Introduction
Oppo A5 – is a budget-friendly smartphone that has been appreciated for its reliable performance, decent camera quality, and excellent battery life. While most users are familiar with its basic functions like calling, texting, and browsing, several lesser-known features can enhance your experience. Many owners never fully explore the phone’s settings, meaning they miss out on handy tools and shortcuts that the Oppo A5 already offers.
This article uncovers 10 hidden Oppo A5 features that can make your phone more powerful, efficient, and personalized.
1. Smart Sidebar for Quick Access
One of the most convenient hidden features in the Oppo A5 is the Smart Sidebar. This tool acts as a floating panel that you can access from any screen, allowing you to quickly open apps, take screenshots, or start screen recording without leaving your current activity1
To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Convenience Tools > Smart Sidebar.
- Toggle it on and customize the apps or tools you want quick access to.
- This is especially useful for multitasking — for example, you can open your messaging app while watching a video without going back to the home screen.
2. App Cloner for Dual Accounts
The Oppo A5 supports App Cloner, a feature that lets you run two instances of the same app. This is perfect if you want separate accounts for work and personal life, such as having two WhatsApp or Facebook accounts on the same phone.
To activate:
- Go to Settings > App Cloner.
- Select the app you want to duplicate.
- This eliminates the need for a second phone just to manage different accounts.
3. Screen Recording with System Audio
The Oppo A5 includes a built-in screen recorder that allows you to capture everything happening on your display, including system audio. This is handy for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or saving video calls.
How to use:
- Swipe down to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap Screen Recording and choose whether to record with internal audio, microphone, or both.
4. Gesture & Motion Controls
The Oppo A5 offers multiple gesture and motion controls that make navigation faster and more intuitive. Examples include:
- Three-finger screenshot – Swipe three fingers down to capture your screen instantly.
- Double-tap to wake – Quickly wake your phone without pressing the power button.
- Gesture navigation – Swipe-based navigation instead of traditional buttons.
- These controls not only save time but also make one-handed use more practical.
5. Private Safe for Securing Files
If you store sensitive information on your Oppo A5, the Private Safe feature is a must-use. It creates a secure folder where you can store photos, videos, documents, and other files that are locked with a password, PIN, or fingerprint.
To activate:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Private Safe.
- Set up a password or fingerprint lock.
- This ensures your important data stays hidden from anyone who uses your phone.
6. Assistive Ball for Easy Navigation
The Assistive Ball is a small floating button that provides quick access to navigation controls and shortcuts. It’s especially useful if your hardware buttons are damaged or if you prefer one-handed navigation.
You can customize it to perform actions like going back, opening recent apps, or locking the screen.
To enable:
- Go to Settings > Convenience Tools > Assistive Ball.
- Choose your preferred gestures and shortcuts.
7. Split Screen for Multitasking
The Oppo A5 supports split-screen mode, which allows you to run two apps side by side. This is perfect for situations like watching a YouTube video while replying to messages or browsing the web while taking notes.
How to use:
- Open the first app.
- Swipe up with three fingers or use the Recent Apps menu and select Split Screen.
8. Battery O–ptimization Modes
Battery life is one of the Oppo A5’s strengths, but you can make it last even longer using its Power Saving and Super Power Saving modes.
- Power Saving Mode limits background activity and reduces brightness.
- Super Power Saving Mode allows only essential apps to run, extending usage for hours with minimal battery.
- To access:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Choose the mode that suits your situation.
9. Customizable Themes & Fonts
The Oppo A5 comes with a Theme Store where you can personalize your phone’s appearance. You can change wallpapers, icon styles, and even system fonts to give your device a fresh look.
To explore:
- Open the Theme Store app.
- Browse and apply free or paid themes and fonts.
10. Real-Time Translation & Smart Text Recognition
Using the Smart Scanner feature in the Oppo A5, you can capture text from images and instantly translate it. This is especially useful when traveling or reading documents in another language.
To use:
- Open the Camera app.
- Switch to Text Scanner mode.
- Point at the text and capture it for recognition or translation.
Bonus Tip – System App Hider
The Oppo A5 allows you to hide unused apps without uninstalling them. This helps keep your home screen clean and focus only on the apps you use.
To hide apps:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock & Hide Apps.
Conclusion
The Oppo A5 may be a budget smartphone, but it offers a range of hidden features that can make your experience faster, safer, and more enjoyable. By exploring tools like Smart Sidebar, Private Safe, and Split Screen, you can unlock the full potential of your device without installing third-party apps.
If you already own an Oppo A5, spend a few minutes exploring these settings — you might be surprised at how much more your phone can do.