There are phones that chase headlines and there are phones that settle into your hand like they were always meant to be there. The Oppo A97 5G aims for the second kind of win. It is built around comfort, battery confidence, and a software experience that lets you get on with life without constant housekeeping. If you are following the Oppo New lineup and want a device that feels modern but not fussy, the A97 5G reads like a thoughtful update to what a balanced everyday phone should be in India right now. This is a review told in plain language, NDTV or India Today style, focused on how the phone behaves when the day gets busy.
| Key Specs Snapshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6–6.7-inch LCD/AMOLED class, 90–120Hz adaptive refresh |
| Processor | Efficient 5G chipset tuned for balanced power and cool temps |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB/12GB RAM with smart expansion, 128GB/256GB UFS storage |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main with night tuning, secondary depth and macro helpers |
| Front Camera | 8MP–16MP class with portrait HDR and skin-tone control |
| Battery & Charging | 5000mAh, 33W–67W fast charging with protection layers |
| Software | ColorOS on Android with long-term optimizations |
| Connectivity | Dual-SIM 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC in select regions |
| Design | Slim frame, matte back finish, lightweight for all-day carry |
Design
You notice the weight balance first. The frame sits flush in the palm and the back panel’s matte texture resists fingerprints, which means your phone looks fresh even after a commute. Corners are softened just enough to avoid digging into your fingers during long chats or endless reels. The camera island is neat, raised only as much as needed, and the lens rings catch light tastefully. The whole package communicates that Oppo New thinking where style takes a mature, minimal route rather than flashy tricks. It slips into jeans pockets without the brick effect and stays steady on a café table without wobble.
Display
Open a feed and the screen’s smoothness is the first pleasant surprise. A 90–120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel natural, and the touch layer keeps up with quick flicks and typing. Colors lean realistic out of the box instead of hyper-saturated, but you can nudge warmth and punch in settings to match your taste. Outdoors, brightness holds its ground against noon sun well enough to read maps and messages without squinting. For late nights, the blue-light filter introduces a warmer tint that takes the edge off eye fatigue. Binge sessions feel friendly, and the display earns its place as the front door to the Oppo New experience.
Performance
Inside, an efficient 5G chipset handles the rhythm of Indian daily life: messaging storms, short gaming breaks, two banking apps, ride bookings, and a camera that is always ready. The A97 5G does not chase benchmark trophies; it aims for steadiness. App switches feel instant, background apps re-appear without constant reloads, and thermals stay conservative even after sustained use. This calm is helped by storage tuned for quick launches and RAM that uses smart expansion when you need extra breathing room. The result is a device that makes the Oppo New promise feel reliable rather than loud.
Audio
Stereo output gives videos and casual music a sense of width, with dialogue sitting nicely forward so you do not ride the volume keys between scenes. The haptic motor is crisp for typing and navigation—tiny feedback that adds a touch of polish. Call clarity stays strong, the earpiece has presence, and noise reduction keeps your voice focused in busy streets. These details are small on paper, but they are the parts of the Oppo New formula that make living with the phone genuinely nicer.
Camera
The main camera’s story is color honesty and dependable focus. In daylight, skin tones look human, not plastic, and skies hold their blue without blowing out buildings. Tap-to-focus locks quickly and sticks, which makes moving subjects easier to capture. Portrait mode handles edge separation gracefully, softening backgrounds without cutting ears or hair. At night, multi-frame processing brightens scenes without crushing shadows into gray mush. Street lamps keep halos under control and indoor warm lighting stays believable. The selfie camera leans flattering yet natural, keeping texture while smoothing just enough for confidence on video calls. If you want a predictable shooter from the Oppo New family that won’t make you retake every other shot, the A97 5G fits.
Video
Stabilization trims handshake well in daylight, and panning holds straight lines without the “jelly” effect. Sound pickup balances voice and ambience so your monologue in a market lane does not drown in background buzz. Low-light video is still a tougher space, but the phone finds a usable middle with steady exposure and tolerable grain. For quick reels, pet clips, and birthday moments, the A97 5G’s video pipeline is a steady companion and aligns with the Oppo New emphasis on real-world usefulness.
Battery
The 5000mAh battery is the kind of foundation that changes how you plan a day. Navigation, camera stints, music, and messaging add up, yet you still reach bedtime with meaningful headroom. On gentler days, a second morning is possible. Fast charging turns a short stop into meaningful power, and the charging logic slows near full to protect long-term health. This is the practical side of Oppo New—endurance without drama, and speed without fear.
