In a smartphone landscape dominated by $1000-plus flagships, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G carves out a compelling niche at just $399 in Australia. What truly sets this phone apart isn’t just its impressive specs or toughness—it’s the Mocha Brown finish, which delivers a level of sophistication and tactile satisfaction that’s rare at this price point.
The moment you pick up the Mocha Brown A5 Pro 5G, you’re met with a deep, matte color that calls to mind a rich morning coffee or a premium block of chocolate. OPPO’s vegan leather back isn’t just for looks; it feels luxuriously soft and grippy, with a natural, organic texture that elevates the phone from utilitarian to genuinely stylish. It’s a finish that wouldn’t look out of place on a much pricier device, and it resists fingerprints and daily wear surprisingly well.
But don’t be fooled by the elegant exterior—this is a phone built to survive real-world mishaps. The IP69 rating means it’s fully dustproof and can withstand everything from accidental drops to high-pressure water jets and even hot water splashes up to 80°C. That’s a level of protection you won’t find on most competitors, even those costing hundreds more. While other budget phones like the CMF Phone 2 Pro might offer splash resistance, they simply can’t match the full ruggedness or peace of mind the OPPO provides.
Battery life is another area where the A5 Pro 5G shines. Its massive 5800mAh battery regularly delivers two full days of moderate use, and often stretches into a third day for lighter users—outperforming many more expensive devices. Even with heavy multitasking, streaming, and gaming, you’re unlikely to experience battery anxiety. And thanks to OPPO’s 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging (charger sold separately), a full top-up takes well under 90 minutes. Few phones at any price point can boast this kind of stamina and longevity; even the CMF Phone 2 Pro, while competent, doesn’t reach these heights.
Performance is handled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 256GB of storage—plus microSD expansion for good measure. While benchmark scores put it a step behind some rivals, day-to-day use is smooth and responsive, especially for social media, browsing, and streaming. ColorOS 15.0 offers a clean, reliable Android experience, and OPPO’s promise of five years of OS updates and six years of security patches far exceeds the typical software support you’ll find elsewhere in this class. That’s a significant edge over competitors like the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which offers fewer updates and less future-proofing.
The 6.67-inch 120Hz LCD display is bright and fluid, reaching up to 1000 nits for good outdoor readability. The 720p resolution is a clear compromise, and those who are particular about screen sharpness will notice the difference—especially compared to the full HD panels on some similarly priced phones. Still, for everyday use, the vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
What’s nice is that OPPO includes a screen protector pre-installed right out of the box—a thoughtful touch that many far more expensive phones now skip. This not only saves you the hassle and cost of buying one separately, but also means your display is protected from day one. Audio is delivered through dual stereo speakers, which offer immersive sound and can boost volume for noisy environments. While not audiophile-grade, it’s more than adequate for podcasts, calls, and casual media consumption.
Where the A5 Pro 5G’s compromises become most apparent is in the camera department. The 50MP main camera and 2MP depth sensor perform admirably in good lighting, producing crisp, detailed photos and pleasing portrait effects. However, low-light shots can be grainy, and the lack of an ultra-wide or macro lens limits versatility. AI-powered features like retouching and eraser tools are handy but can’t fully make up for the hardware’s limitations. Here, the CMF Phone 2 Pro pulls ahead with its sharper cameras, but it must be said that most users in this bracket will find the OPPO’s camera perfectly serviceable for social media and everyday snaps.
Ultimately, what makes the OPPO A5 Pro 5G so easy to recommend is how much it delivers for the money. The Mocha Brown finish brings an unexpected touch of luxury, while the phone’s durability, battery life, and long-term software support put it in a league of its own among affordable devices. Even as you encounter the expected compromises—like display resolution and camera flexibility—you’re constantly reminded of the thoughtful engineering and premium touches that set this OPPO apart from the crowd.
In a world where most phones with this kind of style and resilience cost twice as much, the A5 Pro 5G is proof that you don’t have to spend big to get a device that looks great, lasts ages, and stands up to life’s knocks. For anyone seeking reliable performance, standout design, and genuine toughness, this is a phone that punches well above its weight—and price.
Oppo Australia kindly loaned the A5 Pro 5G to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
