OPPO kickstarted the Android 12-based ColorOS 12 Beta program for the OPPO Reno6 5G and the OPPO Reno5 5G at the end of November. Within a month, the two smartphones have now started receiving the stable update.

According to official announcement posts on OPPO Community, OPPO has begun to seed the ColorOS 12 stable update for the OPPO Reno6 5G and the OPPO Reno5 5G as scheduled. The latest system update for these handsets is currently live in the following regions.

• OPPO Reno6 5G

  • Region: China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam
  • Required Firmware: A.17/A.18/A.20
  • Firmware Version: C.26

• OPPO Reno5 5G

  • Region: Indonesia
  • Required Firmware: A.30
  • Firmware Version: C.41

In order to install the fresh software update, users need to go to Settings > Software Updates > Gear Icon > Trial Version and follow the on-screen instructions. The company recommends backing up important data before proceeding. Also, it warns about compatibility issues with some third-party applications on Android 12.

As with any system update, the device may heat up and power consumption may rise for some time due to background optimization after the installation of the update. OPPO says that this will get fixed by itself.

Having said that, if you own either of these phones and have already installed the update, then do share your experience in the comment section below. This way users who are yet to download the update can get an idea about the new software release.

RELATED:

• OPPO A11s packing a 90Hz display, 18W charging, up to 8GB RAM starts at ¥999 (~$156)
• OPPO’s Green Factory and vivo’s Blue Factory nicknames go official through trademarks
• OPPO patents three smartphone designs with Mi 11 Ultra-style secondary displays
• ColorOS 12 Review: A Step In The Right Direction

The post OPPO Reno6 5G, Reno5 5G receive ColorOS 12 stable update appeared first on Gizmochina.

Update 1 [November 25]

As we mentioned the other day, the ColorOS 12 Open Beta program for the OPPO Reno6 5G is now finally live in India as scheduled. In order to participate, applicants should be on firmware version A.15 or A.17.

The registrations will remain open until December 1. The company is recruiting 5000 testers for the first batch.

Original Story [November 23]

Last week, OPPO kicked off the Android 12-based ColorOS 12 Open Beta program for the OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G and OPPO Reno6 Pro+ 5G. Now, the same initiative is live for the OPPO Reno6 5G as well. However, it is currently limited to China.

According to an official announcement post on OPPO Community China, the brand has opened registrations for OPPO Reno6 5G ColorOS 12 Open Beta program in its home country. The registrations are live starting today (November 23) and will remain open until 3 PM (local time) on November 25.

In order to enroll, participants should be on firmware version A.17 or A.18. If they are, then they need to navigate to Settings > Software Update > Gear Icon > Apply for Beta Version > Update Beta Version and follow on-screen instructions. To increase their chance of selection, applicants can try participating in this questionnaire.

Applicants who get selected will receive the beta software build via OTA. Whereas, unselected participants can try reapplying during the next batch of recruitment.

As far as other regions are concerned, OPPO has confirmed to start the ColorOS 12 Open Beta program for the OPPO Reno6 5G in India on November 25. We will update this story once the initiative begins in the region.

Unfortunately, there’s no official information regarding the rollout of the stable update. It should be available once the teasers don’t find any major issue.

RELATED:

• OPPO is working on electric vehicles for India, may launch around early 2024: Report
• OPPO Reno6 5G leads DXOMARK Battery rankings by beating iPhone 13 Pro Max
• OPPO Find X3 Pro gets ColorOS 12 stable update in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia
• ColorOS 12 Review: A Step In The Right Direction

The post [Update: India] OPPO Reno6 5G joins ColorOS 12 Open Beta program in China appeared first on Gizmochina.

The OPPO Reno6 5G is the most affordable model in the original Reno6 series. Almost six months after its initial announcement, the smartphone undergoes the DXOMARK battery review. The device beats the iPhone 13 Pro Max to take over the crown.

The mid-range OPPO Reno6 5G currently leads the DXOMARK Battery rankings with 96 points. It is followed by the iPhone 13 Pro Max in second place with 89 points.

According to the review, the Reno6 5G has the best autonomy score in its segment. It gains 10+ hours of autonomy with a just 5-minute charge when under 50% capacity. This is possible because of 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging protocol.

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max takes 2 hours and 11 minutes to charge fully as opposed to only 35 minutes on the Reno6 5G. But the latest iPhone has an even better autonomy performance than the OPPO handset. It scores 84 points compared to 73 points.

Even in efficiency, the iPhone scores 95 points, which happens to be only a few points lower than Reno6’s 101 points. Additionally, the OPPO smartphone performs averagely in mobility and it also has a below-average autonomy performance in calls.

