Oppo A38 — Price, Specs & Features
The Oppo A38 is a budget-friendly smartphone offering a large display and solid battery workhorse features. The Oppo A38 price in Kenya is Kes 15,500 for the 128 GB 4 GB RAM storage variant at Silkroom Electronics.
It has a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, offering smoother visuals in daily use. Performance is handled by the MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) chipset paired with up to 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The rear camera setup includes a 50 MP main sensor plus a 2 MP depth sensor, while the front camera is 5 MP. Battery capacity is 5,000 mAh with 33 W wired fast charging. It runs Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1; extras include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual-SIM support, and splash/dust protection (IP54). Ideal for users who want large battery life and decent cameras in an affordable package they can order online.
Available to order online with fast delivery and official warranty protection. Flexible instalment plans and occasional bundle deals (case + screen protector) help reduce upfront cost.
Why Choose Oppo A38?
Display & Build: 6.56″ IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling; water-drop notch design under ~720 nit peak brightness for outdoor use.
Performance & Efficiency: MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) paired with 4-6 GB RAM manages daily apps and casual multitasking without heavy thermal throttling.
Camera System: 50 MP main shooter with PDAF plus a 2 MP depth sensor for portraits; 5 MP front cam handles selfies; rear video up to 1080p@30fps.
Battery & Charging: 5,000 mAh battery delivers full-day usage; supports 33 W wired fast charging to reduce downtime.
Software & Updates: Ships with Android 13 and ColorOS 13.1; OPPO offers modest update commitment (about 2.5 years) in this tier.
Connectivity & Extras: Dual-SIM 4G, 3.5 mm headphone jack, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and IP54 dust/splash resistance add practical daily utility.
Oppo A38 Full Specifications
Also known as: Oppo A38 4G
A budget-friendly 4G phone released in September 2023, the Oppo A38 features a 6.56-inch 90 Hz IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, dual rear cameras (50 MP main + 2 MP depth), a 5,000 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging, and runs Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1. For a detailed review and comparisons with rivals, see below.
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | |
| Type | IPS LCD |
| Size | 6.56 inches |
| Resolution | 720 × 1612 px (~269 ppi) |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz |
| Brightness | 720 nits (peak) |
| Protection | Not specified |
| Aspect ratio | 20:9 |
| Screen-to-Body | ~84.2 % |
| Always-on Display | No |
| Performance | |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB LPDDR (varies by variant) |
| Storage | |
| Internal options | 128 GB eMMC 5.1 |
| Expandable | Yes — microSDXC |
| Camera | |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF + 2 MP, f/2.4 depth |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video (Rear) | 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Front Camera | 5 MP, f/2.2 wide |
| Video (Front) | 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Battery & Charging | |
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 33 W fast charge |
| Wireless charging | No |
| Reverse charging | No |
| Software & Updates | |
| OS | Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1 |
| Software support | Not specified |
| AI features | Not specified |
| Connectivity | |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM, dual standby |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0; OTG supported |
| Infrared / FM Radio | No |
| Security & Sensors | |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Face unlock | No specification |
| Other sensors | Accelerometer; proximity; compass |
| Build & Design | |
| Dimensions & weight | 163.7 × 75 × 8.2 mm; 190 g |
| Materials | Glass front; plastic frame & back |
| Water/Dust resistance | IP54 (splash and dust resistant) |
| Colors | Glowing Black; Glowing Gold |
| Audio & Extras | |
| Speakers | Loudspeaker (single) |
| Headphone jack | Yes (3.5 mm) |
| Extras | Glowing “Glow Design” texture; 50 MP camera in budget segment |
The Oppo A38 provides solid basics in the budget category: a smooth 90 Hz display, large 50 MP main camera, and a sizeable 5,000 mAh battery with 33 W charging. While it lacks premium extras like wireless charging, high-end chipset, or strong water protection, it competes well with similarly priced phones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 and Infinix Hot series in terms of balanced value.
