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This is an archive article published on January 14, 2024

Oppo Reno 11 Pro review: Style over substance, yet a decent mid-ranger

Oppo Reno 11 Pro is a well-rounded device with a pro-grade and versatile camera setup.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Rs. 39,999
Oppo Reno 11 ProThe Pearl White variant of the Oppo Reno 11 Pro (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

Oppo has made a name for itself with its Reno series, thanks to the focus on cameras and design. While they may not be considered premium, Oppo Reno devices can easily be categorized as upper mid-range. Oppo recently unveiled the Reno 11 Pro, and I had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the device. From first impressions to the aspects that impressed me, here is my review of the latest Oppo Reno 11 Pro.

Design

For review, I got the Pearl White variant in 12GB and 256GB storage. The first thing that caught my attention after unboxing the device was the stylishly tapered design, and the shimming curved glass back. With its 7.6mm thickness, the device felt sleek and offered a comfortable lightweight grip. I must note that I am not a fan of large-screen smartphones. The smallest I can comfortably manage is a 6.1-inch device, which, to me, feels portable and handy. However, the 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED display turned out to be stunning and I was in for more surprises as the days passed.

Display

With smartphones doubling as portable theatres, I have a preference for vibrant displays that bring out gritty blacks, accentuating the drama. I found the 6.7-inch AMOLED to be a gorgeous centrepiece that not only provides an expansive viewing but also a bezel-less feel. The screen refresh rate effortlessly switches between 60Hz and 120Hz allowing fluid scrolling and transitions across apps. An avid Twitter user, I found the adaptive refresh rate greatly useful.

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The display also supports over 1 billion colours and has up to 950 nits of peak brightness. This is useful for those who work outdoors most of the time. OTT streaming comes to life with the HDR10+ support which allows the colours to pop. Be it gaming, watching movies, or simply going about your daily activities, the Reno 11 Pro display is immersive. I particularly enjoyed reading about the display that offered a strain-free experience even during nighttime.

Camera

The camera module is clearly the biggest USP of this OPPO device. In my experience, the pro-grade cameras are highly versatile and are capable of producing images that are equal to those shot on professional DSLRs. When it comes to photography, I consider myself amature and mostly rely on the appendages of smartphone cameras to flaunt my creativity. The 50MP Sony IMX 890 camera aptly handles landscapes and portraits and this it does even in low light conditions.

On the other hand, the dedicated 32MP Sony IMX 709 telephoto lens adds a professional touch to portrait photography. One can further enhance their portraits with features like Portrait Expert Engine and bring out some artistic images. I also found the 4K selfie camera, which is a 32 MP Sony IMX709, to be a handy vlogging apparatus saving you the pains of carrying additional equipment. Of course, it’s not professional photography, yet the 4K videos at 30fps appear crisp.

Camera samples:

Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express) Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample Oppo Reno 11 Pro camera sample (Image credit: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

Performance

While the Oppo Reno boasts a catchy exterior and a stunning display, the question is, is it equally a good performer? The device is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8200 chipset and 12GB RAM. In my two weeks, worth of usage, I saw the device glide through intensive loads without any stutter. The phone is capable of multitasking quite efficiently. The device proves to be a delight for gamers as Oppo’s enhancements and the large 4600mAh battery keep you powered up through intense gaming sessions.

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On the software front, we get Oppo’s latest ColorOS 14 interface on top of Android 14. Some of the nifty tools like File Dock, Smart Touch, and Smart Image Matting are great additions. I also feel it is one of the best customisations ever found on Android devices in this range. When it comes to charging, the Reno 11 Pro ships with an 80W SUPERVOOC charger, and it claims to fully charge in just 28 minutes. I have had many charging sessions, and true to the claim the device fully charges in well under 30 minutes.

Geekbench 6 GPU results for the device showed a single-core score of 1131, which indicates moderate performance for basic graphics tasks. The multi-core score of 3498 suggests better potential for graphics-intensive applications. On the other hand, the AnTuTu score of 912339 falls within the mid-range, implying decent performance for daily tasks and gaming. (Benchmark scores should be considered along with user reviews and real-world testing for a comprehensive understanding.) In short, the Oppo Reno Pro is capable of multitasking through your daily activities like a breeze. Playing BGMI or Asphalt 9 offers a lag-free enjoyable experience.

Should you buy the Oppo Reno 11 Pro?

After spending two weeks with the device, I conclude that the Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G, priced at Rs 39,999, stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded device. My only issue has been the Mediatek 8200 chipset which was launched in 2022. At a time when Poco X6 Pro ships with the superior Dimensity 8300 Ultra which offers a performance at par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Reno 11 Pro which is far higher priced dampens in essence. In a similar price range, one could consider the OnePlus 11R, which comes with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 mobile.

However, what I liked about the device includes its gorgeous display, versatile camera system, and smooth all-around performance. The Reno11 Pro excels as both a productivity and a creative multitasking tool. For style, photography enthusiasts, and general power users alike, the Reno 11 Pro comes as a decent choice.

Bijin Jose, an Assistant Editor at Indian Express Online in New Delhi, is a technology journalist with a portfolio spanning various prestigious publications. Starting as a citizen journalist with The Times of India in 2013, he transitioned through roles at India Today Digital and The Economic Times, before finding his niche at The Indian Express. With a BA in English from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and an MA in English Literature, Bijin's expertise extends from crime reporting to cultural features. With a keen interest in closely covering developments in artificial intelligence, Bijin provides nuanced perspectives on its implications for society and beyond. ... Read More

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