OPPO A52 Review: A Disappointing Budget Smartphone Experience

The OPPO A52 attempts to attract buyers with a modern punch-hole display and a sizable battery, but its core performance and camera capabilities fall short of expectations for the price point. This device is primarily targeted at offline markets and has surprisingly strong sales despite clear shortcomings.

Design and Display

The A52 sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ TFT IPS LCD panel with a 90.50 percent screen-to-body ratio and a punch-hole cutout for the 16MP selfie camera. Its plastic body carries an "Alaska Sky" inspired finish, giving it a somewhat modern appearance. While the design is comparable to rivals like the Realme 6, the overall feel remains purely plastic.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, an older 11nm chip, the phone struggles with multitasking and gaming. Paired with ColorOS 7.1 on Android 10, the system feels sluggish, especially when running multiple applications. Gaming performance is particularly disappointing, with noticeable lag and touch latency, making titles like PUBG Mobile uncomfortable to play. By contrast, competitors such as the Realme 6 utilize the faster MediaTek Helio G90T and a smoother 90Hz display.

Camera Capabilities

The quad-camera setup includes a 12MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and two 2MP macro and depth sensors. Results across daylight, portraits, selfies, and low-light conditions fail to impress, lagging behind even the Realme 6 in most scenarios. The front camera delivers adequate but unremarkable images for everyday use.

Battery and Audio

A standout feature is the large 5000mAh battery, providing decent endurance for typical use. However, OPPO omits its signature VOOC fast charging technology, limiting the phone to standard 18W charging, which requires around two and a half hours for a full charge. The dual stereo speakers offer decent audio quality, a rarity in this price segment.

Verdict

The OPPO A52 struggles to justify its NPR 29,990 price tag against stronger competitors. Its major assets—a large battery and decent display—are outweighed by a slow processor, mediocre cameras, and lack of fast charging. The phone seems geared toward less tech-savvy buyers in offline stores, raising concerns about predatory pricing strategies in the budget segment. For buyers seeking better value, alternatives like the Realme 6 provide superior performance and display technology at a similar cost.