Short of introducing another sub-brand (hint: Realme), OPPO has conjured another series of devices–Reno. Identified by its signature shark-fin pop-up camera, Reno is the evolution of the mid-range R series and if you’ve been following updates from the China launch, there are three variants–the regular OPPO Reno, OPPO Reno 10x Zoom and OPPO Reno 10x Zoom 5G. Malaysia gets the regular Reno today, with the much-touted 10x Zoom model coming on 27 May.
Right off the bat, the Reno resembles the Find X from the front–the stunning 6.4-inch notchless Panoramic OLED screen pushes Full HD+ resolution (1080×2340) and boasts an impressive 93.1 percent screen-to-body ratio. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio display is protected by sixth generation Gorilla Glass and also integrates an in-display fingerprint scanner.
On the flipside, the Reno looks like a hybrid of the Sony Xperia XZ and a Find X, with a vertical dual-camera array and a centralised coloured band emblazoned with the OPPO logo. Available in iridescent Ocean Green and Jet Black colour options, the Reno measures 9mm in thickness and weighs in at around 185g. Not the lightest nor thinnest phone around but it feels good and solid in the hand.
You’ll notice an O-Dot ring that protrudes on the back; OPPO says this is made of ceramic and is designed to give extra protection to the device when it is laid flat.
What makes the Reno series unique is the shark-fin pop-up camera that OPPO coins “Pivot Rising Camera.” Instead of a sliding mechanism ala Find X, or a vertical pop-up like the vivo NEX, Reno’s rendition is a pop-up but at an 11-degree angle. Unique, but ultimately odd.
If you’re worried about the durability of the pop-up mechanism, rest assured it’s good for at least 200,000 activations. That’s continuous use for over 27 years. Imagine the amount of selfies.
The pivot rising structure houses the 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera. On the back, the dual-camera system consists of a 48MP Sony IMX586 1/2-inch sensor coupled with an f/1.7 aperture lens as the primary shooter; and a 5MP secondary camera (depth). The camera system includes dual OIS and can support 4K video shooting at 60fps. There’s an improved Ultra Night Mode 2.0 and Dazzle Color Mode, as well as Artistic Portrait Mode.
If zooming is your thing, you might want to hold back for the 10x Zoom variant coming on 27 May 2019.
Powering the Reno is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset mated to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. There’s no microSD expansion but you do get a dual-nano-SIM tray.
There’s a reasonably large 3,765mAh battery that charges via USB-C and if you find the device running low on juice, you can rapidly charge it up with VOOC 3.0 Flash Charge.
The phone also comes with Hyper Boost 2.0, ColorOS’ system level optimisation that covers Game Boost, System Boost and App Boost.
The device runs the latest ColorOS 6.0 out-of-the-box which is based on Android 9 Pie.
Pricing and availability
The OPPO Reno retails for MYR1,999 and will open for pre-orders starting tomorrow 17 May 2019 until 27 May 2019. Pre-orders can be made at OPPO Concept Stores, OPPO official dealers, online at the OPPO Online Store, e-commerce partners namely Lazada Malaysia and Shopee.
Pre-orders can be collected from 28 May 2019 onwards. Customers stand to receive free gifts worth up to MYR437 (battery casing worth MYR119; extended one-year warranty and screen protection worth MYR119 each).
