operating System: ColorOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
- Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
- Processor: MediaTek MT6750T Octa-core.
- Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
- Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP wide-angle sensor.
- Battery: A 3200 mAh non-removable battery.
- Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, and a dedicated microSD slot.
Pros:
- Front Camera: The dual front camera setup, with its wide-angle lens, allowed for group selfies (or “groufies”) and provided versatility in selfie shots.
- Design: The sleek metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
- Dedicated microSD Slot: Unlike many phones that offer a hybrid SIM slot, the Oppo F3 had a dedicated slot for microSD, allowing users to use two SIM cards and expand storage simultaneously.
- Display: The Full HD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction.
Cons:
- Processor Performance: The MediaTek MT6750T was decent for everyday tasks but wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
- Outdated OS: The phone launched with Android Marshmallow at a time when Android Nougat was already available, and updates were not as frequent.
- Price: Compared to some competitors, the Oppo F3 was priced slightly higher, given its specifications.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In its price bracket, the Oppo F3 faced competition from:
- Vivo V5s: Offering a 5.5-inch HD display, MediaTek MT6750, and a 20 MP front camera.
- Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
- Moto G5 Plus: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
Launch Date:
The Oppo F3 was announced in May 2017.
Common Issues/Problems:
- ColorOS Customizations: While some users liked the features offered by ColorOS, others found it to be too far removed from stock Android, leading to a learning curve.
- Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite being marketed as a camera-centric phone, the Oppo F3’s cameras, especially the rear one, struggled in low-light conditions.
- Battery Life: The 3200 mAh battery, while decent, wasn’t the best in its class, especially given the phone’s focus on camera usage.
Conclusion:
The Oppo F3 was a device tailored for selfie enthusiasts. Its dual front camera setup was its standout feature, and for users who prioritized this, the phone was a compelling choice. However, when it came to overall performance and value for money, there were other devices in the market that offered a more balanced package. Still, for those who valued camera capabilities, especially for selfies, the Oppo F3 was a strong contender in its segment.