Whereas, the only major con of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is slow charging. The OPPO Reno6 5G has an overall better score due to its lead in charging speed. But that does not mean it lags behind in other categories though the scores are lower than that of the iPhone.

Even in our OPPO Reno6 5G review, I mentioned that the phone’s endurance is the best thing about it. At the end of the day, a much cheaper Android smartphone has beaten the most expensive iPhone in an overall battery performance review by DXOMARK.

RELATED:

• OPPO, realme, and OnePlus now look to standardize 125W charging & deem 65W low-end
• OPPO A95 4G launched in Malaysia packing a Snapdragon 662 SoC, 33W Fast charging
• OPPO foldable smartphone codenamed ‘Peacock’ tipped to launch next month
• OPPO Reno7 series rumored to launch in January for the Indian market

The post OPPO Reno6 5G leads DXOMARK Battery rankings by beating iPhone 13 Pro Max appeared first on Gizmochina.

OPPO announced the OPPO Reno 6 5G alongside the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G in India in mid-July. The device is on sale in the country since the end of July. It is ₹10,000 cheaper than the Pro model and offers almost all the features of its bigger sibling with some exceptions. 

So is it really a better option of the two? Let’s find out the answer in my review.

OPPO Reno 6 5G Review

Disclaimer:

This review of OPPO Reno 6 5G is based on the author’s first-hand experience with a review unit loaned by OPPO India. The opinions stated here are the author’s alone.

The smartphone was running ColorOS 11.3 based on Android 11 with firmware version CPH2251_11_A.14 throughout the review period.

This review will be divided into the following two sections.

• The usual vanilla model dilemma
• Why does user experience matters?

The usual vanilla model dilemma

The OPPO Reno 6 5G is the smaller sibling of the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G that I reviewed back in July. The phone shares its DNA with the expensive model. However, to keep the price down, it arrives with an inferior set of specs.

Hence, there’s a dilemma whether you should save some bucks by opting for the vanilla model or go all-in for the Pro variant.

1 of 2

The OPPO Reno 6 has a smaller 6.43-inch flat AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 90Hz refresh rate, and good sunlight visibility with up to 750 nits peak brightness. The panel resolution is fine for the asking price, but the refresh rate isn’t, given the competitors offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

Since the Pro model itself comes with the same refresh rate, I don’t find this as a con. Above all, 90Hz is enough to experience smoothness throughout the UI. A normal user won’t find a significant difference between 90Hz and 120Hz or more refresh rates.

Personally, I liked the curved display on the Reno 6 Pro as opposed to a flat-screen on the Reno 6. Because curved screens enable a better experience for gesture controls.

Talking about the design, although the vanilla Reno 6 features the same OPPO Reno Glow design as its costlier brother, there’s a distinction between the two. The AG glass on both phones look identical with a similar hue, but they feel different in your hand.

1 of 4

Both devices have crystal structures on the rear, but the ones on the Pro variant are more prominent. In other words, you can sort of feel the crystals while holding the Reno 6 Pro. At least, that’s what I remember from my experience. The same cannot be said for the vanilla Reno 6.

Additionally, I felt more comfortable holding the Reno 6 Pro. Because the curved rear and front of the phone with a thin frame nested in my hands without the sharp sensation, which I felt while holding the Reno 6.

Though the iPhone 12/13 series-like metal frame on the Reno 6 offers good grip, my preference is towards the plastic frame on the Reno 6 Pro.

1 of 3

But there’s one thing that I don’t like about these two handsets. That’s none other than their cameras. The Reno 6 not only has a near-identical camera setup, but also a very similar processing standard.

It features the same 64MP primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide shooter, 2MP macro snapper, and 32MP selfie camera from the Reno 6 Pro. The only lens it misses is the 2MP monochrome sensor.

The output from these cameras is average, just like the cameras of Reno 6 Pro. This applies to both still photography and videography. Thankfully, OPPO appears to have fixed the issue with brightness with new system updates. Users need not fiddle with the slider to adjust brightness every time they click pictures.

Another noticeable improvement is in skin color tones. They are better than earlier, but not perfect. Hopefully, we will finally get to see true-to-life skin color tones from the cameras of Reno phones in the near future.

At the end of the day, the cameras need further improvements. Perhaps, we might see more refinements in the subsequent OTA software updates.

Coming to the performance, the MediaTek Dimensity 900 inside this handset is comparable to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G present inside the devices like iQOO Z3 5G. It is capable of playing high-end games in average graphic settings. 

It has the same optimization issues in games as I faced on the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-powered Reno 6 Pro. This restricts the phone from utilizing the silicon’s true potential. However, I did not face any performance issues in day-to-day usage.

