OPPO Watch: A decent 'WearOS' experience with premium feel

 Smartphone brand OPPO has finally entered the wearable segment with a smart watch that aims to woo Indian consumers on Android who are looking forward to owning a good-looking smartwatch.

The 'OPPO Watch' is powered by Google WearOS and comes with premium smartwatch features such as heart-rate monitoring and advanced health tracking.

The smartwatch comes in 41mm and 46mm variants, priced at Rs 14,990 and Rs 19,990, respectively.

The 41mm variant has a 1.6-inch regular AMOLED display with 320x360 pixels resolution and 301ppi pixel density, whereas its 46mm counterpart offers a 1.91-inch flexible dual-curved AMOLED display with 402x476 pixels resolution and 326ppi pixel density.

We used the 46mm variant (black colour) for a couple of days and here is what we think about the device.

Text and icons are adequately sharp and clear and the curved display sides manage to instantly give it a distinctive look.

In terms of design, the OPPO Watch looks every bit like an Apple Watch. The similarities extend to the body, straps and fascia as well.

The backside has sensors including the heart rate sensor and pins for charging.

The smartwatch looks good on the wrist, owing to its compact size and perfect straps.

It comes with two buttons on the side. The two buttons on the right side can be used for the App drawer, Homescreen and the Sports mode.

The multi-function button below it is also stable in its functionality across the main Wear OS UI.

At around 40 grams, it is neither too heavy nor too light.

The loudspeaker is on the left side with a microphone for Google Assistant input. The loudspeakers can be used for calls as well as for interacting with the Google Assistant.

The singular microphone on the watch is also perfectly decent to give the Google assistant instructions.

Swiping from the bottom opens the notification panel and from the top opens the Control Center or you can say the quick shortcuts including Airplane Mode, Torch, Brightness, Do Not Disturb, Theatre Mode and Touch Lock.

The left side has Google Assistant and will need to connect to the Wi-Fi in order to use it.

The company has provided a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 SoC, which is powering the smartwatch along with an Apollo3 co-processor for power efficiency, paired with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage.

The Snapdragon chip enables its Smart mode that offers all its preloaded features, while the Apollo3 chip drives the Power Saver mode that offers functions such as message notifications, step tracking, and heart rate monitoring.

During the review, the watch functioned seamlessly, offering a smooth experience.

The smartwatch packs all the niceties you could want in a modern Wear OS smartwatch.

Furthermore, the OPPO Watch houses features like fitness tracking, sleep quality, get-up reminders and breathing.

It is also 5ATM water-resistant, rated to be safe at pressure levels equivalent to 50 metres underwater.

The smartwatch comes with 'Watch VOOC Flash Charging' that can charge up to 46 per cent battery in just 15 minutes.

To charge it fully, one will have to wait for about an hour.

Conclusion: If you're specifically looking for a 'Wear OS' smartwatch, the Oppo Watch is an easy recommendation.

It offers enough reasons to take on smart watches from Huawei, Honor and others, and impresses a lot with its design, display as well as an attractive price tag.

Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G to have with 90Hz display, screen with curved edges

The upcoming Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G would come with a curved edged screen with a punch hole in the top left corner. Besides, the smartphone's screen would have a refresh rate of 90Hz, according to its promo.

The Reno3 Pro 5G will be joined by a non-5G variant as well as the vanilla Reno3 and its 5G version.

The Chinese handset maker has already revealed the designs of these models, and now the company has confirmed they will come in four colours -- Misty White, Moon Night Black, Blue Starry Night, and Sunrise Impression (machine translated from Chinese), GSMArena reported on Saturday.

The handset maker has already confirmed that the Reno3 will pack in a 4,035 mAh battery, which is 10 mAh bigger than the battery on the Pro variant.

Both the models will support the company's proprietary VOOC 4.0 fast charging support.

The listing of the non-Pro model further reveals that it will be 7.96mm thick and weigh 181 grams, which makes it 10 grams heavier and 0.26mm thicker than the Pro variant, the report added.

