OPPO R5: In-Depth Review

March 29, 2025

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Written by Johnny

Introduction

The OPPO R5, introduced by the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO in December 2014, made headlines as the world’s thinnest smartphone at that time, measuring just 4.85mm in thickness. Designed for users who prioritize sleek design and portability, the OPPO R5 caters to fashion-forward individuals and tech enthusiasts seeking a device that combines aesthetics with functionality.​

Design & Display

The OPPO R5’s ultra-slim profile is complemented by a metal frame and back, providing a premium feel and sturdy build. Despite its thinness, the device offers a comfortable grip, though the protruding rear camera and absence of a standard headphone jack are notable design compromises.​

Display Specifications:

  • Screen Size: 5.2 inches​
  • Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)​
  • Technology: AMOLED​
  • Pixel Density: 423 ppi​
  • Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3​

The AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 enhances durability, protecting the screen from scratches and minor impacts.​

Performance & Hardware

Under the hood, the OPPO R5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset, featuring an octa-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. Paired with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage (non-expandable), the device handles daily tasks and moderate multitasking efficiently.​

Hardware Specifications:

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, Octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
  • GPU: Adreno 405​
  • RAM: 2 GB​
  • Internal Storage: 16 GB (no microSD card slot)​

Real-World Performance:

  • Multitasking: Smooth handling of everyday applications such as browsing, social media, and media consumption.​
  • Gaming: Capable of running casual games seamlessly; however, high-end games may experience occasional frame drops.​
  • Thermal Management: The device employs Cool Element technology for effective heat dissipation, maintaining a comfortable temperature during extended use.​

Camera & Photography Capabilities

The OPPO R5 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring a Sony IMX214 sensor and an aperture of f/2.0, alongside a 5 MP front camera suitable for selfies and video calls.​

Camera Specifications:

FeatureRear CameraFront Camera
Resolution13 MP5 MP
Aperturef/2.0f/2.0
SensorSony IMX214
Video RecordingUp to 4K1080p

Camera Performance:

  • Daylight Photography: Captures images with good detail and accurate color reproduction.​
  • Low-Light Photography: Performance is average; the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) affects clarity in dim conditions.​
  • Selfies: The 5 MP front camera delivers satisfactory results for social media purposes.​
  • Video Recording: Supports up to 4K resolution; however, the lack of OIS may result in shaky footage if not stabilized externally.​

Battery & Charging

The device houses a 2,000 mAh battery, which, given its slim design, is relatively modest. To compensate, OPPO integrates its proprietary VOOC rapid charging technology, allowing the battery to reach 75% charge in just 30 minutes.​

Battery Performance:

  • Screen-On Time: Approximately 3-4 hours under standard usage.​
  • Charging: Rapid charging mitigates the smaller battery capacity, reducing downtime significantly.​

Software & Special Features

Running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat with OPPO’s custom ColorOS 2.0, the R5 offers a user-friendly interface with various customization options. Notable features include gesture controls and a Super Power Saving Mode, which extends battery life by limiting device functionality to essential apps.​

Special Features:

  • Gesture Controls: Quick access to applications via customizable gestures.​
  • Super Power Saving Mode: Enhances battery longevity by restricting background processes.​

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Ultra-Slim Design: At 4.85mm, it stands out as one of the thinnest smartphones available.​
  • Premium Build Quality: Metal construction offers a high-end feel.​
  • Rapid Charging: VOOC technology significantly reduces charging times.​

Cons:

  • Limited Battery Life: The 2,000 mAh capacity may not suffice for heavy users.​
  • No Expandable Storage: Fixed 16 GB internal storage without microSD support.​
  • Camera Protrusion: The rear camera’s design disrupts the sleek profile.​
  • No Standard Headphone Jack: Requires an adapter for traditional headphones.​

Competitor Comparison

In the ultra-slim smartphone category, the OPPO R5 faced competition from devices like the Gionee Elife S5.1, which measured 5.1mm in thickness.​

Comparison Table:

FeatureOPPO R5Gionee Elife S5.1
Thickness4.85mm5.1mm
Display5.2″ AMOLED Full HD4.8″ AMOLED HD
ProcessorSnapdragon 615Snapdragon

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