It is common among smartphone manufacturers now to launch a new device that is actually just an old device with only the external design replaced with the same components. The Oppo Reno8 Z is a device that was launched a month ago and many would have thought it had a new chip like the Reno8 Pro and Reno8. But the fact is that the Reno8 Z is a Reno7 Z that is simply skinned.
When we say skin only we are not joking. No changes have been made to the specifications except for the now larger storage. But since we didn't review the Reno7 Z last year, this review will answer some questions about whether the Reno8 Z is worth owning.
Specifications And Design
Oppo Reno8 Z
6.43″ AMOLED screen
1080 x 2400 pixels, 60Hz
Snapdragon 695 processor (6nm)
2 X 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold Chip
6 X 1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver
Adreno 619 Graphics Chip
RAM 8GB LDPDR4x
Internal Storage 256 GB UFS 2.2
MicroSD 1TB
Main Camera 64MP f/1.7, (Wide Angle)
2MP f/2.4 (Macro)
2MP f/2.4 (Depth)
Selfie Camera 16 MP f/2.4
4500 mAh battery
33W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Sale Price RM1799 (8/256GB)
The 6.43″ AMOLED screen used only supports a 60Hz refresh rate. It is awkward to see a 60Hz screen in 2022 because before on the market now there are many mid-range devices with 120Hz support. More surprisingly Reno8 Z also does not support any HDR format.
If YouTube HDR content is played, the HDR option is not displayed at all. In Netflix, the HDR icon is not displayed directly in the application. For a device with a Snapdragon 695, the absence of HDR support is a bit strange as the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G with the same chip supports it.
Therefore the screen performance of this device is only average when compared to other devices in the same class. It is still bright with good color display and detects touch accurately. However, usage feels slow because the screen is only 60Hz.
The bezel is thin on the top and sides. It's a bit thick on the chin which makes the screen look unbalanced. The camera hole on the top left corner is small but will obstruct the view when watching videos in full screen mode and in video game applications. Oppo ColorOS however gives users the option to place a black bar on top to prevent content from being interrupted by this camera hole if necessary.
The screen is also a flat type which is more comfortable to use than a screen with curved sides. There is an under-screen fingerprint scanner under the screen of the optical type. Its relatively low position makes the process of unlocking the device a little difficult.
However the fingerprint scanner works quickly with unlocking happening in the blink of an eye. Just make sure your fingers are dry and not greasy because it's an optical type scanner that won't work if it's not.
On the same left side there is an adjustable volume button and tray for dual SIM with Micro SD card. Talam of the hybrid type allows dual SIM and memory expansion to be done simultaneously. Meanwhile at the bottom there is a USB-C charging port, a 3.5mm audio jack and a grille for mono speakers. Finally, the power button is placed on the right side.
The entire back panel is made of metal with a gradient color. A slightly rough finish makes it not easy to get dirty. Two large lens bumps dominate the back panel and they cause the device to lean slightly when placed on a table. Unlike the Reno8 and Reno8 Pro, these two large lenses are not placed in one large bump to protect from any damage.
The dual-lens camera is also equipped with the Oppo Glow lighting system. It can flash when receiving notifications and phone calls. Very useful for those who don't want to miss phone calls when the device is put in silent mode.
Overall, the design of this device is simple, practical and balanced with premium device criteria. The sturdy metal frame makes the device feel comfortable and solid in the hand. We don't do bend tests very often but the Reno8 Z's frame is tough enough that it doesn't flex under pressure.
Use And Software
The device uses Android 12 with ColorOS 12 launcher which is actually similar to the original Android 12 interface. ColorOS is among the launchers that successfully combine style with smoothness without sacrificing any extra functionality. If the user feels that 8GB of RAM is not enough, RAM Expension can add memory over time in sizes of 2, 3 or 5GB. By default 3 GB of virtual RAM is enabled and it can be turned off if you care more about storage space.
The ColorOS launcher has a good reputation for smoothness and ease of use. As the Android interface between manufacturers' devices is now becoming more and more uniform, we don't think users new to ColorOS will have any problems using this launcher. As we said a few paragraphs above, the only drawback is that the screen is only 60Hz, making the use of the Reno8 Z feel a little slow compared to devices with refresh rates of 90, 120 and 144Hz.
Gesture features take screenshots, launch the camera app or turn on the flashlight. Smart Sidebar, on the other hand, puts some basic applications and features on a side tab that can be pulled out at any time. These features have been standard on Oppo devices for the past few years. If you have used a ColorOS device before, the process of getting used to the Reno8 Z will be short because it is still the same as other Oppo devices.
