Oppo A59

Oppo has been expanding its presence in the budget 5G smartphone segment, and the Oppo A59 5G is another solid addition to its lineup. Announced on December 22, 2023, and now available in Kenya for Kes 30,000, this device offers a balanced mix of modern features, decent performance, and long battery life.

With 5G connectivity, a large 6.56-inch display, and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, the Oppo A59 5G is designed to provide a smooth and efficient experience for everyday users. But how does it fare in real-world usage? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build Quality

Dimensions and Weight

The Oppo A59 5G is 8.1mm thick and weighs 187g, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

Materials and Build

Available in Silk Gold and Starry Black, the device features a sleek and modern design. The smooth finish ensures a comfortable grip, while the side-mounted fingerprint sensor allows for quick and secure unlocking.

IP Rating

There is no official IP rating, so users should avoid exposure to water and dust.

Display Quality

Display Type and Size

The phone sports a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel, providing a large screen for multimedia consumption and gaming.

Color Reproduction

With a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels (~269 ppi density), the display is clear, though not as sharp as higher-end models. However, color accuracy and viewing angles remain decent for daily use.

Refresh Rate

The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness compared to standard 60Hz displays.

Brightness and Outdoor Visibility

With 480 nits (typical) brightness and 600 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), the screen remains visible in outdoor conditions but might struggle in very bright sunlight.

Performance and Software

Operating System

The Oppo A59 5G runs Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1, offering a clean UI, multiple customization options, and smooth system navigation.

Chipset

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) processor, the device is optimized for efficiency and performance in budget 5G smartphones.

CPU and GPU Performance

The Octa-core CPU includes:

• 2x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 for performance tasks
• 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 for power efficiency

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles graphics, ensuring smooth performance in casual gaming and media consumption.

RAM and Storage

The device comes in two variants:

• 4GB RAM + 128GB storage
• 6GB RAM + 128GB storage

It also supports microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage as needed.

Camera Performance

Main Camera

The dual-camera setup includes:

• 13 MP (wide, f/2.2, PDAF)
• 2 MP (depth, f/2.4)

The primary sensor delivers good shots in well-lit conditions but struggles in low light. The depth sensor helps enhance portrait shots by creating a background blur effect.

Selfie Camera

The 8 MP front camera (f/2.2, 27mm wide) provides decent selfies, but image quality may drop in low-light environments.

Video Recording

Both the front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording, ensuring clear videos for social media and video calls.

Battery and Charging

Battery Capacity

With a 5000mAh battery, the Oppo A59 5G ensures all-day usage on a single charge.

Charging Capabilities

The 33W wired charging allows for fast recharging, reaching 52% in just 30 minutes.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Network Support

The Oppo A59 5G supports:

• 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for high-speed internet.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The device comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band) for stable connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless communication.

GPS and Navigation

It supports multiple satellite systems, ensuring accurate location tracking.

USB Connectivity

The USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for fast data transfer and OTG support.

Audio Features

The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that many users appreciate. It also includes stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Software Experience

UI Features

ColorOS 13.1 provides useful features like:

• Customizable gestures
• Smart sidebar for quick access to apps
• Battery optimization settings

Software Updates

Oppo ensures regular security updates, though long-term software support is limited compared to flagship models.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing

The Oppo A59 5G is priced at Kes 30,000 in Kenya.

Availability

The device is available for purchase at leading retail stores and online platforms across Kenya.

Final Thoughts

The Oppo A59 5G is a solid budget 5G smartphone, offering good battery life, a smooth 90Hz display, and decent performance for everyday tasks. While it doesn’t pack flagship-level features, it provides excellent value for money in its price range.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 5G connectivity at an affordable price
• Large 5000mAh battery with fast charging
• Smooth 90Hz display
• Expandable storage via microSD card
• Retains 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

• 720p display resolution could be sharper
• Camera performance is average in low light
• No stereo speakers
• No official water/dust resistance rating

Conclusion

The Oppo A59 5G is ideal for users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with decent performance, long battery life, and a smooth software experience. While it has a few compromises, it remains a strong contender in the budget segment.