In the crowded mid-range smartphone segment, standing out is no easy task. But OPPO has always managed to blend style, innovation, and reliability into its smartphones—and the OPPO A97 is no exception. Launched as part of OPPO’s A-series lineup, this phone is targeted at users who value good design, dependable performance, 5G connectivity, and day-to-day practicality.
With a sleek design and balanced specifications, the OPPO A97 strikes a fine balance between form and function. It may not be a flagship killer, but it’s a well-rounded device for users looking for an everyday phone with decent gaming, media, and camera capabilities.
Let’s explore what makes the OPPO A97 a worthy option in the mid-range segment.
Design and Build: Sleek and Sophisticated
One of the first things you’ll notice about the OPPO A97 is its sleek and premium design, which feels more flagship than mid-range. It features a matte-finished back panel that resists fingerprints, a boxy flat-edge frame, and a minimalist camera island that blends seamlessly into the body.
Design Highlights:
- Colors: Deep Blue and Classic Black
- Thickness: Just 7.99 mm
- Weight: Approx. 190 grams
- Build: Polycarbonate back, sturdy frame
Despite being lightweight and slim, the phone feels solid in hand. It has a clean aesthetic with subtle branding, giving it a refined look that can appeal to both younger and older users alike.
Display: Big, Bright, and Butter-Smooth
The OPPO A97 is equipped with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the screen is vivid, responsive, and sharp enough for everything from reading to binge-watching.
Display Specs:
- Size: 6.6 inches
- Resolution: FHD+ (2408 x 1080 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Touch Sampling Rate: 180Hz
- Screen-to-Body Ratio: ~90.6%
Though it misses the deeper blacks and contrast of AMOLED, the LCD display performs well for its class. The 90Hz refresh rate makes UI navigation and gaming smoother than traditional 60Hz displays.
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 810 Delivers
Powering the OPPO A97 is the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, a 6nm octa-core processor that brings 5G connectivity and efficient performance to the mid-range tier. It is paired with a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, making it a multitasking powerhouse.
Key Specs:
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 810
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR4x (+ up to 8GB virtual RAM)
- Storage: 256GB UFS 2.2 (expandable via microSD)
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
- OS: ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12
Performance Review:
- Smooth app switching and background task management
- Casual gaming (BGMI, COD Mobile) runs at medium to high settings
- Efficient thermal management with minimal heating
- 5G support with dual-SIM standby
The Dimensity 810 may not be a gaming beast like flagship processors, but it handles daily use, multitasking, and casual gaming effortlessly. For most users, it offers more than enough speed.
Camera System: Simplicity That Delivers
The OPPO A97 features a dual rear camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 12MP selfie camera tucked neatly in a punch-hole cutout.
Camera Features:
- Rear: 48MP (f/1.7) main + 2MP depth sensor
- Front: 12MP selfie shooter
- Video Recording: 1080p at 30fps (front and rear)
- Night Mode, Portrait Mode, AI Beautification, HDR
Camera Performance:
- Daylight: Sharp images with good color accuracy and detail
- Low Light: Decent with Night Mode, but lacks OIS or large sensor support
- Portraits: Good edge detection and natural skin tones
- Selfies: Clear and balanced; skin tones appear natural
The camera setup isn’t packed with ultra-wide or macro gimmicks, but it focuses on doing the basics well, which is perfect for everyday photography and social media use.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
A 5000mAh battery powers the OPPO A97, which is more than sufficient for a full day of mixed usage. Thanks to the 33W SuperVOOC fast charging, you can go from 0 to 50% in just around 30 minutes.
Battery Highlights:
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 33W SuperVOOC
- Backup: Easily 1.5 days of normal use
Real-World Battery Use:
- Video streaming (1 hour): ~7-8% drain
- Gaming (1 hour): ~12-15% drain
- Standby overnight: ~2-3% drop
The phone also includes AI battery management features that monitor usage and optimize background tasks to extend battery life.
Software and UI: Feature-Packed ColorOS
The OPPO A97 runs on ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12, offering a visually clean and customizable user interface. While ColorOS is feature-rich, it is well optimized and doesn’t feel bloated.
UI Features:
- FlexDrop: For multitasking with floating windows
- Smart Sidebar: Quick access to apps
- Privacy Dashboard: Permission manager
- RAM Expansion: Up to 8GB virtual RAM
- Dark Mode, Always-On Display, App Cloning
ColorOS continues to evolve with smoother animations, better battery management, and regular security updates. It’s a user-friendly interface that caters to both tech-savvy and casual users.
Connectivity and Audio: Everything You Need
The OPPO A97 checks all the right boxes in terms of connectivity:
- 5G with Dual SIM support
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
- USB Type-C port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dual stereo speakers
The dual stereo speakers provide loud and crisp audio, enhancing the experience during movies and gaming. Support for Dirac Audio Technology gives you clearer sound output, especially when using earphones.
Security and Sensors
The phone comes with both side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock, both of which are fast and reliable. Other sensors include:
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Proximity Sensor
- Compass
- Ambient Light Sensor
Pricing and Value for Money
As of mid-2025, the OPPO A97 is priced at around ₹22,000–₹24,000 in India, depending on availability and offers.
Competitors:
| Model | Price | Chipset | RAM/Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Realme Narzo 60 5G | ₹19,999 | Dimensity 6020 | 8GB/128GB | AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Redmi Note 13 | ₹17,999 | Dimensity 6100+ | 6GB/128GB | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| iQOO Z7 5G | ₹18,999 | Dimensity 920 | 6GB/128GB | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Samsung Galaxy M14 5G | ₹14,990 | Exynos 1330 | 6GB/128GB | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
While some rivals offer AMOLED displays or faster chipsets at slightly lower prices, the OPPO A97 stands out for its elegant design, clean UI, and well-rounded performance.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Slim, stylish design with premium feel
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
- 90Hz smooth display
- Dependable Dimensity 810 performance
- Stereo speakers and 5G support
- Good camera performance in daylight
❌ Cons:
- LCD panel instead of AMOLED
- No ultrawide or macro camera
- ColorOS might not appeal to stock Android fans
- Android 12 (not the latest version)
Verdict: Should You Buy the OPPO A97?
If you’re someone who values design, reliability, and everyday usability over gimmicky features, the OPPO A97 is a strong contender in the sub-₹25K category. It offers a combination of sleek aesthetics, solid 5G performance, good battery life, and a clean software experience.
Ideal for:
- College students and young professionals
- Content consumers who enjoy OTT and casual gaming
- Users who prefer a stylish phone with dependable specs
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Tagline: OPPO A97 – All Style, All Substance, All Yours.