Now, as I am done talking about where the phone has cut corners, let’s take a look at why this smartphone matters despite its shortcomings.

Why does user experience matters?

A few years back, smartphones were all about specifications. When I was a high schooler and in my early days of college, even I was obsessed with specs. But I eventually realized that the decision of buying any device should not be solely dependent on specifications and features, rather it should be based on day-to-day user experience. Let me explain this using the OPPO Reno 6 5G.

The Reno 6 has its shortcomings, as discussed above, but that doesn’t make it a bad purchase. Because it offers certain things that can be experienced only by using the handset yourself.

The hardware powering the device is nothing without the software that users interact with. The Reno 6 nails this with ColorOS 11.3 based on Android 11. I never felt that I was using a mid-range smartphone. The phone felt as smooth as its more expensive OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G sibling.

The only noticeable difference for me at least was the app opening times. A random user wouldn’t know this unless they have used smartphones with more powerful processors.

That said, the software is not perfect because of a few reasons. The ‘Browser’ and the ‘Theme Store’ throw push notifications every day though I have never opened these applications even once. Then, there’s the ‘Hot Apps’ apps recommendation folder that neither can be uninstalled nor disabled.

There are also several preloaded apps, in addition to Google Phone and Google Messages, instead of stock ColorOS Contacts and Messages applications.

I am not against OEMs using Google Phone and Google Messages because of the ‘call recording notification’ that most people detest. I don’t like them because they look out of place on an Android skin that’s not designed by Google.

As far as the connectivity is concerned, the device has a dual-SIM card slot that offers 5G connectivity. It has support for 13 5G bands and therefore, users need not worry about compatibility when the networks go live in India in the future.

1 of 3

Then, there’s VoLTE, VoWiFi, dual-band WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. The internet experience through both WiFi and 4G mobile data is seamless. I didn’t face any call drops either. Also, the connection with Bluetooth earphones remained stable without any issue.

The earpiece and microphone perform well, as they should. The performance of the mono speaker is good, but it could have been even better with a stereo setup.

The best thing about the OPPO Reno 6 5G is its endurance. The phone can easily last for two days on moderate usage that does not involve gaming. 

The standby performance is also fantastic. It’s difficult to kill this handset’s battery in a day unless you game or use cameras extensively.

Even if it dies, the battery can be fueled up in around 30 minutes, thanks to SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging protocol. The smartphone not only ships with the required charger and cable, but also a pair of USB Type-C earphones and a transparent silicone case.

In a nutshell, customers get everything out of the box. They even need not invest in a screen protector as soon as they make the purchase. Because the handset comes with a basic screen protector pre-applied.

The only thing that hampers user experience on the Reno 6 is its haptics. OPPO shouldn’t have cut corners on this one. The haptics from the Reno 6 Pro should have been retained.

Now you know why day-to-day experience matters more than the specs. It is not a pleasure to use a smartphone without these traits. Hence, I personally prefer using a mid-range device with a good user experience rather than investing in a phone with powerful specs that lack crucial attributes discussed above.

Conclusion

Just like the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G, the OPPO Reno 6 5G is not meant for everyone. If you are one of those customers who value user experience over specifications and features, then you should definitely consider checking out this handset.

On the other hand, I certainly do not recommend this phone to those looking for a device for gaming or cameras. There are better options in this price segment for these purposes.

RELATED:

• OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Review: Excellent Design, Delightful Software, But Mediocre Cameras
• OPPO promises up to 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates
• OPPO F19 Review: A lightweight 5000mAh smartphone under ₹20,000
• OPPO Enco Buds Review: All-around Upgrade Over Enco W11

The post OPPO Reno 6 5G Review: Proves Why User Experience Matters appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this month, we reported that Oppo will launch the Reno6 smartphones in the European markets in the coming days. Today, Oppo has launched the Oppo Reno6 series in Europe comprising of three smartphones – the Oppo Reno6 5G, Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G, and Oppo Reno6 4G.

Oppo Reno6 Series Pricing and Colors 

All three phones bring impressive specs with a streamlined design. The Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G is priced at EUR 799(~$947) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. It comes with a bundle that includes the Oppo Band Style, Oppo Enco X TWS earbuds, and a protective case. It is available in Arctic Blue and Lunar Grey colors.

1 of 2

On the other hand, the Oppo Reno6 5G is priced at EUR 499(~$590) for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. It also comes with a bundle offer that includes the Oppo Enco Free 2 TWS earbuds and a Radiant Lightning case. It is available in Arctic Blue and Stellar Black colors.

1 of 2

The details for the Reno6 4G are still under wraps but it is currently in the ‘coming soon’ status meaning that we should learn more details soon.

