The smartphone market has grown rapidly over the last decade, with brands constantly releasing budget-friendly yet feature-rich devices to capture a wide range of users. Among these brands, Oppo has carved a solid reputation for designing smartphones that balance performance, affordability, and modern features.
One of Oppo’s standout budget devices is the Oppo A8, launched in December 2019. Despite being a few years old, this smartphone remains relevant in 2025 for buyers who want an affordable, reliable device for everyday use without breaking the bank.
Oppo A8 Specifications at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 2019 |
| Display | 6.5-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels), 20:9 ratio |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB) |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 12MP (main) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 8MP selfie camera |
| Battery | 4,230mAh, 10W charging |
| Operating System | Android 9 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, microUSB 2.0 |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock |
| Build | Plastic body, glass front |
| Weight | 180g |
Design and Display
The Oppo A8 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While it does not offer Full HD, the display still produces decent colors and brightness levels, making it suitable for daily tasks such as:
- Browsing social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
- Watching YouTube and Netflix.
- Light gaming and productivity apps.
The phone has a waterdrop-style notch at the top, housing the 8MP selfie camera, and relatively slim bezels for its class. The back panel is made of glossy plastic, which gives it a stylish look, though it may attract fingerprints easily.
Available colors include Secret Night Black, Flowing Cloud White, and Gradient Blue, offering stylish choices for young users.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, Oppo A8 runs on the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. While this processor is not designed for heavy gaming, it handles everyday smartphone tasks smoothly, such as:
- Web browsing.
- Social media apps.
- Video streaming.
- Casual gaming (Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, Free Fire).
For heavy games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, the performance may be limited to low to medium settings. However, for its price range, the Oppo A8 provides reliable performance.
The 128GB storage is a huge plus, especially for budget users. Combined with a dedicated microSD card slot (expandable up to 256GB), this phone offers plenty of space for:
Apps and games.
Photos and videos.
Music libraries.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera:
Oppo A8 features a triple-camera setup on the back:
- 12MP Main Sensor – captures decent daylight shots.
- 2MP Macro Lens – for close-up photography.
- 2MP Depth Sensor – used for portrait shots with blurred backgrounds.
The rear camera performs reasonably well in good lighting conditions but struggles in low-light environments, which is common for budget phones.
Front Camera:
- 8MP selfie camera with AI beauty mode.
- Produces clear selfies for social media use.
- Best results in well-lit conditions.
Video Recording:
- Supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.
- Stabilization is basic but usable for casual shooting.
Battery and Charging
Oppo A8 comes with a 4,230mAh battery, which is capable of lasting a full day on moderate usage.
- Screen-on Time: 6–7 hours.
- Charging Speed: 10W (not fast by modern standards, but acceptable at launch).
- Port: Uses a microUSB 2.0 port instead of USB Type-C.
Although the phone does not support fast charging, the efficient Helio P35 chipset ensures low power consumption, extending battery life.
Security and Software
- Fingerprint Scanner: Rear-mounted, fast and accurate.
- Face Unlock: Quick but less secure compared to fingerprint.
- Operating System: Ships with Android 9 (Pie) with ColorOS 6.1.
Even though the Oppo A8 is several generations old, it still receives occasional software patches, but not the latest Android versions.
Oppo A8 Price in Different Markets.
| Region | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 |
| India | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 |
| USA | $120 – $150 |
| UK | £100 – £120 |
| Europe | €110 – €130 |
Oppo A8 vs Competitors
| Feature | Oppo A8 | Redmi 9A | Samsung Galaxy A10s | Realme C3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5” HD+ | 6.53” HD+ | 6.2” HD+ | 6.5” HD+ |
| Processor | Helio P35 | Helio G25 | Helio P22 | Helio G70 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB + 128GB | 2/3GB + 32GB | 2GB + 32GB | 3/4GB + 64GB |
| Battery | 4,230mAh | 5,000mAh | 4,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 2MP + 2MP | 13MP | 13MP + 2MP | 12MP + 2MP |
| Price (Nigeria) | ₦75k–₦95k | ₦60k–₦75k | ₦65k–₦80k | ₦70k–₦90k |
Pros and Cons of Oppo A8
Pros:
- Large 128GB internal storage.
- Decent triple camera setup.
- Reliable 4,230mAh battery.
- Stylish design and lightweight build.
- Affordable price point in 2025.
Cons:
Limited software support.
No fast charging.
Low-resolution HD+ display.
Outdated microUSB charging port.
Not ideal for heavy gaming.
User Reviews
Positive Feedback
- “For the price, Oppo A8 gives excellent storage and decent battery life.” – Chinedu, Lagos.
- “Stylish design and smooth for my daily apps.” – Ayesha, Mumbai.
Negative Feedback
“I wish the display was Full HD.” – Sarah, New York.
“The charging is too slow compared to modern phones.” – James, London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Oppo A8 support fast charging?
No, it only supports 10W charging.
Can I expand the storage?
Yes, it supports microSD cards up to 256GB.
Is Oppo A8 good for gaming?
It can handle casual games but struggles with heavy games like PUBG on high settings.
What is the Oppo A8 price in Nigeria in 2025?
Between ₦75,000 – ₦95,000 depending on the seller.
Does the Oppo A8 support 5G?
No, it only supports 4G LTE.
Conclusion
Oppo A8 is an excellent budget-friendly smartphone that still holds relevance in 2025 for users looking for a reliable device for basic daily use. With its large storage, decent cameras, and long-lasting battery, it is a practical option for students, light users, and anyone seeking an affordable backup phone.
While it lacks fast charging and modern 5G connectivity, its price point makes it a value-for-money option in today’s budget smartphone market.
