OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.56 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP

Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

90%

5.5

Technical score

10%

8.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of smartphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

25%

4.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.6

Camera

15%

4.3

Display

15%

5.8

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

6.2

Connectivity

4%

6.9

Audio

3%

6.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 89%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 72%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
4GB + 128GB
Other versions:
8GB + 128GB
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

25%

4.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.6

Camera

15%

4.3

Display

15%

5.8

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

6.2

Connectivity

4%

6.9

Audio

3%

6.2

Design

5.5
User score
User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Popularity:
Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 7.7 points, which is higher than 72% of smartphones.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.0
Brand name
Oppo
Processor model
MediaTek Helio G85
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Helio G85 processor model which is slower than processors in 89.8% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.5% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
4 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 4 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 82.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 14% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 84.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 13
Android version
Android 13
This smartphone runs Android version Android 13 which is older than that found in 50.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 16.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 2 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 57.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 57.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
18.7 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 18.7 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 90.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.612 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.612 µm which is smaller than in 93.8% of smartphones and equal to the size in 2.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.56 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.56 inches which is smaller than the screens of 72.3% of smartphones and equal to those of 3.9% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
720x 1612 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 720x1612 px which is lower than that of 78.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.3% of smartphones.
Pixel density
269 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 269 ppi which is lower than that of 80.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.4% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
33 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 33 W which is faster than in 38.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 12% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
163.74 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.74 mm which is taller than 53.5% of smartphones.
Width
75.03 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75.03 mm which is narrower than 68% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.16 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.16 mm which is thinner than 58.4% of smartphones.
Weight
190 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 190 g which is lighter than 63.5% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 4.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
97,800 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 97,800 cm³ which is smaller than 46.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 5% of smartphones.
Show more

Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 5.3% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1,000 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 2x cheaper
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • 2.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Oppo A38
    the average smartphone
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.23 vs 8).
    8.23 vs 8
  • 0.97 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (75 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    75.03 mm vs 76 mm
  • 2x cheaper
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • 2.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Oppo A38
    the average smartphone
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.23 vs 8).
    8.23 vs 8
  • 41.2% more popular
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.68 vs 5.4).
    7.68 vs 5.44
  • 5.3% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1,000 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 9.1% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (720 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    720 nits vs 660 nits
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 3.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (190 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    190 g vs 196.2 g
  • 0.97 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (75 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    75.03 mm vs 76 mm
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G85 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G85 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 41.6% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (18.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    18.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 5% worse value for money
    Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.98 vs 7.3).
    6.98 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G85 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G85 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 4 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (4 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 8 GB
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 75% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (1,024 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.7% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 34.5% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    1,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 47.8% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (1,322 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    1,322 vs 2,533
  • 16.7% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (5 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    5 W vs 6 W
  • 68.8% less L2 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L2 cache than the average smartphone (320 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average smartphone has an L2 cache of 1,024 KB.
    320 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 47.6% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (13.4 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    13.41 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 81.3% fewer shader units
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (48 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    48 vs 256
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 13 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 13 vs Android 14
  • 41.6% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (18.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    18.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (5 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    5 MP vs 16 MP
  • 0.19 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    0.612 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • No slow-motion recording
    This smartphone does not support slow-motion recording, the average smartphone does. 90.3% of smartphones offer slow-mo features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • No compass
    This smartphone does not have a compass, the average smartphone does. 93.2% of smartphones include a built-in compass.
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 31.9% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (269 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    269 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (720x1612 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    720x1612 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 62.5% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 0.11 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.6 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.56 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 280 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (720 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    720 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP54 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP54 vs IP67
  • 1 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2023 vs 2024). 1.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    September 2023
    2023 vs 2024

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Megalite Communications Services Yenegoa
≈ estimated
06/10/2023
Hands-on review · camera, battery and performance tests
Verdict
Oppo A38 has below-average hardware and a weak depth sensor, but it is a reliable, smooth phone for everyday use.
9.0
SRJ TECH WORLD
≈ estimated
24/09/2023
Hands-on review · camera, fingerprint and gaming tests
Verdict
Oppo A38 is a great option for its price, despite a lower-resolution screen and a slower fingerprint reader.
7.0
Tech Jeof Reviews
≈ estimated
27/10/2023
Hands-on review · display, camera and battery notes
Verdict
Oppo A38 is a decent budget phone with a big battery, but its low resolution and plastic build hold it back.
Brand video
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB)

  • Impressive 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of heavy use or up to two days with light usage.
  • Fast 33W SuperVOOC charging capable of reaching 50% in approximately 30 minutes.
  • Smooth 90Hz refresh rate on the 6.56-inch display, making scrolling and UI animations feel fluid for a budget device.
  • Capable 50MP main camera that captures detailed and sharp photos in well-lit outdoor conditions.
  • Sleek and stylish design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and feels premium for its price range.
  • Clean and user-friendly software experience via ColorOS 13.1, including helpful multitasking features.

What customers don't like about Oppo A38 (4GB + 128GB)

  • Low screen resolution (720p HD+), which can result in less sharp text and icons compared to Full HD competitors.
  • Weak low-light camera performance, with photos often appearing noisy or grainy in dark environments.
  • Significant amount of pre-installed bloatware apps that take up storage space out of the box.
  • Lack of modern connectivity features such as 5G support or NFC for contactless payments.
  • Average audio quality from the single mono speaker, which some users described as 'tinny' or lacking loudness.
  • Limited performance for high-end gaming, with occasional frame drops in graphically demanding titles.

Verdict

The Oppo A38 is a budget-friendly 4G smartphone featuring a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of expandable storage. It is equipped with a dual rear camera system (50MP main and 2MP depth sensor) and a 5MP front camera, all running on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1. A major highlight is its large 5000mAh battery with support for fast 33W SUPERVOOC charging, which can charge the phone to over 50% in 30 minutes. The phone offers good everyday performance for general use and has an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating. Cons include the lack of 5G connectivity, the display's lower HD+ resolution compared to Full HD panels, average low-light camera performance, and a primarily plastic build.

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