Oppo unveils Android 10-based ColorOS 7 with integrated localised features

Chinese handset maker Oppo's customised operating system (OS) ColorOS 7, which is based on Android 10 and brings in localised features like DocVault -- the government-approved DigiLocker integration, was unveiled here on Tuesday.

Oppo's new ColorOS 7 is faster and increases application response time by 30 per cent with multiple apps running in the background, according to the company.

"We strive to make ColorOS broader yet more localised, creating a truly global system that users in different markets can experience and enjoy. This means we will continue to expand our localisation efforts to ensure that ColorOS is highly adapted to local user needs," Manoj Kumar, Senior Principal Engineer, Oppo ColorOS, said in a statement.

The new customised OS has adopted a lightweight visual approach that simplifies it helping users focus more on the content.

Besides full icon customisation, there's a dark mode that provides superior reading experience in all-day conditions, thus, helping users concentrate more and reducing battery consumption.

"We have focussed on delivering not only a smooth experience, but also on providing solutions specific to Indian users such as DocVault in association with the government of India," said Tasleem Arif, Vice-President and Head of R&D, Oppo.

The handset maker's R&D centre in Hyderabad has more than 280 team members who focus on localising features and also assist the global team to create globalised features.

The localisation of both ColorOS and ColorOS 7 is based on research on trends and patterns in consumer usage habits.

Oppo Reno2 Z review: Impressive design, cameras and display, but expensive

The Reno2 Z is one of the three smartphones that Chinese smartphone brand Oppo recently launched in India under its Reno-series. Though the phone looks identical to its elder sibling, the Reno2, it has different hardware configuration, camera modules, and features. It also compromises on some of the premium features that were part of the Reno2, such as sharkfin-shaped pop-up selfie camera module and telephoto zoom lens on the back. We appreciated the Reno2 in our review for its premium design, impressive imaging capabilities and sleek performance. With these trade-offs, can the Reno2 match its elder sibling and other smartphones in the same segment? Let’s find out:

Design

The Reno2 Z has a premium glass-metal sandwich construction with a dual-colour-tone reflective glass on the back. The phone’s glossy glass build makes it susceptible to fingerprints that dulls its otherwise dazzling design. Thankfully, the phone has Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back protecting it from scratches and smudges and making it resilient to everyday abuses.

Oppo Reno2 ZThe Reno2 Z has a pop-up selfie camera module that looks much subtler than the dramatic Shark Fin-shaped mechanical pop-up selfie camera module of the elder sibling. Other than the pop-up selfie camera module, the phone looks similar to the Reno2. It has an obstruction-free profile with no notch or cut-out on the front, and no camera bump or capacitive fingerprint sensor on the rear. Its overall design feels natural and it is comfortable to hold and operate.

Display

The Oppo Reno2 Z has a 6.5-inch AMOLED screen of a fullHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution stretched in a tall 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Though the screen is vivid, it lacks brightness which hampers its sunlight legibility and makes it difficult to use in bright outdoor environments. The screen’s unconventional aspect ratio seems good for internet browsing and social media consumption. At the same time, it is not great for multimedia, as the on-screen content does not fully utilise the screen space and leaves out thick black bars on both sides in the horizontal orientation. Thankfully, the phone supports WideVine L1 DRM services required for streaming high-definition video content from over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Videos.

Camera

The Oppo Reno2 Z has a quad-camera set-up on the back, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor of an f/1.7 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor of a 119-degree field of view (FoV) and an f/2.2 aperture, a 2MP mono sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots. The phone’s primary sensor is good for everyday point-and-shoot photography and the ultra-wide sensor comes handy in capturing landscape shots. You can also use the ultra-wide screen to accommodate more objects in the frame, say for group photographs. The mono and depth sensor are limited to portrait photography and bokeh effect in videos. The bokeh effect in videos looks natural and works as intended in good light conditions. However, it requires polishing to recognise faces in low-light conditions. Talking of low-light imaging, the phone has an ultra night mode that enhances a dim-lit frame by extending the exposure time to capture details.

