Introduction
As 5G technology becomes increasingly accessible, smartphone brands are racing to deliver budget-friendly 5G-enabled devices without compromising on features. OPPO has entered this race with a strong contender — the OPPO A5x 5G. With a massive 6000mAh battery, a 120Hz refresh rate display, and an IP65-certified build, all for under Rs 15,000, this smartphone aims to offer value beyond expectations. But does it truly live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the design, performance, battery life, camera, and overall usability of the OPPO A5x 5G.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the OPPO A5x 5G has a simple yet sturdy design. The phone feels durable in hand and is surprisingly slim considering the massive battery it houses. The polycarbonate back has a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
What sets the device apart is its IP65 water and dust resistance rating — a rare feature in this price segment. This ensures that the phone can withstand occasional splashes and dusty environments, making it ideal for users with an active lifestyle or those living in rugged conditions.
Display Quality
The OPPO A5x 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the resolution may not be Full HD, the higher refresh rate compensates by offering smoother scrolling, more responsive gaming, and an overall snappier experience. Color reproduction is decent, and brightness levels are sufficient for indoor and moderate outdoor use.
However, under direct sunlight, the screen struggles slightly, and sharper visuals seen in higher resolution panels are noticeably absent. Still, for the target audience, this display provides a satisfactory viewing experience, especially considering the price.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The chipset is well-optimized for budget 5G phones, offering a balance between efficiency and performance.
In day-to-day use, the OPPO A5x 5G handles multitasking, social media browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming quite well. Apps load relatively quickly, and the overall UI experience is smooth. The phone does heat up slightly under heavy load, such as extended gaming or 4K video streaming, but not to an uncomfortable level.
When it comes to gaming, the device supports titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile at medium graphics settings with minimal lag or frame drops. For users who are not hardcore gamers but enjoy the occasional gaming session, the A5x 5G is more than capable.
Software Experience
The phone runs on ColorOS 14, based on Android 14, right out of the box. ColorOS has matured over the years and now offers a relatively clean and intuitive user experience. The software includes useful features like smart sidebar, gesture navigation, and a customizable always-on display.
There are a few pre-installed apps (commonly known as bloatware), but most of them can be uninstalled or disabled. Security updates are expected to be regular, but major Android version upgrades may be limited, considering the phone’s price tier.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the standout features of the OPPO A5x 5G. The 6000mAh battery easily lasts two full days with moderate use, including browsing, video playback, calling, and social media. For light users, charging every other day might even suffice.
Even more impressive is the inclusion of 45W fast charging, which charges the battery from 0 to 60 percent in around 30 minutes. This is especially useful for users who are always on the go and do not want to spend hours waiting for their phone to recharge.
Camera Performance
The OPPO A5x 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear — a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor — along with an 8MP front-facing camera.
In well-lit conditions, the rear camera captures decent photos with natural colors and reasonable detail. Portrait mode benefits from the depth sensor, although edge detection can be hit or miss. Low-light performance is average, with noticeable noise and a lack of detail. Night mode helps slightly but does not match the performance of more premium devices.
The front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, with AI beautification options for those who prefer enhanced images. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, and stabilization is software-based.
Connectivity and Audio
The phone supports dual 5G SIM slots, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. Call quality is excellent, and the 5G network connectivity is stable, depending on carrier support in the user’s area.
Audio output is decent through the single bottom-firing speaker, although it lacks the depth and richness of stereo speakers. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, which is a welcome feature for wired audio users.
Storage and Expandability
The phone offers 128GB of internal storage, which is ample for most users. Additionally, there is support for a microSD card via a dedicated slot, allowing for storage expansion without sacrificing dual SIM functionality.
Security Features
For biometric authentication, the OPPO A5x 5G includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and AI-based facial recognition. Both methods are fast and reliable, with the fingerprint scanner doubling as the power button for added convenience.
Price and Availability
The OPPO A5x 5G is priced at approximately Rs 14,999 in India and is available through both online and offline retailers. With regular promotional offers and discounts, the effective price may be even lower.
Verdict: Is the OPPO A5x 5G Worth It?
The OPPO A5x 5G delivers exceptional value for money, especially for users looking for a future-ready smartphone without breaking the bank. It excels in battery life, build quality, and performance for everyday tasks, while also bringing premium features like 120Hz refresh rate and IP65 rating into the budget segment.
While the camera performance is average and the display resolution could be better, these compromises are acceptable given the price point. Overall, it is one of the best budget 5G smartphones available in the Indian market today.
Who Should Buy This Smartphone?
- Students and young professionals who need a reliable, long-lasting device for day-to-day use.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for 5G connectivity and strong battery life.
- Users in rural or semi-urban areas needing a rugged and durable phone.
Final Thoughts
OPPO has successfully created a smartphone that checks nearly all the right boxes for a budget-conscious user in 2025. The A5x 5G is not just affordable — it is smartly designed, performance-optimized, and well-equipped for the digital demands of today and tomorrow.
If you are planning to buy a budget smartphone with 5G, long battery life, and decent everyday performance, the OPPO A5x 5G should be at the top of your list.