Oppo Reno6 5G and Reno6 Pro 5G Specifications 

Moving to the specs, the Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G is nothing but the Reno Pro+ 5G(Chinese edition). It comes with a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Reno6 5G, on the other hand, has a smaller 6.43-inch panel with the same 90Hz refresh rate. Both the phones have a punch-hole screen with thin bezels.

The Reno6 Pro 5G has a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main lens, a 13MP telephoto camera, and lastly a 16MP ultra-wide lens. The Reno6 5G has a 64MP triple camera system at the rear.

Under the hood, the Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, whereas, the Reno6 5G has the Dimensity 900 SoC onboard. The Pro 5G packs a 4,500mAh battery and the vanilla model houses a smaller 4,300mAh battery. The duo supports a 65W fast charging support.

RELATED:

• Vivo X70 Pro launched with V1 image chip, better cameras, and bigger battery; X70…
• Huawei Nova 9 series teased in new short film that highlights its camera
• Realme X7 Max 5G now available with Rs 6,000 discount, exciting exchange value on…
• Official: realme 9 series launch delayed to 2022

The post Oppo Reno6 5G, Reno6 Pro 5G, Reno6 4G launched in Europe with Bundle offers appeared first on Gizmochina.

Recently, there have been a number of 5G trials in metropolitan cities in India, including regions like Mumbai and Gurgaon. While most of these trials were for the sub 6GHz networks, Reliance Jio has partnered with Oppo to field test Jio’s SA (Standalone) 5G networks.

Notably, the 5G trials also used the Reno6 series of smartphones from the Chinese tech giant. The devices were chosen specifically for their ability to interface with a wide variety of 5G networks, with the Reno6 Pro supporting 11 5G bands and the Reno6 being equipped with 13 5G bands. These trials also mark a notable milestone in India’s 5G roadmap as the rest of the trials in the region were only for NSA (non standalone) networks. The trial had the handset complete a WhatsApp video call over a 5G network.

For those unaware, NSA networks use the existing 4G infrastructure to boost 5G connectivity. On the other hand, SA networks utilizes 5G hardware/infrastructure exclusively. Tasleem Arif, VP, and R&D Head OPPO India stated that “As a 5G pioneer, OPPO India is working relentlessly to accelerate 5G deployment and its accessibility for all. Our 5G standalone network trial for Reno6 Series with Jio is part of our in depth research in the 5G era towards ensuring a better experience for the users.”

The official further added that “The successful validation of Reno6 Series devices on the 5G SA network of Jio is testimony to our commitment as a company to bring cutting-edge technology to our customers.” Interestingly, he smartphone maker had setup its first overseas 5G innovations lab in Hyderabad, India, back in December 2020. This lab has been crucial in the company’s 5G related patents.

RELATED:

• Google and Reliance team up for JioPhone Next that, launch set for Sept 10
• Budget Android smartphone from Reliance Jio and Google could be launched before Diwali
• Reliance Jio 5G smartphone, JioBook laptop could launch in India at company’s AGM

The post Reliance Jio partners with Oppo for successful SA 5G trials in India appeared first on Gizmochina.

OPPO announced the OPPO Reno6 5G and the OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G in India last week. The latter smartphone went on sale in the country earlier this week. The former handset is scheduled to hit the shelves on July 29. But the company has already started taking pre-orders from today (July 23).

The OPPO Reno6 5G is the first smartphone to launch in India with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 SoC. The phone features the company’s Reno Glow design as well as flat metal sides like the iPhone 12 series.

It comes in a single 8GB + 128GB storage configuration priced at ₹29,990. Customers pre-ordering the handset can get up to ₹3000 cashback on credit/debit card EMI transactions through HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Bank.

Buyers can also avail an instant 15% cashback while making the payment through Paytm. There’s also a ₹3000 cashback offer from Bajaj Finserv and 1 EMI Cashback offer from IDFC First Bank.

Leading financiers in the country are also offering zero downpayment schemes, long tenure EMI schemes, and up to ₹3000 exchange bonus along with Complete Damage Protection for 180 days. All these offers are applicable till July 31.

Additionally, customers can avail assured payback offer to get up 80% of the phone’s value if they return within 12 months. Lastly, Flipkart will be also offering Supercoints worth ₹1,000 every hour for 2 days during the upcoming sale.

RELATED:

• Oppo and its Family Brands ranked 2nd in global smartphone market in May 2021
• OPPO Reno6 Pro+ Detective Conan Custom Edition to be announced next week
• OPPO Enco Air TWS earphones gets new Summer Jelly color option in China
• OPPO Reno6 Z launched silently with Dimensity 800U, 64MP triple cameras

The post OPPO Reno6 5G is now up for pre-order in India appeared first on Gizmochina.