Oppo A38 Price in Kenya & Availability
- 4GB/128GB — KSh 15,500
Availability: Out of Stock
- 6GB/128GB ~KSh 22,000
Availability: Out of Stock
Oppo A38 Price in India
-
4GB/128GB — ₹ 16,000
Availability: Out of Stock
Box Contents
- Smartphone — Yes
- Charger (wired) — Yes (33 W)
- USB Type-C cable — Yes
- SIM ejector tool — Yes
- Protective case — Yes
- Screen protector — Yes
Verdict
The Oppo A38 is a strong pick for budget-minded users who want a large screen, decent cameras, and fast charging without breaking the bank. Its biggest strengths are its battery size, display refresh rate, and stylish finish. Trade-offs include a lower-resolution screen, less powerful chipset, modest RAM, and limited software update commitments. If those are acceptable, the A38 offers excellent value in its price range.
Pros & Cons of Oppo A38
Compared to other budget 4G phones like Samsung Galaxy A14 and Infinix Hot 30 Play, Oppo A38 stands out for its 50 MP main camera and 33 W fast charging.
Pros
- 6.56″ IPS LCD display with 90 Hz refresh rate
- 50 MP + 2 MP dual rear cameras
- 5000 mAh battery with 33 W charging
- 128 GB storage with microSD expansion
Cons
- 720p resolution display (not Full HD)
- Helio G85 chipset modest for heavy gaming
- Selfie camera only 5 MP, limited detail
- No 5G connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on the Oppo A38 and how fast does it charge?
The Oppo A38 has a 5,000 mAh battery, which can last up to two days of moderate use. It supports 33 W fast charging, typically reaching a full charge in around 30 minutes.
Does the Oppo A38 have optical image stabilization (OIS) and how good is the camera in low light?
The main camera is 50 MP paired with a 2 MP depth sensor, but it does not include OIS. AI-enhanced camera features help improve low-light performance, while the 5 MP front camera supports AI Portrait Retouching for clearer selfies.
What is the screen like on the Oppo A38 and what build materials are used?
The phone features a 6.56‑inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. It uses OPPO’s Glow Design with a glossy back finish, while the frame is made of durable plastic.
What durability features does the Oppo A38 offer?
It has an IPX4 rating, providing splash resistance for everyday use. The device is not fully waterproof, so immersion in water should be avoided.
What software does the Oppo A38 run and how often does it get updates?
The A38 runs Android 13 with ColorOS 13. OPPO provides several years of security updates and major Android version upgrades, keeping the device current with new features.
Are there any common issues or quirks reported by users?
Some users notice slight blur in low-light photos due to the lack of OIS. Additionally, while the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth, the HD+ resolution may appear less sharp compared to higher-end models.
What network, SIM, and 5G support does the Oppo A38 provide?
The phone supports dual Nano‑SIM cards and 4G LTE connectivity. Network performance may vary depending on carrier and region.
What accessories are included in the box and are there regional differences in contents?
Standard packaging includes the phone, 33 W charger, USB‑C cable, SIM ejector tool, protective case, and documentation. Box contents can vary slightly by region or retailer.
OPPO A38 vs Other Phones – Best Alternatives
OPPO A38 vs Samsung Galaxy A14 4G
👉 If you’re picking between A38 and Galaxy A14:
| Feature | OPPO A38 | Samsung Galaxy A14 4G |
| Display & Build | 6.56″ IPS LCD, 90 Hz; HD+; water-drop notch; IP54 splash/dust protected | 6.6″ PLS LCD or TFT, 90 Hz; often more rugged build; thickness differs |
| Camera System | 50 MP main + 2 MP depth; 5 MP selfie | Usually 50 MP main; weaker ultra-wide / macro; selfie quality varies |
| Performance & Thermals | Helio G85 chipset (12 nm); usable for everyday apps; light gaming with limits | Similar Helio G80 / G85 in some variants; performance close but maybe slightly lower GPU speeds |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000 mAh battery; 33 W fast charger | Comparable battery; charging often slower; vendor-dependent |
| Extras & Trade-offs | Better screen refresh; fast charging; strong camera for price; lower display resolution and fewer premium features | More available spares; possibly better resale; fewer bells and whistles; slower charging |
Verdict:
OPPO A38 gives better value if you want a decent camera, faster charging, and smoother UI with 90 Hz. But if support, resale, or ruggedness matter more and you can compromise on charging speed, Galaxy A14 remains a solid alternate.
