The Oppo A35 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced experience for users who prioritize affordability without sacrificing essential features. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it holds its own in the entry-level segment, offering a decent display, reliable performance, and a capable camera setup for everyday use. Let’s dive deeper into what this device has to offer.

Design and Build Quality

The Oppo A35 sports a sleek and minimalist design, with a plastic back and frame that keeps the weight down to a comfortable 177 grams. The glossy finish gives it a premium look, though it’s prone to fingerprints. The device feels sturdy in hand, and its 6.52-inch display dominates the front, with a small waterdrop notch housing the front camera. The rear camera module is neatly arranged in the top-left corner, maintaining a clean aesthetic. While it lacks an official IP rating, the build quality should withstand daily wear and tear without issues.

Display

The phone features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While this isn’t the sharpest panel on the market, it’s adequate for media consumption and casual browsing. Colors are decently vibrant, and brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use, though outdoor visibility could be better under direct sunlight. The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this price range, and while higher refresh rates are becoming more common even in budget devices, the A35’s display gets the job done without any major complaints.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Oppo A35 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. This configuration handles basic tasks like social media, light gaming, and multitasking reasonably well, though heavy apps or intense gaming may cause some lag. The device runs ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 10, which offers a smooth and customizable user experience. Oppo’s software includes useful features like Dark Mode, Game Space, and a system-wide optimizations for better battery life.

Camera Performance

The Oppo A35 features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures decent photos in good lighting, with accurate colors and acceptable detail. Low-light performance is predictably weaker, with noticeable noise and softer details. The macro and depth sensors are functional but don’t add significant value. On the front, the 8MP selfie camera does a fair job for video calls and casual selfies, though dynamic range is limited. The camera app includes modes like Night, Portrait, and AI Beautification, adding some versatility.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Oppo A35 is its 4230mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate usage. With light tasks like browsing and messaging, it can stretch into a second day. Unfortunately, the device only supports 10W charging, which feels slow compared to competitors offering 18W or higher. A full charge takes over two hours, so overnight charging is recommended.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones, which will please users who prefer wired audio. The single bottom-firing speaker is loud enough for personal use but lacks depth and clarity at higher volumes. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a micro-USB port (a downside in an era of USB-C). It also supports dual SIM functionality, which is handy for travelers or users managing separate work and personal numbers.

Final Verdict

The Oppo A35 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks. Its strengths include a long-lasting battery, a decent display, and a functional camera system. However, the slow charging, aging micro-USB port, and modest performance may deter power users. If you’re looking for an affordable device that covers the basics without unnecessary frills, the A35 is worth considering.

Oppo A35 Full Specifications:

General:

- Dimensions: 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm

- Weight: 177 grams

- Build: Plastic back and frame

- Colors: Glowing Black, Ice Crystal Blue

Display:

- Type: IPS LCD, 60Hz

- Size: 6.52 inches

- Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+)

- Aspect Ratio: 20:9

Performance:

- Chipset: MediaTek Helio P35

- CPU: Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)

- GPU: PowerVR GE8320

- RAM: 4GB

- Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD (up to 256GB)

Camera:

- Rear: 13MP (wide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth)

- Front: 8MP (wide)

- Video: 1080p@30fps (rear and front)

Battery:

- Capacity: 4230mAh

- Charging: 10W wired

Connectivity:

- Network: 4G LTE

- Ports: micro-USB, 3.5mm headphone jack

- Bluetooth: 5.0

- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Software:

- OS: ColorOS 11.1 (based on Android 10)