The Oppo A74 5G is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced experience with 5G connectivity at an affordable price point. Oppo has been steadily expanding its portfolio, and the A74 5G is positioned as a solid option for users who want future-proof network capabilities without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience to see if it lives up to expectations.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Oppo A74 5G sports a sleek and modern design that aligns with Oppo’s aesthetic philosophy. The phone features a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish that catches the light in subtle ways, giving it a premium look despite its budget-friendly materials. The frame is also made of plastic, but it feels sturdy in hand, with no noticeable flex or creaking. Weighing in at 190 grams and measuring 8.4mm in thickness, it’s not the lightest or thinnest device out there, but it remains comfortable for prolonged use.

The 6.5-inch display dominates the front, with a small punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The bezels are reasonably slim, though the chin is slightly thicker than the sides. On the right side, you’ll find the power button, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner, while the volume rocker sits on the left. The bottom edge houses a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack (a welcome inclusion), and a single speaker. Overall, the design is practical and attractive, though it doesn’t stand out significantly from other mid-range offerings.

Display Quality

The Oppo A74 5G features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the display is vibrant and sharp, with good color reproduction and decent brightness levels for indoor use. Outdoor visibility is acceptable, though direct sunlight can make it a bit harder to read. The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch, making scrolling and animations feel smoother compared to standard 60Hz screens. However, it doesn’t quite match the fluidity of higher-end 120Hz displays.

One minor drawback is the lack of an always-on display feature, which is typically reserved for AMOLED screens. Still, for a mid-range device, the display is more than satisfactory, offering an enjoyable experience for media consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Oppo A74 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset, an entry-level 5G-enabled processor paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). The Snapdragon 480 is a capable chip for its price range, handling day-to-day tasks like social media, web browsing, and light multitasking with ease. However, it does show limitations when pushed with more demanding apps or games. Titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will run, but you’ll need to dial down the graphics settings for a smoother experience.

The phone runs ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11, which offers a feature-rich but somewhat bloated interface. Oppo has included a fair amount of pre-installed apps, some of which can’t be uninstalled. The software is generally smooth, thanks in part to the 90Hz display, but occasional stutters can occur when switching between heavy apps. On the upside, ColorOS provides plenty of customization options, from theme engines to gesture controls, allowing users to tailor the experience to their liking.

Camera Performance

The Oppo A74 5G comes with a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the primary shooter captures detailed and well-exposed shots with accurate colors. Dynamic range is decent, though HDR processing can sometimes be inconsistent. The ultra-wide lens is useful for capturing larger scenes, but image quality takes a hit, with softer details and noticeable distortion at the edges.

Low-light performance is where the A74 5G struggles. Without a dedicated night mode, photos taken in dimly lit environments tend to be noisy and lack detail. The macro and depth sensors feel more like filler additions than genuinely useful tools, as their image quality is underwhelming. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera does a respectable job in daylight but falters in low light, producing grainy and washed-out images.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the strongest aspects of the Oppo A74 5G is its battery life. The 5000mAh cell easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, and with lighter usage, you can stretch it into a second day. The efficiency of the Snapdragon 480 chipset helps in this regard, as does the 90Hz display’s adaptive refresh rate. However, the included 18W fast charger feels a bit outdated in 2023, taking nearly two hours to fully recharge the device. Given that many competitors in this segment now offer 30W or faster charging, Oppo could have been more competitive here.

Connectivity and Audio

As the name suggests, the Oppo A74 5G supports 5G connectivity, making it somewhat future-proof as networks continue to expand. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC (region-dependent). The single bottom-firing speaker is loud but lacks depth, and the absence of stereo speakers is noticeable when watching videos or playing games. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a plus for those who prefer wired audio.

Final Verdict

The Oppo A74 5G is a competent mid-range smartphone that delivers where it counts: battery life, display quality, and 5G readiness. While it has its shortcomings—such as average low-light camera performance, a plastic build, and sluggish charging—it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a taste of 5G without sacrificing too much on core features. If you can overlook its minor flaws, the A74 5G offers good value for the price.

Oppo A74 5G Full Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm)

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 48MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 16MP

Battery: 5000mAh, 18W fast charging

OS: ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11)

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC (varies by region), 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm

Weight: 190 grams