Because Android 12 is still in use, users can access the Android theme feature that facilitates the process of changing the device's interface color and background easily. Oppo has already confirmed that the Reno8 Z will receive Android 13 in 2023.
Bench mark
The Snapdragon 695 is a 6nm mid-range chip launched at the end of 2021. Therefore it can still be considered as one of the good mid-range devices. Here are the scores the Snapdragon 695 scored in several benchmark tests.
Geekbench 5 – 674/1921 Score
Antutu 3D – 398,307 Scores
Wild Life – 1218 Marks
The Geekbench score recorded is slightly higher than the Snapdragon 680 4G but below the Snapdragon 778G. Various applications can be run without any serious issues. We realize on YouTube videos are limited to FHD resolution only with the 4K option not accessible due to a flaw in the chip.
Heavy games such as COD Mobile, PUBG and Genshin Impact can only be played on medium settings with satisfactory frame rates. No overheating issues with it just being lukewarm.
Telephony, GPS, WiFi And Radio
Reno8 Z is supported by DNB's 5G network. There is support for VoLTE and VoWiFi on telcos that support it. This to some extent solves the issue of bad 4G network in buildings in Malaysia right now to make voice calls. Voice calls work well with voices being heard clearly in tests over the Digi network.
The GPS performance is also not disappointing with the location being set in the Waze application in about a second. When using it in the middle of KL with tall buildings on the side of the road, the signal can still be detected well.
Camera
The main camera combines a 64MP f/1.7 wide-angle lens, 2MP f/2.4 macro and 2MP f/2.4 depth. No OIS system is provided on any lens. On the front, a 16MP f/2.4 sensor is used for the selfie camera located in the screen hole.
The wide-angle main camera supports 64MP mode for larger picture sizes. There are standard features such as night mode, macro, portrait, Pro, and panorama. Artificial intelligence that changes camera settings and performs post-processing can also be activated if necessary. Because the device is from the middle class, the video that can be recorded is only at the maximum resolution of 1080p 30FPS only.
The pictures we took using the Reno8 Z camera were very satisfactory even though the weather in Bangkok where the pictures were taken was cloudy all the time. The majority of pictures look sharp with colors that look alive even though the color tone is warmer than the actual situation. We are not complaining because without post processing all the pictures would probably look gloomy due to the cloudy weather.
Portrait and selfie modes are also good with again images looking sharp. In the lighting situation in closed areas, the image appears a little dark with less bright colors. Without OIS it can be seen that night mode photos are not as sharp as photos taken in bright conditions.
There is a macro mode but all the pictures taken are unsatisfactory. Once again we ask Android device manufacturers to stop the completely useless 2MP macro lens gimmick.
Battery
The performance of the 4500 mAh battery that is used is disappointing because it only provides 6 hours of SOT only on moderate use and it is not able to exceed the use of more than 24 hours. On heavier use the SOT drops to around 4 hours. This happens if we run the first with gaming mode activated. Recharging takes around 1 hour using a 33W charger with a USB-C head. Oppo does not lock and the charger is included with every purchase.
Audio
Only mono audio is supported, so it can be assumed that the audio is unbalanced. There is also no Dolby Atmos support when audio accessories are attached to the device but is replaced by a Real Sound system. Mono audio is unforgivable in 2022. The lack of physical speakers is somewhat remedied as there is a 3.5mm audio jack for wired accessories.
In the box
Here's what you get with every device purchase in Malaysia.
1x Oppo Reno8 Z
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x 33W Charger.
1x Silicone frame
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin
Conclusion
Oppo Reno8 Z does not disappoint as a mid-range device. A neat and attractive design is matched with satisfactory simple specifications. Good camera capabilities for its class can also be enjoyed. The ColorOS software provides various additional features that will facilitate the use of the device. The performance of running normal applications is not disappointing, but we cannot recommend it to hardcore gamers.
The downside lies in the short battery life and also that it's just a Reno7 Z 5G given a new body and bigger storage. At a price of RM1799, it is also very expensive when compared to devices such as the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, Poco X4 Pro 5G and Realme 9 Pro which are sold at a price below RM1500. So it's hard to recommend it to readers unless you really want an Oppo device with Snapdragon 695.
Pro
Neat design, not easy to get dirty and attractive.
Smooth use even though the processor is not very powerful.
Satisfactory camera capabilities.
Equipped with 3.5mm audio jack.
33W fast charging included with purchase.
Cons
Mono speaker.
60Hz screen.
The price is quite expensive for the specifications offered.