OPPO Reno 8 5G Review; If it ain’t broke…?

One of my favourite things about OPPO Reno devices is how well built they are. Both in hardware and software. Having used all Reno devices from the second generation to the eighth generation right now, I can attest to that fact.

The new Reno 8 5G remains well built, good looking, light and offering very clean software. Everything I said in my review of the OPPO Reno6 5G holds true. Only now, there’s a way faster 80W charger included in the box. 

You can watch the full review video here:

Unboxing: 

The unboxing experience is similar to all previous OPPO devices. And you still get everything in the box. 

The phone is very stylish and well done. It also feels good on the hand. The power button has an accented green finish. Both it and the volume rockers are very tactile and fun to click on. 

At the back next to the camera – whose bump is part of the single metallic finish – there’s an LED flashlight that stands out. I love this design more than the Reno 7 series with it’s LED strip that was lighting up with notifications. 

There’s also dual microphones at the top and the bottom of the device. 

Performance: 

I think performance is the main selling point for this phone. The Dimensity 1300 SoC clocked at 3GHz used here is really efficient. Both in pushing performance of apps and in battery life. 

Like I’ve said in many of my reviews, I am not a gamer, so I cannot answer questions as to whether or not certain games will be playable. 

However, I did run some benchmark tests to see how the device performs, which you can see in the video. They show that the device is very capable. T

The 8GB of RAM – which supports RAM Virtualisation allowing you to use internal storage to expand RAM – is adequate. There’s also 256GB of internal storage – which to be fair you cannot fill up. 

Also take note that the phone supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, dual 5G-standby, and dual 4G VoLTE. 

Software:

If you’ve seen any of my previous reviews of an OPPO device, you know I always rate highly their software experience. That remains the case with the Reno 8 5G. There’s no significant bloatware to complain about. And all the included apps you don’t need are un-installable. 

Also, OPPO’s ColorOS software remains one of the most customisable Android UIs. You can change a lot from the battery icon, notifications bar, Always ON display, fingerprint animations and much more. Such power allows you to quickly and very easily make your phone uniquely yours. 

OPPO has promised 2 years of System Updates and 4 years of Security Updates for their Reno Series of devices. So with the Reno 8 5G, you can expect both Android 13 and Android 14 updates when those become available. 

Battery and Fast charging: 

The 80W charger included in the box is a very welcome upgrade to the usual 65W charger we’ve had since the OPPO Reno 5. It charges the phone way faster than before allowing 50% in just 11 minutes. 

OPPO has made significant progress with battery degradation this time round too. The company is promising 1600 charge cycles with peak battery performance. That translates to about 2 years of use. Normally, this has been 800 cycles. That’s what most phone companies promise for their batteries. 

All through my use, the phone didn’t heat up at all. Even when using it while on the charger. 

Cameras: 

OPPO is this time round using new dual sensors from Sony. 

The front camera uses a Sony IMX709 32MP sensor customised by OPPO. The company says the RGBW sensor allows for 60% increase in light intake and a 35% improvement in noise reduction when compared with traditional RGGB sensors. 

The selfie cameras are as usual bright and serviceable. OPPO’s AI beautification modes are still here. You can also create virtual avatars using omoji. 

The main rear camera is a Sony IMX766 50MP sensor. The company promises increased focus speed, accuracy, and stability. And I’ve tested exactly that with the pictures which you can see in the video. 

Video stability is quite good. You can see a sample in the video. The balance in contrast when changing light sources is also quite intelligent. 

Display:

If there’s something OPPO has held on to all through their Reno series, it is the display size. This is still a 6.4-inch AMOLED panel. And it’s still as good and as responsive as the previous Reno devices. 

I wish we saw at least 120Hz refresh rates, but that’s just nitpicking as you still enjoy the 90Hz display all the same. Very many people won’t tell the difference between 90hz and 120hz anyways. 

The fingerprint scanner on-top of the display remains fast and accurate. 

Conclusion: 

Like every other Reno device before, this is a good phone. And while that sounds boring for a review, it is the truth. 

OPPO has had one strategy with their Reno devices. Offer great mid-range performance, have a sizeable AMOLED panel, offer good fast charging and battery life, and clean software. That’s it. And they’ve kept at it for years. Meaning it’s worked all through. 

That’s why the phone still doesn’t have an official IP Rating. That’s why there’s still no wireless charging. 

As someone who’s enjoyed each Reno experience before, I will say this to OPPO now: try something different. Add in a little more. Perhaps a Reno+ with a bigger display? Or maybe not. If it’s not broken, is there any need for fixing? 

The Reno 8 5G is available for KES 60,000. Would you get one?