Oppo Reno2 Z camera samplesOppo Reno2 Z camera samplesOppo Reno2 Z camera samplesOppo Reno2 Z camera samples

For selfies, the phone has a 16MP pop-up selfie camera module that comes out from the top. The module has built-in LEDs that light up when the camera comes out or retracts into the chassis. This LEDs attract attention, making it easy to capture selfies with people looking at the camera rather than anywhere else. As for the output, the selfie camera is good and its beautification mode works like a charm. The selfie camera also supports the bokeh effect in video recording, but it is not refined.

Performance

The phone is powered by MediaTek Helio P90 system-on-chip, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. The phone feels snappy in day-to-day operations, but shows some inconsistencies while handling processor- and graphic-intensive tasks like video editing, multitasking and gaming. The phone boots Android Pie-based ColorOS 6.1 user interface, which is not a refined UI and has several flaws like excessive bloatware, no dark mode and unoptimised notification centre. Other than its OS flaws, the phone has thermal issues; it warms up randomly even when the phone is not in use. However, these thermal issues can be contained by rebooting phone daily.

Oppo Reno2 Z UIOppo Reno2 Z UIBattery

The phone is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery, which is good enough to keep it going for around a day. It supports the VOOC 3.0 fast-charge technology, which replenishes about half the battery in 30 minutes.

Verdict

At Rs 29,990, the Oppo Reno2 Z seems to be an expensive smartphone that does not justify its midrange premium tag. Though the phone has a sturdy build, good ergonomics, plush design, feature-rich cameras and good on-battery time, its mediocre performance and cluttered user interface hamper the overall user experience.

In the sub-Rs 30,000 price band, the Oppo Reno2 Z does not match other premium midrange phones like the OnePlus 7, Asus 6z and Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro, which deliver better user experience and have good combination of specifications and features, too

OPPO launches new operating system ColorOS 6 trial version for F9 mobiles

OPPO has announced the rollout of the ColorOS 6 Open Trial Version for its F9 smartphone. The new ColorOS 6 Open Trial Version offers users the latest Android Pie mobile operating system experience, and comes replete with all-new customized features.

Android Pie - a major upgrade

All models upgraded to ColorOS 6 integrate the practical new features introduced by Android Pie, including improved interactions, enhanced AI capabilities and optimization of the underlying interface.

An all-new navigation gesture in Android Pie offers a cutting-edge experience in user interactions. Android Pie is powered by Google's AI capabilities with Google Assistant, ARcore, Google Lens and other intelligent scenario-based services. OPPO's integration of the latest software update provides a smoother, smarter and more user-friendly experience for customers.

Borderless design

ColorOS 6 adopts a borderless design concept to relieve user anxiety caused by information overload. OPPO combines light, subtle colors and a simplistic white background to create a lightweight and elegant user interface, which differentiates ColorOS 6 from Google's native interface.

The simplistic white background design has subtle gradients that seamlessly blend with built-in modern art wallpapers, delivering an integrated experience in borderless aesthetics.

Improved interaction

ColorOS 6 shifts the navigation bar to the top of the screen and streamlines the information hierarchy by replacing tapping with swiping to improve efficiency and smoothness of interactions. ColorOS 6 also features animations that simulate natural friction to create a more intuitive virtual experience for operations, for example, when swiping upward or across the screen.

Dazzle Color Mode and a brand-new portrait style

OPPO's continuous pursuit of excellence in photography over the years means ColorOS 6 comes packed with advanced imaging technologies. The upgrade introduces two new features: Dazzle Color Mode and a brand-new portrait style.

Dazzle Color Mode leverages mapping algorithms to restore vivid colors, reverse light and improve shading in pictures. It also expands the range of scenarios that smartphone photography can handle. ColorOS 6 employs AI to scan through the most-viewed photos on social networks globally to customize five portrait filters. Algorithm-based optimization for facial recognition and skin tone adjustment helps to intelligently meet user demand for beautification capabilities.

Elevated gaming experience

OPPO's gaming optimization program 'Game Boost' has been upgraded to version 2.0. What's more, the addition of new core technologies 'Touch Boost' and 'Frame Boost' effectively improve game feel and frame rate stability, which tests have shown to deliver a 38% increase in performance.

