OPPO Reno 11F Review: Unveiling the feature-rich mid-range top contender

Coming from years of experience with various smartphones, I recently took the OPPO Reno 11F for a spin.

Having used countless phones over the years, I've become adept at navigating the ever-crowded mid-range market.

The OPPO Reno 11F piqued my interest - it promised a compelling feature set at an attractive price point.

After putting it through its paces, here's my verdict based on a comprehensive breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide whether it lives up to the hype.

Endurance Champion: Let's start with the highlight - the battery life.

The Reno 11F has a massive 5000mAh battery, which, coupled with the efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, translates to phenomenal stamina.

Unlike many phones that require a midday top-up, I consistently reached the end of the day with juice to spare, even with heavy usage. On lighter days, a second day on a single charge was achievable.

This phone is a dream for those who are tired of scrambling for a charger.

Plus, 67W fast charging ensures you're not tethered to a wall for long.

Sleek Design and Build Quality: The OPPO Reno 11F boasts a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and premium build materials.

The phone feels comfortable in hand and exudes a premium vibe, which is impressive for its price range. The gradient back finish adds a touch of elegance, making it stand out visually.

A Feast for the Eyes: The phone's 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a true pleasure to use.

Whether you're binge-watching your favourite shows or browsing social media, the visuals are sharp, vivid, and come alive with rich colours.

The smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes for a buttery-smooth user experience, especially during fast-paced gaming sessions or scrolling through long web pages.

Camera Chronicles: Daytime Delight, Nighttime Blues The triple-camera system on the back (64MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro) captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

They are detailed enough for social media sharing and everyday use.

The 32MP selfie camera is another highlight, delivering good quality for video calls and selfies.

However, low-light performance is a chink in the armour.

Photos taken in dimly lit environments suffer from noise and lack detail. If you frequently take photos or videos at night, this might be a dealbreaker.

Performance: Adept but Not a Powerhouse The Dimensity 7050 processor handles everyday tasks with ease, like browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps.

However, during more demanding games or multitasking with heavy applications, the phone can exhibit occasional stutters.

It's a capable mid-range performer, but don't expect it to compete with high-end flagships in terms of raw processing power.

If you're a casual user or prioritize battery life over processing speed, the Reno 11F will likely suffice.

Software: OPPO's ColorOS 12, based on Android 12, is feature-rich and intuitive. It offers a customizable user interface, a plethora of useful features, and smooth animations.

Regular updates keep the system secure and add new functionalities over time.

Rounding It Up: Storage, Security, and Durability The phone comes with a generous 8GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking, and 256GB of storage, offering ample space for most users' apps, photos, and videos.

The under-display fingerprint sensor is a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.

Additionally, the Reno 11F boasts IP65 dust and water resistance, a feature not always seen in this price range.

This provides peace of mind in case of accidental spills or unexpected dusty environments.

The Verdict: A Stamina Champ with Trade-offs

The OPPO Reno 11F shines with its incredible battery life, beautiful display, and decent camera system (in good lighting).

It's a great option for users who prioritize long battery life for extended use throughout the day and a gorgeous display for immersive entertainment.

Limited Availability of High Refresh Rate: The display, though vibrant and sharp, does not support a high refresh rate, which is a feature gaining popularity for its smoother scrolling and gaming benefits.

Competitors in the same price bracket often offer higher refresh rates, making this a potential downside for gamers.

Lack of Stereo Speakers: The Reno 11F comes with a single bottom-firing speaker, which is decent but not exceptional.

Stereo speakers would have provided a more immersive audio experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming.

However, if you're a power user who craves top-of-the-line processing power for demanding games or low-light photography is a priority, you might want to explore other options.

No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium design and features, the RENO 11F lacks support for wireless charging, which has become a standard feature in many flagship smartphones.

Users accustomed to the convenience of wireless charging may find this omission disappointing.

Conclusion

The OPPO Reno 11F is a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a premium design, vibrant display, and versatile camera system at a mid-range price point.

Its performance, battery life, and user-friendly software make it a solid daily driver. However, the lack of wireless charging, average low-light camera performance, and the absence of a high refresh rate display are areas where it falls short.

For seasoned users, these trade-offs might be significant depending on individual preferences and needs.

Overall, the Reno 11F is a stylish and capable device that offers good value for its price, appealing to a broad audience looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing smartphone.

By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision on whether this phone aligns with your smartphone needs.