When officially introducing four new variants for the Reno8 Series in the second half of 2022, there are at least two variants that come with identical specifications to the previous generation. In other words, the improvements brought are quite minor. One of them includes the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G, which is a more affordable 5G variant option.
Even though they both favor the ability of portrait cameras, there are several specifications that are adjusted so that the price can be more affordable. Being the successor to the Reno7 Z 5G series , the price is still the same, but with some upgrades including hardware. Because it is classified as minor, it seems less biting.
Especially for those who have bought the previous generation, but if you are looking for a more affordable OPPO 5G smartphone with a stylish design, there is a possibility that this option will be suitable. Here’s a full review of the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G.
Design
There are two parts that make the design of the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G look different from its previous offerings. Broadly speaking, it looks identical, including the rear body side and the side frame that is made flat. If you choose the black color option, it will be difficult to tell the difference between the two.
The first difference is the Dawnlight Gold color option, which in my opinion makes the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G look more luxurious. The gold color is very subdued, while the color gradation effect of the OPPO Glow layer looks more subtle. Yes, the rear body is resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
The second difference is the accents around the rear camera module, which are now made to the ends, instead of replicating the rectangular design. Meanwhile, in terms of dimensions, the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G is made a little thicker (7.66 mm) and weighs (181 grams). Although, indeed, when compared to other smartphones, it still feels lighter and thinner.
In addition to the scratch-resistant rear body, OPPO has also carried out internal tests to test the physical durability of the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G, in order to provide an extra sense of comfort for consumers. If you are still worried, there is a soft case embedded in the sales package. Besides still feeling thin, it can also eliminate the worry of falling because the surface is a bit slippery, plus the dimensions are also quite large.
Screen
Because the increase in specifications brought is relatively minor, the specifications and display of the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G screen are still made exactly the same. Carrying a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with full HD + resolution, the bottom bezel is still made a little thick. Likewise, the refresh rate is still limited to 60Hz.
At least the quality of the panel that is brought is quite good, with 93% DCI-P3 color coverage, and responsive input (up to 180Hz with two fingers). Plus, it has features like Eye Care Display to reduce the risk of eye fatigue, plus HD certification for streaming from video platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
To make the screen look premium, there is an always-on display option with very diverse customization. Coupled with an in-display fingerprint sensor that is also accurate and reliable, even when your fingers are sweating.
Camera
Keep carrying the three rear camera sensors, with the advantages and disadvantages still the same. The OPPO Reno8 Z 5G camera is equipped with a 64MP f/1.7 main sensor designed by OmniVision, paired with two other 2MP sensors. Respectively for macro and depth, aka there is still no ultra wide-angle sensor.
In front, there is still a 16MP f/2.4 camera that can still provide a software-based Bokeh Flare Portrait effect. Is there an improvement over the previous generation? As far as observations, not as far as the OPPO Reno6 from the old ColorOS to ColorOS 12 some time ago. It still looks identical, with color tones that still tend to be a bit muted, even though the AI feature has been activated.
This can be an advantage for those of you who are used to editing photos after the picture is taken, because it is more neutral. Taking night photos is no problem, as long as night mode is enabled. The capture process is also relatively short, and the photos will remain steady even if the hands shake slightly (plus the sensor without OIS).
You can access complete photos from the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G camera in the following album.
Unfortunately, for those of you who like to record videos using smartphones, it seems that OPPO Reno8 Z 5G is not the right choice. Although the portrait photo quality is superior, unfortunately OPPO does not embed EIS stabilization on this smartphone. The maximum output is only limited to 1080p 30fps. There’s no 60fps option at all resolutions, nor is the Bokeh Flare Portrait Video option.
The same situation exists with the front camera. For the video recording feature, there are options like Dual-View Video that should make the moment more interesting. Just make sure your hands are steady or use additional tools so that the video doesn’t vibrate.
Feature
I’m a little disappointed that the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G speaker setup is still mono, considering that the screen quality is quite good and can stream HD via platforms like Netflix. The plus, even though it’s thin, you can still find a 3.5mm audio jack on the bottom of the body. So you can use your favorite wired earphones.
In terms of features, the Android 12-based ColorOS 12.1 operating system that it carries is indeed rich in customization. However, OPPO also prioritizes several security features that can be considered quite extra, apart from the latest version of Android defaults. One example is privacy protection when sending images, where the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G can automatically delete location data before the photo is shared.
