2022 OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Review | Boxy Design, Brings Dual Orbit Light
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G is an interesting choice with several advantages resulting from the combination of hardware, software and the use of AI.
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G key specs: · 5G · 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM · 6.43 inches · 4500mAh battery · 64MP rear camera · 16MP front camera · Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
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| Photo of OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Android smartphone. Released: March 2022 Price: |
The Reno7 Series has been officially launched for the market. One of its products, the OPPO Reno7 Z 5G, has been used by us for the past week and here is our review.
The OPPO Reno7 Z 5G is one of 3 products included in the Reno7 series family. Positioned above the Reno7 (4G) and below the Reno7 5G. Offering several interesting things, including a box design and also a reminder LED light that surrounds the rear camera lens.
When the cellphone notification is set to silent mode, sometimes we can only rely on vibration. When we put the cellphone in our pocket, this is not a problem. Because we can feel something when a notification comes in.
Then what if the cellphone is in a separate bag, or placed face down on the table. For example, when meeting a client or old friend in a rather noisy place. OPPO actually already has many solutions for this. For example, Edge Lighting on flagship devices whose display edges curve outward. So you can see there is a glow of light on the right and left sides of the phone when there is a notification when the phone is placed face down.
For the OPPO Reno7 Z 5G, OPPO has a more interesting solution. Actually there are two. One is to embed a dual orbit light that will light up as a notification like on old Blackberry devices. The second is by utilizing a gadget that was also released today, namely the OPPO Watch Free. Where notifications will go to the watch, even without having to open the phone we can peek at the notification.
We start by looking at the official price and available variants. Also the complete specifications of this product.
Price: Rp 5,999,000
Color Options: Rainbow Spectrum, Cosmic Black
Sales Package: OPPO Reno7 Z 5G cellphone, USB Type-C data cable, SuperVOOC 33W charger adapter, milky white silicon case, documents/warranty card, PIN Ejector and initial telephone number.
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Full Specifications
| OPPO Reno7 Z 5G (CPH2343) Specs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Dimmension & Weight | 160.2 x 73.2 x 7.55 mm/ 173 gram |
| Network & Connectivity | Dual Nano SIM, 5G, 4G LTE/HSPA+/3G/2G, WiFi |
| Operating System (OS) | ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 |
| Supported External Storage | Yes, MicroSD card up to 1TB |
| Display | 6.4 inches, ~99.8% screen-to-body ratio, 2400 x 1080 pixels, AMOLED 60Hz |
| Processor / CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm); CPU Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold + 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver), GPU: Adreno 619 |
| RAM & Internal Storage | 8 GB RAM/ 128 GB ROM |
| Camera | Rear Triple: 64MP High-Res Main Camera F/1.7 2MP Depth Camera F/2.4 2MP Macro Camera F/2.4 Video: 1080p@30fps Front Single: 16MP F/2.4 Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | 4500 mAh Lithium (non-removable), SuperVOOC 33W |
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Features
| Removable battery | No | Fingerprint | Yes |
| Multitouch | Yes | Dual Front Camera | No |
| Dual SIM | Yes | External Memory | Yes |
| 3G HSDPA | Yes | Gyroscope | Yes |
| 4G LTE | Yes | Stereo Speaker | Yes |
| 5G Ready | Yes | 4K video recording | No |
| NFC | Yes | Video player | Yes |
| USB On-the-go | Yes | Music player | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | 3.5 Audio Port | Yes |
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| * Classic design with square edges and four slightly rounded corners * The back cover color looks shiny with changing light effects depending on the angle and is relatively anti-fingerprint * The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset has a number of features that can be optimized, as well as power efficiency * AMOLED screen with a striking and spacious appearance * SuperVOOC 33W charges faster * Camera with AI features and triple ISP Spectra 346 support |
* Trimming some features such as screen refresh rate to only 60Hz * The camera viewfinder display has not/has not been upgraded to the standard ColorOS display 12 |
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G Reviews
Classic Design with Sharp Corners
When one of the Reno7 variants was introduced, namely the Reno7 5G, a number of OPPO fans questioned why the design was not boxy. This could be a reflection of the tendency of cellphone users lately to want to return to the classic cellphone design that gives a boxy feel, where the edges of the cellphone are made with sharp corners, with all four corners slightly curved.
