1. Introduction
Oppo A5 – was introduced as a budget-friendly smartphone that offered a good balance of design, performance, and camera features at an affordable price. When it first came out, it attracted a lot of attention for its long battery life and attractive build, despite being positioned in the entry-level to mid-range segment.
In 2025, technology has advanced rapidly, and budget smartphones have evolved to offer features that were once considered premium. This raises a big question — is the Oppo A5 still worth buying now, whether as a main device, a backup phone, or for casual use? This review will look at every aspect of the Oppo A5 to help you decide.
2. Oppo A5 Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into the real-world experience, here’s a quick breakdown of the Oppo A5’s key specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (Snapdragon 450 in most models)
- RAM & Storage: Variants from 3GB to 4GB RAM, and 32GB to 64GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Rear Cameras: Dual or quad camera setup (depending on version), with a main lens around 12MP–13MP
- Front Camera: 8MP selfie shooter
- Battery: 5000mAh capacity, micro-USB charging
- Operating System: Originally shipped with Android-based ColorOS
- These specs were competitive at launch, but how do they compare in 2025? That’s what the rest of the review explores.
3. Design and Build Quality
The Oppo A5 features a glossy back panel and rounded edges, giving it a comfortable feel in the hand. While it’s made mostly of plastic, it still holds up well against scratches and minor drops, making it a durable choice for long-term use.
In 2025, the phone’s bezels may look thicker compared to modern devices, and its teardrop notch design feels dated, but for casual users, it still looks decent. The physical buttons are responsive, and the phone is light enough for comfortable one-handed use. The Oppo A5 might not match the sleek, bezel-less designs of today’s budget smartphones, but it remains a solid, practical build.
4. Display Performance
The Oppo A5 has a 6.5-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution. For everyday use like social media browsing, messaging, and watching YouTube videos, the display still delivers acceptable colors and brightness.
However, in 2025, when many budget smartphones now come with Full HD+ resolution and high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz), the Oppo A5’s screen feels less sharp and smoother. Outdoor visibility is fair but not exceptional, and color reproduction is adequate for casual viewing. If you’re not too focused on ultra-sharp visuals, the Oppo A5’s display still does the job.
5. Performance in 2025
When it launched, the Oppo A5’s Snapdragon processor handled daily tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light gaming without issues. In 2025, it can still run these tasks, but app loading times may be slower due to newer software demands.
Heavy gaming or multitasking with multiple apps can push the phone to its limits, causing occasional lag. For casual users, performance is still acceptable, but if you rely on resource-heavy apps, the Oppo A5 might feel outdated.
6. Camera Quality Review
The Oppo A5’s camera setup was one of its selling points in its release period, especially with its portrait mode and AI scene recognition. In good lighting, the rear camera can still produce decent shots with natural colors.
However, in 2025, low-light performance falls behind newer budget phones, with more noise and less detail. Video recording is serviceable but lacks advanced stabilization. The selfie camera is good enough for video calls and casual photos, though you won’t get the sharpness found in newer phones.
7. Battery Life and Charging Speed
One of the Oppo A5’s biggest strengths has always been its large 5000mAh battery. Even in 2025, if the battery is in good condition or replaced with a new one, you can expect a full day or more of usage.
However, charging speed is slow by today’s standards, especially since it uses a micro-USB port instead of USB-C. Modern budget phones now offer 18W, 33W, or even 67W fast charging, which the Oppo A5 lacks.
8. Software and User Experience
The Oppo A5 originally shipped with ColorOS based on an older version of Android, and by 2025, it no longer receives major OS updates. This means some of the latest Android features won’t be available, and certain apps may require workarounds.
That said, the interface is still clean and user-friendly, and most mainstream apps run fine. There may be minor performance slowdowns with newer versions of apps, but for essential functions like calling, messaging, and browsing, it’s still functional.
9. Price in 2025 and Availability
The Oppo A5 is no longer sold as a new device in most markets, but you can find refurbished or second-hand models online and in local markets. In 2025, the price is significantly lower than it was at launch, making it tempting for those on a tight budget.
However, buyers should check the device’s battery health, storage condition, and whether it’s been refurbished properly before purchasing.
10. Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Affordable in 2025’s second-hand market
- Durable build for daily use
- A large battery still offers good endurance
- Decent camera performance in good lighting
- Expandable storage with microSD
Cons:
- Outdated design compared to newer models
- Slower charging speed
- Limited software updates and security patches
- Average low-light photography
- Not ideal for heavy gaming or demanding apps
11. Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying in 2025?
The Oppo A5 can still serve as a dependable budget smartphone in 2025, especially for light users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality over cutting-edge features. It’s also a good secondary phone for travel or emergencies.
However, if you want modern display quality, faster charging, better cameras, or long-term software support, newer budget smartphones may be a better choice. Ultimately, the Oppo A5 is worth buying only if your expectations match what it offers — a simple, reliable phone at a very low cost.