Oppo A79 5G review
Best for light daily users who prioritize a big screen and all-day battery over charging speed or camera muscle. Skip it if you shoot video regularly, game often, or expect flagship-style charging at a budget price.
This review is based on Oppo’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Oppo A79 5G, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
A 193g daily driver with a tall 6.72-inch screen and a 5000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of normal use. The Dimensity 6020 handles everyday apps without strain, but the 8MP selfie, 1080p-only video, and 33W charging lag behind what rivals offer at this price in 2023.
Design & build
At 193g and 8mm thick, the A79 is refreshingly light and pocketable, a practical edge over heavier rivals. The frame feels sturdy enough for daily knocks, and IPX4 splash resistance means you can use it near water without paranoia. Dual Nano-SIM and a microSD slot preserve flexibility that many rivals have ditched. The design is straightforward and unremarkable—no premium materials or flair—but that also means no surprises. For a budget phone, this is honest work.
Display
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD is genuinely tall, with a 20:9 ratio that rewards reading and scrolling without constant zoom. The 1080×2400 resolution yields 392 ppi, which keeps text sharp in normal indoor and outdoor light. 90Hz refresh is standard at this price now, and it does its job smoothly without stutters when moving between apps or feeds. Peak brightness is listed as 680 nits, which sounds respectable, but the spec sheet does not detail outdoor sunlight performance—a red flag for budget phones, which often struggle in glare. For a screen-focused buyer on a budget, this is solid; for someone who uses their phone in bright sun regularly, you should test this in the shop.
Performance
The Dimensity 6020 is a mainstream midrange chip, not a gaming engine. It handles messaging, social media, light browsing, and everyday tasks without hesitation or lag. Streaming video, photo editing, and typical work-from-phone flows are all painless. Gaming is possible but not pleasant; even mid-tier games will struggle at high frame rates, and demanding titles will force you to dial back graphics to playable levels. This is the chipset tier where you get stability, not fireworks. For a phone at this price, it matches expectations: capable enough to not annoy you, but not ambitious.
Software
ColorOS 15 over Android 13 (upgradable to Android 15) is clean and responsive. Oppo's skin adds useful shortcuts and customizations without the bloat of older overlays. The fact that this 2023 phone can reach Android 15 means two full OS upgrades are promised, a solid commitment for budget buyers. Security patches and ColorOS updates have historically rolled out reasonably promptly on Oppo's midrange line. Nothing flashy, but reliable.
Camera
The 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF sounds decent on paper, but real-world output depends heavily on the tuning. At this price, most rivals at least match it, and many exceed it. The 1080p-only video capture is now a gap at this price tier; competitors commonly offer 4K, and it marks the A79 as slightly outdated even for 2023. The 8MP selfie is blunt—adequate for video calls, weak for any vain reason. For a phone targeting budget buyers, the camera module feels like a place where Oppo saved money rather than competed.
Battery & charging
The 5000mAh battery is a true strength. Expect a full day of normal use without panic or a charger hunt, and two days if you are frugal with video. This is the main reason to consider the A79 over smaller rivals. However, the 33W SuperVOOC charging is where Oppo fell short for 2023. Rivals at or near this price were already hitting 65W to 100W by late 2023, cutting charge time in half or more. A full recharge from zero on 33W takes time, which blunts the otherwise impressive battery stamina for power users or travel scenarios.
Value & verdict
At around 230 EUR, the A79 occupies a tricky space. It delivers solid daily battery life, a useful tall screen, and the lightweight feel of a phone you actually want to carry. But it also sits in a price range where rivals often threw in 65W charging, 4K video, or a tighter 50MP setup. The 8MP selfie and 1080p-only video look dated for late 2023, and if you have a tight budget, those compromises might frustrate. The Dimensity 6020 is not slow, but it is also not going to impress anyone hunting for performance value. This phone suits someone who values battery life and screen real estate over raw speed or camera prowess, and who is not going to upload videos shot on this phone.
Verdict
Best for light daily users who prioritize a big screen and all-day battery over charging speed or camera muscle. Skip it if you shoot video regularly, game often, or expect flagship-style charging at a budget price.
- 5000mAh battery delivers a full day comfortably on light-to-moderate use, with charge to spare
- Large 6.72-inch display with 90Hz refresh and decent 392 ppi sharpness makes scrolling and reading smooth
- Slim 8mm build and 193g weight feel light in hand, with dual SIM and microSD expansion for flexibility
- IPX4 splash resistance adds peace of mind without bulk
- 33W charging is modest by 2023 standards; rivals at this price often hit 65W or higher
- 8MP selfie camera is underwhelming for a phone at this price point
- 1080p video only, even for the main camera; 4K has become standard in this tier
Oppo A79 5G Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2023, October 27 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | SuperVOOC |
| Software | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, ColorOS 15 |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Durability | IPX4 splash resistant |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Oppo A79 5G FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the A79 5G support 5G?
Yes. The A79 5G supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the A79 5G use?
The A79 5G runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm).
What display does the A79 5G have?
A 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak), 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density).
How big is the A79 5G battery?
The A79 5G has a 5000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at SuperVOOC.
Does the A79 5G have NFC?
No, the A79 5G does not list NFC support.
Is the A79 5G water resistant?
The A79 5G carries a IPX4 splash resistant rating.
Does the A79 5G support a microSD card?
Yes, the A79 5G supports expandable storage (microSDXC).
Alternatives to consider
If the A79 5G isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
A78 4G
A3 5G
A80 5G
A3 Pro 5G
Galaxy A06