OPPO A38 vs Realme C55
👉 Comparing A38 with Realme C55:
| Feature | OPPO A38 | Realme C55 |
| Display & Build | 90 Hz LCD; slimmer refresh and motion smoother; lightweight (~190g) | Often similar in display tech; build quality may be less premium; lower refresh rate in some models |
| Camera System | 50 MP main; depth sensor; average selfie | Sometimes 50 MP main as well; may include macro or ultrawide; could get sharper selfies depending on variant |
| Performance & Thermals | Helio G85; good for daily uses; limited for heavy tasks | Same chip in many cases; performance largely tied to RAM variant and software optimization |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000 mAh; 33 W charging helps top-ups | Battery capacity similar; charging speed might lag slightly |
| Extras & Trade-offs | IP-rated protection; headphone jack; reliable software updates | Might offer more variants; possibly better camera modes; fewer protective specs |
Verdict:
If you want reliability, splash/dust protection, and better fast charging, the A38 is preferable. If you want more choices around camera features or aesthetic/design variety, Realme C55 may give you more flexibility in some markets.
OPPO A38 vs Poco C55
👉 Side-by-side with Poco C55:
| Feature | OPPO A38 | Poco C55 |
| Display & Build | 90 Hz IPS LCD; simple water-drop notch; modest build materials | Usually bigger display (6.7-inch); sometimes lower refresh / protective features; back material differs |
| Camera System | 50 MP + depth; standard daylight performance | Also 50 MP main; depth or macro extra; selfie likely weaker depending on variant |
| Performance & Thermals | Helio G85; efficient for light use; some lag with heavy apps | Similar chip; RAM variants matter more here; some devices throttle more under load |
| Battery & Charging | Reliable 5,000 mAh; 33 W fast charging | Battery maybe similar; charging slower; display resolution or power draw may reduce usability |
| Extras & Trade-offs | IP54 protection; 3.5 mm jack; supervooc fast charging; lower resolution screen | Better value options; possibly more memory variants; fewer protection features |
Verdict:
A38 beats in protection, charging, and general reliability for light-to-moderate use. Poco C55 may appeal if you want laugh-for-buck RAM or display size, and are willing to give up some premium touches.
Other Alternatives
- Tecno Spark 9 Pro – strong camera, similar chip, maybe better selfie lens.
- Vivo Y27 – better charging speed in some markets; similar chip; more RAM in certain versions.
- Redmi 10 / Redmi 13C – often offer sharper display (HD+ or FHD+), good camera modules, and strong value in user reviews.
🧭 Which One’s Right for You?
- OPPO A38: Best if you want a balanced budget phone with 90 Hz display, decent camera, fast charging (33W), and splash/dust protection.
- Samsung Galaxy A14: Best if software updates, availability, and resale value matter more than fast charging or top selfie cameras.
- Realme C55: Go for this if you want camera modes, maybe a bit more styling, and are okay with modest protection.
- Poco C55: Ideal for display size, RAM options, and getting most features per shilling when price varies.
- Tecno Spark 9 Pro / Vivo Y27 / Redmi alternatives: Choose among these if you want to stretch your budget a bit for better displays, RAM, or stronger secondary features.
🔗 Helpful Links for Oppo A38
- 📱 See all Oppo phones
- 🛠️ Oppo service centers
- 💰 More phones under mid-range
- 🎧 Shop Oppo A38 accessories