2021 OPPO A16k Review | 3D Slim Design, Beginner Smartphone
OPPO A16k key specs: · 3D Slim Design · 6.52″ display · HD+ Eye-care Screen · Up to 4+64GB (Expandable) + System Booster · 4230mAh Long-lasting battery · 13MP Main Camera · IPX4 Splash Waterproof · MT6765G Helio G35
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| Photo of OPPO A16k Android smartphone. Released: November 2021 Price: IDR 2,199,000 |
After successfully releasing the OPPO A16e as one of the most affordable options in the A Series, OPPO has again introduced a similar product that is priced slightly higher, but with a number of quite significant improvements, the OPPO A16k. Here is our review of the OPPO A16k product.
As we have conveyed through the OPPO A16 vs A16e vs A16k Feature Duel some time ago, we see that the OPPO A16e and OPPO A16k are two products that emerged to update the OPPO A16 which was present approximately a year earlier. It’s just that both of them lead to two opposing branches.
Where the A16e is present as a more affordable product and can be accessed by more people, while the A16k is present for the higher market that needs a cellphone for more serious needs.
OPPO A16k Full Specifications
| OPPO A16k (CPH2349) Specs | |
|---|---|
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| Color Options | White, Black |
| Sales Package | OPPO A16k cellphone, Silicone case, Charger adapter, Micro-USB data cable, manual book, warranty card, PIN Ejector |
| Dimensions & Weight (mm&grams) | 164 x 75.4 x 7.85 mm/ 175 grams |
| SIM & Network | Dual Nano SIM, 4G LTE/HSPA+/3G/2G, WiFi |
| Operating System (OS) | ColorOS 11.1, based on Android 11 |
| Supported external storage | Yes, MicroSD card up to 1 TB |
| Display | 6.52 inches, ~89.27% screen-to-body ratio, 1600 x 720 pixels, IPS LCD, 60Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor/ CPU | Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm); Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex A53 + 4×2.0 GHz Cortex A53), GPU: PowerVR GE8320 |
| RAM & Internal Storage | 4GB RAM / 64GB ROM |
| Camera (MP/feature) rear/front | Single Rear: 13 MP f/2.2 Main Camera Video: 1080p 30fps, 720p 30fps Front Single: |
| Battery | 4230 mAh Li-po (non-removable) |
OPPO A16k Features
| Removable battery | No | Fingerprint | No |
| Multitouch | Yes | Dual Front Camera | No |
| Dual SIM | Yes | External memory | Yes |
| 3G HSDPA | Yes | Gyroscope | Yes |
| 4G LTE | Yes | Stereo Speaker | No |
| 5G Ready | No | 4K video recording | No |
| NFC | No | Video player | Yes |
| USB On-the-go | Yes | Music player | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | 3.5 Audio Port | Yes |
OPPO A16k Advantages & Disadvantages
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Thin design with a neat 3D curve so it looks luxurious | Still using MicroUSB which is starting to be abandoned |
| 13 MP camera with AI support | No fast charging yet |
| Long-lasting battery | |
| ColorOS 11.1 | |
| Eye protection feature on screen |
Design
Although it is present as an entry-level product, the OPPO A16k is still made thin like an expensive cellphone, so it is comfortable to hold with one hand and also looks sweet with two color choices, black and white.
The surface of the back cover is made with a smooth texture. With a layer like transparent glass with solid coloring with a little gradation in it. Looks like white marbles. However, this design does not make it feel slippery when held. Moreover, OPPO has also provided a transparent silicone casing that is ready to be used to help protect the cellphone from unwanted scratches or impacts.
The camera area will remind us of the OPPO A16e product. Where there are 2 circles, one contains the camera lens while the other one below is just a circle with the writing AI. Meanwhile, on the right side there is the writing AI Camera and flash light.
In terms of the appearance of the back cover and the overall design, the two OPPO A16 2022 products do look similar. This is evident from the decision to use a microUSB port and the placement of the 3.5 mm audio jack and speaker cone on the same side.
In general, because it looks slim and thin with luxurious coloring, the OPPO A16k is still suitable for use as a daily driver for those who prioritize appearance. #OPPO A16k Review
Screen
The OPPO A16k displays a screen with a span of 6.52 inches. This is the standard screen size for OPPO’s lower middle class. Wide enough, making it easy for users to read the writing that appears on the screen, and not too wide even though the resolution displayed is still HD+ aka 720 x 1200 pixels.
Carrying an LCD panel, this screen has a brightness of 480 nits with a standard cellphone refresh rate, 60Hz. Everything looks standard. But it’s not just there. This can be seen from OPPO’s seriousness in protecting this screen with Corning Gorilla Glass version 3.
