Introduction to OPPO A71 2018
Budget smartphones continue to be in demand, especially for users who need basic functions without paying a premium. The OPPO A71, originally launched in 2017, remains a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers in 2025. Despite being several years old, this phone offers decent performance, a compact design, and a good user experience for everyday tasks. But how well does it really hold up today? Let’s dig into the details.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2017 |
| Network | GSM / UMTS / LTE (No 5G) |
| Display | 5.2-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD) |
| Processor (SoC) | MediaTek MT6750, Octa-core 1.5 GHz |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB (Expandable via microSD up to 256GB) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 aperture |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| Battery | 3000mAh, non-removable |
| Operating System | Android 7.1 Nougat with ColorOS 3.1 |
| Dimensions | 148.1 x 73.8 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 137 grams |
| Build | Plastic body with smooth finish |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM Radio |
| Colors Available | Gold, Black |
| Price (Pakistan, 2025) | Approx. PKR 17,999 |
Design and Build Quality
The OPPO A71 comes with a compact and sleek design, measuring just over 7.5 mm in thickness and weighing 137 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. Its body is made primarily of plastic but has a premium feel due to the smooth finish. Available in Gold and Black, the phone looks professional and minimalistic, suitable for everyday users who prefer simplicity over flashy designs.
The phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is quick and responsive, adding a layer of security to the device. The build is solid for its price, although the plastic back may feel less premium compared to modern glass phones.
Display Performance and Quality
The 5.2-inch IPS LCD display on the OPPO A71 has an HD resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While this may not match the Full HD or AMOLED displays of newer smartphones, it delivers respectable clarity and color accuracy for basic use. Text looks sharp enough for reading emails or browsing social media, and videos are watchable with decent brightness and viewing angles.
However, in direct sunlight, the display might struggle a bit due to lower peak brightness, so outdoor usage can be less comfortable compared to more recent devices.
Processor and Performance
Under the hood, the OPPO A71 runs on a MediaTek MT6750 processor coupled with 3GB RAM. This combination handles everyday tasks such as messaging, browsing, video streaming, and light gaming smoothly. Apps launch reasonably fast, and the overall experience is lag-free for basic usage.
However, the phone may face challenges with heavy multitasking or demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. The 16GB internal storage is somewhat limited, but thankfully you can expand it via a microSD card.
Camera Capabilities
The OPPO A71 sports a 13MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture. In well-lit conditions, the camera captures decent images with good color reproduction and sharpness. Daytime photos come out clear, making it suitable for casual photography.
The 5MP front camera is capable of taking decent selfies and works well for video calls. Low-light photography is average at best, with visible noise and reduced detail. The camera app includes basic modes and filters but lacks advanced features found on newer models.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 3000mAh non-removable battery, the OPPO A71 provides enough power to last through a day of moderate use, including calls, social media, and light browsing. However, it lacks fast charging support, so a full recharge takes longer compared to modern phones.
Users should expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage, which is acceptable for an entry-level smartphone.
Connectivity and Other Features
Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and an FM radio. The phone uses a micro-USB port instead of the newer USB Type-C, which might be inconvenient for some users. The lack of NFC and fingerprint scanner on some variants are downsides to consider.
Price and Availability in Pakistan (2025)
In 2025, the OPPO A71 remains available in Pakistan both as new stock in some outlets and in refurbished markets. Its price hovers around PKR 17,999, making it one of the most affordable smartphones for users on a tight budget.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact and lightweight design | ❌ Outdated Android version (7.1 Nougat) |
| ✅ Solid build quality for the price | ❌ Limited internal storage (16GB) |
| ✅ Decent display for daily use | ❌ No fast charging support |
| ✅ Smooth performance for basic tasks | ❌ Average low-light camera performance |
| ✅ Affordable price point | ❌ Micro-USB port instead of USB-C |
Final Verdict: Is OPPO A71 Worth Buying in 2025?
The OPPO A71 is a practical choice if your needs are basic—calls, texts, social media, and light apps. It delivers reliable performance, a decent display, and a good battery life for an entry-level smartphone.
However, if you want a more future-proof device with better specs, a newer Android version, and faster charging, you might want to explore recent budget models like the OPPO A14 or Xiaomi Redmi 12.
For users strictly on a budget who prefer simplicity and reliability, the OPPO A71 still holds value in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about OPPO A71
Q1: Does the OPPO A71 support 5G?
No, it supports only up to 4G LTE.
Q2: Can I expand the storage on the OPPO A71?
Yes, via microSD card up to 256GB.
Q3: What Android version does it run?
Android 7.1 Nougat with ColorOS 3.1.
Q4: How long does the battery last?
Up to a full day with moderate usage.
Q5: Is the OPPO A71 suitable for gaming?
It can handle light games but struggles with heavy or graphic-intensive titles.
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