Oppo recently introduced the Reno11 series smartphones in India, and I have the standard Reno 11 with me.
At first glance, the upgrades appear to be minimal compared to its predecessor. It features a similar AMOLED screen, the same chipset, and battery capacity.
But, Oppo has made some improvements in the camera system and introduced a fresh design.
Of course, the real question is whether these changes are enough to justify its price point.
Let's dive in, and take a closer look at the new Reno 11.
Oppo Reno 11: Design & Utility
Oppo has a knack for crafting visually stunning smartphones, and the Reno 11 is no exception. The Green variant boasts a unique blend of silk and metal sequins, lending the glass back panel a sparkling, flowing texture.
I know it may not suit everyone's taste but I quite like it.
Moving on to the camera island, it's noticeably larger than before, and the flashlight placement lacks symmetry, which may bother some people. The prominent camera bump not only causes the phone to wobble but also makes gaming a bit uncomfortable.
Despite these quirks, the device features a pleasing soft-touch finish, and its matte surface effectively conceals fingerprints. Moreover, with its curved front and rear glass and slim profile, the Reno 11 retains its impressively sleek appearance. It's worth noting, though, that the frame is constructed of plastic.
As for utility, the Oppo Reno 11 is equipped with 5G dual SIM support and offers ample storage with up to 256GB. It features a reliable in-display fingerprint scanner and even includes an IR blaster for added convenience. One notable feature that sets the Reno 11 apart from its pricier sibling, the 11 Pro, is its stereo speakers that deliver a pleasing balance of clarity and bass.
Oppo Reno 11: Display
The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display on the Oppo Reno 11 is top-notch, offering vibrant colours and a resolution of FHD+. It's also Widevine L1 and HDR10+ certified, enhancing the viewing experience, as demonstrated when I binge-watched "The Killer Soup" on Netflix.
Although the curved edges led to some accidental touches, it wasn't a major issue. In terms of brightness, the display has a peak brightness of 950 nits, which may not be as bright as what the competition offers, but it performed well outdoors without any visibility issues.
Oppo Reno 11: Performance and Software
The Reno 11 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, the same as its predecessor, the Reno 10.
While I was hoping for a newer chipset, this one still performs efficiently.
Whether it's scrolling through social media, browsing the internet, or indulging in some intense gaming, the smartphone handles it all seamlessly. I played Asphalt 9 for a couple of hours, and it exceeded my expectations. There were no frame drops, slow performance, or heating issues, even at high graphic settings.
The phone runs on Color OS 14, based on Android 14, delivering responsive performance and offering plenty of customization options and smart features. For example, the smart image matting feature allows you to cut out objects from images and use them as stickers.
However, it's worth noting that typical issues of Color OS, such as bloatware, intrusive notifications, and unwanted apps still persist on this device. While most of these annoyances can be disabled, their presence on an upper mid-range phone is unnecessary.
It's like my colleague Tushaar said in his Reno 11 Pro review - If OnePlus can ship a cleaner version of essentially the same software on their phones, then why can't Oppo do the same thing?
Oppo Reno 11: Cameras
The Reno 11 features a triple camera configuration, including a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, a 32MP telephoto portrait camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera, offering a versatile range of shooting options for various photography needs.
The main camera, equipped with the Sony LYT600 sensor, stands out for its ability to capture sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions.
Colours are vibrant, clarity is exceptional, and HDR processing rivals some high-end flagships. The 32MP telephoto portrait camera, featuring the Sony IMX 709 sensor, delivers quick focus, detailed shots, and beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portrait photography.
This year, Oppo has placed more emphasis on the portrait sensor, and the improvement is noticeable.
It allows you to capture professional-looking portraits with options for up to 2x or 47mm portraits.
The ultra-wide sensor also performs well, providing decent images with a wider field of view and minimal softness in the shots.
However, it's important to note that the camera's performance in low-light conditions is not as impressive.
In challenging environments, it struggles, leading to a noticeable drop in image quality. While it can still produce satisfactory results, it falls short of its performance in optimal lighting conditions.
Moving on to the 32MP selfie shooter, it does a good job of producing accurate skin tones and maintaining good dynamic range.
In terms of video recording, both the rear and front cameras can shoot 4K at 30 FPS, delivering decent footage. The rear camera benefits from stabilization in 4K thanks to a combination of OIS and EIS, resulting in mostly smooth video recordings.
Oppo Reno 11: Battery
The Oppo Reno 11 comes equipped with a larger battery compared to its elder sibling, boasting a capacity of 5,000mAh.
This is on par with the competition and ensures the device easily lasts through a full day of heavy usage.
Plus, the phone supports Oppo's 67W SuperVooc charging technology, enabling rapid recharging.
During testing, the charging process proved to be highly efficient, taking approximately 40 minutes to charge the battery from a mere 5% to a fully charged 100%.
Oppo Reno 11: Review
With a starting price tag of Rs. 29,999, the Oppo Reno 11 offers a compelling package. It maintains a dependable MediaTek processor capable of handling everyday tasks and gaming with ease. The camera setup continues to deliver strong performance, and the phone's design stands out in its competitive segment.
However, it faces stiff competition from rivals aiming to outshine it, particularly in terms of camera hardware and price-to-performance ratio.
If you're in the market for a new mid-range smartphone, the decision may come down to whether the Oppo Reno 11's Portrait mode is the feature that seals the deal for you.