Another thing that might remind us of the OPPO A16e on the screen is how OPPO has returned to using bangs to accommodate the front camera. Placed in such a way under the earpiece so that it doesn’t look too space-consuming.
UI and Software
OPPO A16k carries the ColorOS 11.1 custom software system based on Android 11. It’s understandable, considering that the OPPO A16k carries a fairly old chipset. So that the performance of the cellphone can be optimal considering that the hardware requirements in ColorOS 11.1 are still relatively undemanding.
As we often write when reviewing products with ColorOS, we always say that the advantages of ColorOS certainly start from its simple and straight forward appearance. No fuss. Then the supporting features that are present, adjust to the needs of the user class of the series carried.
Maybe in the A16k we don’t find RAM expansion like in the higher class, but in the A16k a screen feature related to eye health has been installed. Two things that may be needed by two different classes of users.
Game Space for example, is still present even though the OPPO A16k is not a product prepared for hardcore gaming. At least, because its branching with the OPPO A16e is so clear, where the OPPO 16k that we reviewed is more about performance while the 16e is more about productivity for example, then this is suitable.
Then there is still the Phone manager feature, complete with a file scanning feature to optimize internal memory, there is also still a power saving mode and super power saving mode which are part of battery management. This feature can be used when the cellphone is in a condition where the battery capacity is almost empty, but we don’t find a plug to recharge it.
Chipset and Hardware
Strengthened with Mediatek Helio G35, indicating that OPPO A16k is a variant of OPPO A16 renewal that is more aimed at flexibility and performance stability. Although admittedly not the best for supporting games, compared to Helio P22 which is paired with OPPO A16e with 3GB RAM, the acceleration of the Helio G35 chipset in OPPO A16k 4GB RAM feels like an improvement.
This means that for gaming, Helio G35 is still better than P22. As far as the difference is concerned, we cannot simply compare the type of chipset. Because there are other factors, such as the size of RAM and internal memory as well.
Helio G35 carries a CPU with 8 Cortex A53 cores, with two clusters. Where the first cluster consists of 4 cores that have a speed of 2.3 GHz, while the other cluster contains 4 cores that are set to run at 1.8 GHz. As a graphics processor, there is a PowerVR GE8320 GPU which of course we already understand its capabilities, by carrying 2 computer units in a frequency of 680 MHz which is capable of supporting graphic displays up to FHD +.
From our review of the performance of the OPPO A16k, and the results of synthetic benchmarks, the performance of this cellphone is quite competitive. However, one thing we can say is, over time of use, we may find some things related to system responsiveness. Especially in multitasking, when opening an application when many applications are already open, for example. So make sure to check the open applications so that they remain smooth.
The size of 4GB RAM is one of the keys to the comfort of this cellphone in our opinion. With this much RAM, performance degradation related to system responsiveness could possibly occur if we really open many active windows.
Meanwhile, for battery capacity, the OPPO A16k is reinforced with a 4230 mAh battery. The capacity that OPPO used to be very often used on mid-range to high-end phones, related to its VOOC technology. But unfortunately, this charging technology is not present in the OPPO A16k, even though the battery capacity is already VOOC standard.
Does this mean that the battery used by the OPPO A16k is a dual-cell battery that will provide better durability with faster charging times than a single-cell battery? We don’t know for sure yet. But the point is, the combination of the chipset, OS, and battery itself provides a long enough time for us to do activities in one charging period on the phone.
Camera
Unlike the OPPO A16 which carries 3 main cameras, the OPPO A16k is more similar to the OPPO A16e which carries only one camera in this rear camera line. Namely a camera with a resolution of 13 MP with an aperture of f / 2.2. Being alone at the back often made us skeptical at first. But apparently we were wrong.
This camera can actually produce good photos. Not only in bright conditions, or when it’s cloudy during the day. But it can also speak volumes when used to capture moments in the afternoon or even the sparkling lights and dimness of the city at night.
Meanwhile, for videography needs, this camera can also still produce videos with a resolution of 1080p at a frame rate of 30fps. Same as the front camera’s capabilities too. Although the front camera of this phone only has a resolution of 5MP with an aperture of f/2.4.
Conclusion
If we may make an analogy, the OPPO A16 2021 has undergone a branching evolution this year. One evolutionary product is visiting the lowest class by sacrificing RAM size by carrying the Helio P22 chipset, while the other is the OPPO A16k which we are reviewing this time.
It is an evolutionary product that leads to a positive vector, carrying the same chipset as the previous product, namely the Helio G35 and 4GB of RAM which makes it able to accelerate better in its class.