The independent app 'Game Space' supports a variety of features and customization of game parameters for network, power consumption, messaging and more. Meanwhile, 'Game Assistant' provides shortcuts for a number of functions, including 'do not disturb', background processes and customizeable split-screen for a personalized gaming experience.

Payment security and privacy protection

ColorOS 6 introduces powerful security features to mitigate the risks of personal data leaks in both high-frequency and extreme cases, including App Encryption, Private Safe and Find my device.

To ensure payment security, ColorOS 6 features automatic payment blocking, payment identity verification and environment monitoring for payment apps, eliminating risks like induced payment, unsafe links and fraudulent messages.

The new upgrade first hits OPPO's popular F9 smartphone and will subsequently be rolled out for the flagship Find X and a range of available OPPO devices in the near future to deliver an enhanced software experience for all ColorOS users.

Oppo leads Apple, Samsung in race to win over youngsters in India

Apple and Samsung, the flagbearers of innovation in the consumer technology space for years, may be losing the trust of young Indian consumers to a Chinese rival. Oppo Mobile India, the local subsidiary of China’s BBK Electronics, has emerged as the most-preferred innovative handset brand in the premium segment, as per an independent study conducted by the analyst firm CyberMedia Research (CMR).

Conducted among consumers, born between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, in the survey, Oppo scored 78 per cent. While Samsung, at the second spot, scored 74 per cent, Apple stood at the third spot with a 71 per cent score.

The findings are surprising, to say the least, given that Oppo does not feature among the most-selling premium smartphone brands in the country. While Samsung now tops the chart, in terms of volume of premium devices shipped, Chinese brand OnePlus is the second-largest player in the Rs 25,000-to-Rs 50,000 price band, followed by Apple.

However, the young consumers said that Oppo’s constant focus on camera prowess and its long-lasting batteries remained at the top of their mind. According to Prabhu Ram, head-industry intelligence group, CMR, innovations introduced by Oppo in selfie cameras at an early stage that, along with Vivo, transformed the smartphone market in India and helped it gain consumers’ attention. “The Gen Z clearly identifies with Oppo as an innovation trailblazer that offers a premium experience to them, with industry-leading innovations, whether it be in camera or battery charging,” he said.

Charles Wong, chief executive of Oppo India and president, South Asia, said: “Oppo has constantly strived to redefine the possibilities of a smartphone by introducing several 'firsts' in one of the most-competitive consumer industries in the world. From the world's first motorised camera to the world’s first periscope-style dual camera technology (10Xhybrid zoom technology), we have been at the forefront of introducing revolutionary technologies.”

According to him, since its journey began in India in 2013, the firm had kept millennial consumers in mind, while introducing innovations. It was the first brand to introduce SuperVooc flash charging technology in the country in 2018. Citing shipment data from Counterpoint Research, Wong said Oppo is among the top five smartphone brands in India and it grew by 28 per cent during the January-March quarter.

Spokespersons from Apple and Samsung were not available for comment.

The two brands, however, kept innovation at the forefront in the recent past, said experts. Samsung, which regained the top spot in the premium smartphone market last quarter by volume shipment. introduced the first quad-back-camera phone by launching Galaxy A9 last November. The phone set a new trend of multiple back cameras that have now become common among other top selling phones even in the mid-segment.

Sources said it is unfair to consider Apple while comparing brands in the premium segment. All new iPhones are priced well above Rs 50,000 and thus only older iPhone models are considered while a comparison is drawn in the below the Rs 50,000 price segment. “All its innovations are introduced in the above Rs 70,000 price segment,” an expert said.

Running on an in-house operating system, iOS, Apple phones are way more secure than any Android device that runs on an open source platform. Further, it manages to offer a seamless experience to users due to its control over both – the hardware and the software.

Strong signals

Oppo (with 78% score) has emerged as the most innovative premium handset brand

Samsung (74%) and Apple (71%), two of the leading global innovators, lag the Chinese player

Oppo’s constant focus on camera, powerful battery won the race as 78% GenZ consumers consider camera important

Recently, Apple slipped to the third spot in the above-Rs 30k segment, but Samsung regained top spot

Apple iPhone shipment in 2018 fell to 1.6-1.7 mn units in 2018, lowest since 2014