Oppo has officially launched its latest budget smartphone, the A60, but the device comes with some perplexing design choices that may leave tech enthusiasts scratching their heads.
Key Specifications:
- 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD display (1604 x 720 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor (4G)
- 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage options
- Dual rear camera: 50MP main + 2MP secondary
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging
- Android 14 with ColorOS 14.0.1
Design Takes Center Stage
The A60 impresses with its aesthetics, featuring a sleek 7.68mm thick body and a stylish camera island. Oppo offers two eye-catching color options:
- Ripple Blue: Featuring a shimmering, wave-like pattern created using Oppo's Magnetic Particle Design
- Midnight Purple: Elegant with a premium frosted glass finish
Both variants boast fingerprint-resistant coatings to maintain their pristine look.
Puzzling Performance Choices
While the A60's design turns heads, its internals raise questions. Oppo has opted for the Snapdragon 680, a chipset introduced in 2021. This decision is particularly baffling considering the A60's predecessor, the A59 5G, came equipped with a more capable 5G-enabled MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor.
The downgrade to 4G connectivity in an era where 5G is becoming increasingly prevalent is a notable step backward. However, Oppo attempts to compensate by offering generous RAM configurations of 8GB across all models.
Display: Brightness Over Resolution
The 6.67-inch display features a disappointing 720p resolution, which is underwhelming for a phone in this price range. Oppo partially makes up for this with a 90Hz refresh rate and an impressive 950 nits of peak brightness, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
Camera System Targets Vloggers
While the dual-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP secondary) is fairly standard for the budget segment, Oppo includes a unique feature aimed at content creators. The A60 allows simultaneous recording from both front and rear cameras, catering to aspiring vloggers looking to capture multiple angles.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,000 mAh battery should provide ample power for all-day use. Oppo's inclusion of 45W fast charging is a standout feature, promising to charge the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Pricing and Availability
The Oppo A60 is currently available in Vietnam, with pricing as follows:
- 128GB model: $215 / €200
- 256GB model: $255 / €240
Global availability is expected to expand in the coming weeks, though prices may vary by region.
The Verdict
The Oppo A60 presents a mixed bag of features. While its attractive design, vlogging-friendly camera features, and fast charging capabilities are commendable, the older processor and lack of 5G support are significant drawbacks. Potential buyers will need to weigh these tradeoffs carefully against the device's competitive pricing.