Other extra selling points offered from the previous generation are also brought to the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G, such as Dual Orbit Lights. The two main camera modules on the rear body will light up with blue light as notification alerts, so that users can still be aware even though they are placing the smartphone with the screen facing down.
Performance
When it was first announced, there were improvements that didn’t look specs on paper in this section. OPPO Reno8 Z 5G still carries the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, which is quite popular for smartphones in the same price class. Besides already supporting 5G, it is also power efficient through 6nm fabrication.
The chip is accompanied by UFS 2.2 storage which is now twice as spacious, namely 256GB, which feels very fitting considering the SIM card slot that it carries is a hybrid type. With this vast memory, users can also take advantage of the RAM Expansion feature. Expand the built-in 8GB RAM capacity to a maximum of 13GB. So what are the other improvements?
It is stated that the cooling system on the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G has been improved, with the aim of being able to provide the best performance for a longer period of time, in addition to maintaining body temperature. For the last point, I never felt it even in Reno7 Z 5G. So it feels like this benefit will be felt by gamers on smartphones, considering that the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G gaming performance is also quite good.
There’s no need to doubt the chipset, which naming still uses the number “6” in front of it, because architecturally the CPU has used Kryo 660 Gold & Silver, plus Adreno 619 GPU. It’s more optimal for some modern game titles including heavy ones like Call of Duty. Mobile.
Battery
Just like the previous generation, the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G battery capacity is indeed not the largest in its class, which is 4,500 mAh. But don’t worry, because from the old one to the new version, it can still be relied on for more than a full day. Due to the combination of hardware that coincidentally saves power.
Call it the use of AMOLED panels with standard refresh rates, chipsets that use modern fabrication, to the latest ColorOS that can optimally allocate hardware. The benefit, because the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G battery is not too big, you don’t have to wait long for it to be fully charged.
Supporting 33W SuperVOOC technology, the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G battery can be charged from zero to full in less than 70 minutes. Even in the first 15 minutes, it can reach 32%. Most importantly, this maximum speed can only be achieved when using the built-in adapter. Even when using a 65W adapter, it can’t be maximized.
Conclusion
In short, if you’re using the Reno7 Z 5G and don’t need a larger memory size, there’s no need to upgrade. Various new features that are present in the form of software are likely to be obtained through software updates that will come later, including the Reno series which was released at least in the last one year.
Overall, I think the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G appears as one of the smartphones in its class that has the most stylish design. Not only pleasing to the eye, but also comes with useful gimmicks such as Dual Orbit Lights. Unfortunately, the video recording quality and other aspects such as the screen refresh rate might be a deal-breaker for some people.
OPPO Reno8 Z 5G Specifications
General
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Models / Series | OPPO Reno8 Z 5G |
| Released | September 15, 2022 |
| Status | Available |
| Price | USD $392 |
Platforms
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 |
| RAM (Memory) | 8GB (+5GB RAM Expansion) |
| Storage | 256GB |
| External Storage | – |
| Operating System | Android 12 |
| User Interface | ColorOS 12.1 |
Design
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 181 grams |
| Design Features | OPPO Glow, IPX4 Color: Starlight Black, Dawnlight Gold |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh 33W fast charging |
Display
| Screen Type | Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors |
| Size and Resolution | 6.43″, full HD+ 2400×1080 pixels (409 ppi) |
| Touch Screen | Capacitive Touchscreen |
| Features | Single punch hole camera 180Hz touch sampling rate SGS Eye Care |
Network
| Network Frequency | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| SIM | Dual-SIM |
| Data Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A, 5G |
Camera
| Multi Camera | Yes (Rear) |
| rear | 64MP f/1.7 PDAF (main) + 2MP f/2.4 (depth)+ 2MP f/2.4 (macro) |
| Front | 16MP f/2.4 |
| Flash | Yes |
| Videos | Front Camera: 1080P/ 720P@30fps ; Rear Camera: 4K/30fps; 1080P@60fps /30fps; 720P@60fps /30fps |
| Camera Features | Ultra 108MP Clear Image Bokeh Flare Portrait Portrait Beautification Video Dual View Video Expert Mode |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP LE, aptX HD |
| USB | 2.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| HDMI | No |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| NFC | Y |
| infrared | No |
Smartphone Features
| Multimedia Features | – Three finger translate with Google – Gaming shortcut mode – Bullet screen message |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Web Browser | HTML 5 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Online |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (Hidden Fingerprint Unlock 3.0), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, |
