Smartphone front cameras have been getting better and better the past few years, to the point that they’re almost as good as the rear shooter. Almost. The new Oppo F1s crosses that line with a front-camera that’s much better than the rear one. But is it all just for show? Find out below.
Specifications:
- Processor: Octa-core MediaTek 6755 processor @ 1.5 GHz
- GPU: Mali-T860 MP2
- RAM: 3 GB RAM
- Memory: 32 GB internal storage, microSD expandable up to 128 GB
- Display: 5.5 inch IPS HD display protected with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Cameras: 13 MP f/2.2 with Phase Detection Autofocus and LED flash rear; 16 MP f/2.0 front
- Battery: 3075 mAh
- Operating System: ColorOS 3.0, based on Android 5.1
- Connections: dual nanoSIM; 4G LTE; WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/; Bluetooth 4.0; GPS; microUSB
- Dimensions: 154.5 x 76 x 7.38 mm; 160 g
- Colors: Gold and rose gold
- Others: Fingerprint reader
Design: 4.5/5
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and in this case, the iPhone should be blushing all over. At first glance, the Oppo F1s looks like Apple’s mainstay device especially when it’s viewed from the back. The matte-finished rear sports two thin metallic bands at the forehead and the chin, and the camera array is located on the upper left side. If it wasn’t for the glaring Oppo marque, you’d have a hard time telling the two devices apart.
Flip the phone over and you’ll be greeted by the 5.5 inch HD IPS screen protected top to bottom by 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The selfie camera, call speaker, LED notification light, and proximity and light sensors occupy the top, while the physical home button with built-in fingerprint sensor, and capacitive back and recent apps button are at the bottom. The latter two also light up when pressed.
The phone may be big, but thanks to the chamfered edges, it’s still easy to wield. At the bottom edge are dual CNC-drilled speakers, primary microphone, microUSB port, and 3.5mm jack; the right side has the power button and the microSD/SIM tray; volume rockers are placed on the left edge; and the top has a secondary microphone.
Don’t get me wrong, though. The Oppo F1s looks really good and feels premium in the hand thanks to its glass and metal unibody build. Our review unit came in a sexy rose gold finish, though a regular gold variant is also available.
Hardware: 4/5
Under the hood is an octa-core MediaTek 6755 processor paired with a Mali-T860 MP2 GPU, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of expandable storage, and a 3075 mAh battery. It boasts dual SIM connectivity, having a triple slot tray that holds two nanoSIMs with the microSD card getting its own space. Each SIM slot has 4G LTE capability, while Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS roundup its other connectivity options.
The Oppo F1s is marketed as a selfie expert’s phone and it struts the necessary hardware to backup that claim. The front snapper is a 16 MP f/2.0 affair with a 1/3.1 inch image sensor—significantly more megapixels, wider aperture, and more sizeable photon receptacle than most other smartphones in the market. Selfie-centric camera features are also present, including Beautify 4.0 for better yet natural-looking self portraits; filters and plugins; and selfie panorama.
The rear camera isn’t as robust, though it’s still highly capable at 13 MP f/2.2 with a 1/3.06 inch sensor.
User Experience: 4/5
This isn’t the first phone to strut a MediaTek 6755 processor with 3 GB of RAM, so I wasn’t at all surprised with its mid-range performance. If anything, the lower spec’ed 1280 x 720 screen actually helps the silicone as it requires less calculation to run, especially with demanding games. As for benchmarks, it scored 41374 in Antutu and 3328 in PCMark. Sure those won’t blow you away, but they’re above decent and the phone remains cool even during heavy workload.
But does this phone live up to its selfie expert claim in the real world? Most definitely. Self-portraits are very clear and bright, and the front-facing camera has received its fair share of compliments from my friends.
Value: 3.5/5
The Oppo F1s retails for PHP 12,990, significantly more expensive than some similarly spec’ed phone. However, you are getting a great all-arounder with a premium build and a beastly front camera for the price difference. If your selfie game has been feeling bland lately, this phone will pick up the slack.
What’s Hot:
- Premium aesthetics with glass and metal build
- All-around performer
- Selfie Expert tag is spot on
- Remains cool to the touch
What’s Not:
- Pricing could be more competitive
- Screen only has HD resolution
Bottomline:
- My album’s already full of great-looking selfies.
