OPPO quietly launched the A6 Pro 5G in China in early September before shipping a “global” version to markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Pakistan toward the end of the month. Kenya isn’t on the list yet, but going by OPPO’s past playbook, including the A5 Pro’s arrival earlier this year, it’s only a matter of time before the phone lands locally. The big question isn’t when, though. It’s what version Kenya will get and how much OPPO expects Kenyans to cough up for it.
The global model of the OPPO A6 Pro 5G, which features on our list of 5 budget Android smartphones with 7,000mAh battery to buy in Kenya, started selling late September in select Asian markets. OPPO hasn’t made any official noise about Kenya, but this is the same rollout pattern the A5 Pro followed before landing locally at KES 29,999. If OPPO sticks to that strategy, a Kenyan release is likely in the coming weeks or months.
The twist? The global version isn’t the same phone China is enjoying.
Potential OPPO A6 Pro 5G price in Kenya
When the A5 Pro launched in Kenya at KES 29,999, we felt OPPO had priced it reasonably for a rugged mid-range device. If OPPO sticks to that price point with the A6 Pro, few would complain. But pricing in other countries suggests that might not happen.
Here’s what the phone costs elsewhere:
- Singapore: S$399, which is around the equivalent of KES 40,000
- Malaysia: RMB 1,199, which is about KES 37,000
Even if OPPO Kenya localizes pricing (as they often do), it’s hard to ignore that this phone could land at ~KES 35,000. That’s up to KES 5,000 more than its predecessor and for a device that’s actually weaker than the China model.
China gets the real A6 Pro, everyone else gets a diet version
OPPO didn’t just tweak a few specs for the global market. It dialed things down properly. Below are some of the key differences between the China model and the global variant that could land in Kenya:
Processor
- China: Dimensity 7300 (4nm)
- Global: Dimensity 6300 (6nm)
That’s a downgrade in both performance and efficiency.
Storage & memory
- China: Up to 512GB + 16GB RAM, no microSD
- Global: Maxes out at 256GB + 12GB RAM, but adds microSD
Storage type
- China: UFS 3.1
- Global: UFS 2.2
Camera capabilities
- Video recording:
- China: Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p at 30/60/120fps, slow-motion up to 240fps, 4K and 1080p zoom shooting, gyro-EIS, underwater camera mode, AI ID photo, pro mode, multi-scene video, time-lapse, high-pixel capture.
- Global: Capped at 1080p (30/60fps), slow-motion only up to 120fps at 720p, no 4K support, and fewer shooting modes. Dual-view and underwater video shooting exist, but pro features and stabilization options are scaled back.
- Selfie camera: Same 16MP sensor, but again, fewer shooting modes and lower flexibility in video stabilization on the global model.
Wi-Fi support
- China: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5, a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Display, network sharing
- Global: Wi-Fi 5 only, no Wi-Fi 6 support
Fast charging & battery
- China: 7000mAh with full 80W support + reverse wired
- Global: 6500mAh or 7000mAh depending on region, still 80W but fewer power protocols
Other specs like the battery capacity and charging, display, and IP rating are mostly consistent, but the performance drop compared to the China model is where things start to sting.
It’s not just OPPO
Before anyone singles out OPPO as the villain here, let’s be fair: other Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and OnePlus also tend to water down their global models. Sometimes it’s chipset swaps, other times it’s storage, video recording, or charging standards. It’s an industry habit now, especially when targeting “emerging markets.”
Still, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating knowing someone in Beijing is paying the same price (or less) for a more powerful version of the phone you’re getting.
As of now, OPPO Kenya hasn’t confirmed the A6 Pro 5G for the local market. But based on the A5 Pro’s rollout and OPPO’s growing interest in Africa, the phone is very likely headed here. Whether it arrives at KES 29,999 like its predecessor or creeps into the KES 35K+ territory is what will make or break it.
What’s guaranteed is this: if OPPO brings the same global variant selling in Singapore and Malaysia, Kenyan buyers should know they’re getting less power than China got, and possibly paying more for it.