ColorOS
ColorOS has matured into one of Android’s tidy, fast skins. Animations feel consistent, and the settings layout is clean enough that you do not get lost. Useful bits include an app cloner for parallel accounts, a private safe for documents and photos, and a screen-off gestures suite that still delights with muscle memory. The launcher’s search is snappy and the notification shade remains uncluttered. Updates arrive on schedule, and background power management avoids killing important services. If you like your software neat, the Oppo New attitude shows in daily touches that respect your time.
Connectivity
Dual-SIM 5G with carrier aggregation keeps data sessions lively, and handoffs between 4G and 5G are smooth so your map or stream does not hang. Wi-Fi performance stays stable in congested apartments, and Bluetooth maintains low-latency links with popular earbuds. NFC availability depends on region, but where present it makes transit taps and quick pairings easy. This stack is part of why the Oppo New approach feels modern without needing lectures on spec sheets.
Security
Side or in-display fingerprint sensors unlock quickly and reliably, and face unlock adds a convenient shortcut for well-lit moments. Privacy dashboards make mic, camera, and location access obvious. Per-app permissions are easy to control, and the private system space keeps work and personal life cleanly separated. The Oppo New narrative here is straightforward: simple, visible controls that help you stay in charge.
Gaming
Casual titles fly, and heavier games hold steady frame pacing on recommended settings. Touch response feels predictable, and the phone avoids hot spots near your index fingers during landscape play. The thermal profile aims for comfort over absolute peaks, which means you get a longer, smoother session rather than a short burst followed by throttling. For bus rides and late-night squads, the A97 5G brings that Oppo New balance where fun stays fun.
Storage
UFS-class storage speeds up installs and opens, and the file manager’s built-in cleanup tools actually earn their keep by finding duplicates and trimming leftover cache safely. Smart RAM expansion keeps multitasking responsive when you jump between camera, banking, and maps. Backups and transfers are straightforward, and device migration tools keep your old life intact. The smoother these basics are, the less you think about your phone, which is the deeper goal of Oppo New design.
Who Should Buy The Oppo
If you want a phone that feels premium enough without needing to learn ten new gestures or tweak twenty settings, the A97 5G is easy to recommend. Students who juggle classes, notes, and OTT breaks will like the battery and the display. Professionals who live in chat apps and scans will appreciate the camera reliability and call clarity. Parents who capture family routines will enjoy point-and-shoot confidence. For shoppers evaluating the Oppo New path, this model represents a very grounded sweet spot.
Price
Value is more than the sticker; it is what you stop worrying about. A strong battery means fewer charger hunts. A consistent camera means fewer re-takes. A stable network stack means fewer reloads in critical minutes. Even in a crowded market, the A97 5G makes a value case through quiet competence. It feels like Oppo New engineering focused on the things that matter 300 days a year, not just on launch day.
Long-Term Reliability
After months, the wins that remain are the important ones. The display stays clean with a good protector, the charging habits keep the battery lively, and the software keeps pace without bogging down. Accessories pair consistently, Android Auto links without theatrics, and the phone keeps feeling familiar. This long-view reliability is increasingly what defines a good Oppo New device, and the A97 5G fits the pattern.
Verdict
The Oppo A97 5G is a phone that chooses composure over chaos. It is fast enough when you need it, quiet enough to fade into your day when you do not, and reliable enough that you stop thinking about it. The design is comfortable, the display is easy on the eyes, the cameras are honest, and the battery backs you up. If you have been eyeing the Oppo New portfolio for a balanced, everyday partner, this is a confident pick that feels right from day one and stays right on day three hundred.
FAQs
Is the Oppo A97 5G good for low-light photos?
Yes, the primary camera’s multi-frame night tuning pulls detail from shadows while keeping noise in check. Street scenes look natural and indoor portraits maintain skin texture. For an Oppo New mid-range device, consistency is a highlight.
How long does the battery last in real life?
With mixed use that includes messaging, streaming, maps, and some camera work, the 5000mAh pack comfortably hits bedtime with spare. Lighter days push into a second morning. Fast charging removes range anxiety, which is in line with Oppo New priorities.
Does the display handle bright Indian sunlight?
Outdoor visibility holds up well, and auto-brightness reacts quickly. Color temperature can be tuned warmer for eye comfort. It is a practical screen that supports the Oppo New idea of usability first.
How is the software experience over time?
ColorOS feels clean, quick, and helpful. Features like app cloner, private safe, and simple gestures add real convenience without clutter. Updates are regular enough to keep performance smooth, which is core to Oppo New devices.
Should I upgrade from an older A-series phone?
If your current device struggles with battery life, night photos, or network stability, the A97 5G will feel like a solid jump. Display smoothness, camera reliability, and faster charging build a persuasive Oppo New upgrade path for everyday India.