To answer the needs of its fans, OPPO applied the design that was used by the Reno6 5G to two Reno7 products, namely the Reno7 (4G) and the Reno7 Z 5G which we are reviewing this time.
For reviewers like us, this is interesting because it offers something new. It feels a little different when used without the default silicon case, giving a “full” effect in the grip, even though this phone is relatively thin, typical of previous Reno phones.
And this is the first gate that led us to the idea that this phone might give another surprise in the next discussion.
Because before moving on from the design, we seem to have to discuss the color of the Reno7 Z back cover. Because OPPO embeds two different technologies in the two available color choices.
The Reno7 Z 5G that we reviewed has the color Rainbow Spectrum. The color approach and design of this variant’s back cover are different from the cosmic black phone which again uses the OPPO Glow technique.
Then what about the Rainbow Spectrum? The design of the Reno7 Z 5G back cover with this color uses a combination of two techniques, namely three layer texture aka three-layer texture combined with the Two Layer Coating technique or Application of two layers.
The first layer on top consists of red, yellow and green, while the second layer below carries a reflective indium layer. So that the back of this cellphone will emit prismatic colors from 6 colors and reflect the transition of red to mint green, yellow to purple and green to pink.
It can be seen from the results of the photos of the device we used. It will look like it changes color depending on the direction of the light and the direction of the camera lens.
Still on the back, we also find two circles sticking out of the surface. Loading two camera lenses on this cellphone, accompanied by another lens that is present diagonally but does not protrude, and one flash on the opposite side.
This design looks fresh, even before we turn on the cellphone. Then when the phone is turned on, apparently there is something interesting embedded around the two camera circles.
OPPO calls it Dual Orbit Light. Where colorful LED light appears from the base of the two camera protrusions which function like notification LEDs.
This light will be active in several scenarios, namely when charging, when there is a notification, when turning on the phone, and when launching a game. Providing several colors such as electric blue, light blue or cyan blue depending on the scenario above.
As usual, OPPO places the power and volume buttons on two different sides. While still providing a 3.5 mm audio jack on the same side as the loudspeaker and USB type-C port.
This phone carries a SIM Card tray that can accommodate 2 nano SIMs side by side and one MicroSD Memory Card in the same slot. However, in order to make the phone size more efficient, the 3-slot tray is not made long, but thick enough to accommodate a SIM card on one side, and a memory card on the other side.
AMOLED Screen with HDR Support
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G has a fairly spacious screen, with a span of 6.4 inches. And it feels even wider because the selfie camera is placed in a punch-hole design. Using an AMOLED panel with FHD + resolution at 2400 x 1080 pixels and a standard refresh rate at 60Hz makes the display on this phone look “kicking”, with striking colors due to the high contrast level.
Based on hardware information, the screen of this phone also supports HDR10 display to enjoy shows that contain this profile. And based on information from OPPO, this phone has also obtained HD Streaming certification for Netflix and Amazon Prime. Thus, it is certain that this phone carries Widevine DRM L1.
Already ColorOS 12 but Still Android 11
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G and other Reno7 phones are already running the most updated custom UI ColorOS 12 but based on Android 11. This is possible because basically we do a lot of activities using ColorOS features rather than Android features. And we don’t lose much except for a few things that we will review on the camera side. We will discuss this in a different article.
With ColorOS 12 on the Reno7 Z 5G, we will still find RAM Expansion, which is able to increase the amount of RAM temporarily when needed, by borrowing from the amount of ROM. Then we can play around with 3D OMOJI avatars, Quick Launch, Flexible Windows and so on.
New Chipset with Several Advantages
OPPO Reno7 Z 5G is equipped with a chipset made by Qualcomm, namely Snapdragon 695 5G. It is a new 5G chipset for the middle to upper class. Offers a significant increase in performance compared to the previous generation.
This chipset already uses 6nm fabrication which results in better power efficiency than larger fabrication. In this chipset there is also an 8-core CPU divided into 2 clusters, 1 cluster uses 2 Kryo 660 Gold cores with a speed of 2.2 GHz, while 1 other cluster uses 6 Kryo 660 Silver cores.
Interestingly, the Kryo 660 Gold uses a new Cortex core, namely the A78. Just to remind you, Snapdragon 865 and 870 still use Cortex-A77 for the same purpose. and both are paired with Cortex A55 (in Kryo 660 Silver).
This means that before doing synthetic benchmarks, we can expect a lot from the CPU capabilities of this phone. Which is indeed claimed by Qualcomm to provide a 15% performance increase from the previous chipset.
Coupled with the use of the Adreno 619 GPU, the Snapdragon 695 5G also has the potential to increase 35% from the previous 6 series chipset in terms of graphics processing.
And there are many more advantages of this chipset that OPPO can optimize, including the 5G X51 modem and a number of other features on the triple ISP side.
What is certain is that with the presence of the 695 5G chipset in the Reno7 Z 5G, which is also equipped with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, playing games, editing videos, editing photos and even doing other content creation activities can be done comfortably on the cellphone.
On the software side, as usual OPPO also provides supporting features, such as Game Focus Mode, so that users can play games without interference from other cellphone functions. Or Quick Start Up which will cut the time to return to playing games without having to enter the loading screen, and also AI System Booster which will optimize the device so that it can support the user’s gaming activities even better.
Interestingly, the functions that we usually find in Game Space will automatically appear when we start playing the game. So don’t be surprised if you don’t find the game space application on the Home Screen.
64MP Portrait Camera
We have informed you about OPPO’s enthusiasm to continue their expertise in photography and portrait videography in the Reno7 Series. And specifically for the Reno7 Z 5G, OPPO has embedded a triple camera combination on the back, and a single camera on the front with the following configuration.
We start from the rear camera, which consists of a 64MP (f/1.7) High-Resolution camera as the main camera, a 2MP (f/2.4) Depth camera to provide a far-close effect, and a 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera for short-range photography.
While the front uses a 16MP (f/2.4) camera with relatively equivalent capabilities and features. Especially on the portrait side and AI features that can be used up to its video recording capabilities.
In practice, the OPPO Reno7 Z 5G camera provides interesting results. Offers a number of significant improvements compared to the previous OPPO Reno. Especially on the AI side which is able to optimize smart recognition of the background and main object. The result is that portrait photos look neater. And also night photos (night Mode) look good with minimized noise.
4500 mAh Battery and SuperVOOC 33W
With a chipset that is capable of better power efficiency, paired with ColorOS 12 which brings battery saving features and a 4500 mAh battery, the OPPO Reno7 Z 5G can provide positive endurance for those who use their phones for outdoor activities all day long.
Even without bringing a power bank, it feels safe, because this phone is also equipped with SuperVOOC 33W fast charging technology. Capable of providing enough power injection to be used for hours in just a matter of minutes.
Best Accessories for Reno7 Z 5G
At the launch event of the OPPO Reno7 Z 5G, an accessory in the form of a smart watch device, namely the OPPO Watch Free, was also introduced. Let’s discuss its advantages in this article. With later there will be a separate review discussing the OPPO Watch Free in the last 2 weeks of use.
Brief Review of OPPO Watch Free | Smart Watch with Sport Bracelet Style
OPPO Watch Free is a combination of OPPO Band and OPPO Watch. When the two devices are married, it will produce a device like this. Loading a number of important things with a smart brain like a Smart Watch but with a smaller size and a battery that lasts up to 14 days.
OPPO Watch Free is available in 2 colors, namely Black and Vanilla, with a watch shape resembling a slimmer and smaller OPPO Watch. Up to loading a screen of only 1.64 inches, or a height of only 46 mm. Accompanied by a strap or strap made of plastic with a flexible and comfortable leather texture. For me who has a large body and bones, it is still quite normal, it doesn’t look too small at all.
How to connect Watch Free to Reno7 Z 5G is also very easy. We only need to install the Heytap Health application. Then select add device, then we connect OPPO Watch Free to the charger until it is recognized by HeyTap Health, then synchronize when both devices show the same number.
OPPO Watch Free carries all the sensors needed by a smart watch device. Starting from motion sensors, heart rate sensors, blood O2 quality sensors, and light sensors. Capable of monitoring the movement and movement of its users, SpO2 continuously, real-time heart rate, sleep and snoring monitoring, assisted by the Heytap application.
OPPO Watch Free is also able to remind us to move when we feel too still, remind us to drink water regularly up to the targeted amount of water in a day, remind us when we should sleep and when we should breathe to calm ourselves down. Prices of OPPO Watch Free: IDR 1,399,000