The Oppo F21 Pro 5G, launched in 2022, is a phone caught between eras. It offers a premium feel and solid core specs but makes noticeable compromises to hit a mid-range price.
- Buy it if: You prioritize a stunning AMOLED display for media consumption, want a reliable 5G performer for daily tasks, and love Oppo’s sleek design and ColorOS software. It’s for users who value a good screen and battery life over high refresh rates and cutting-edge cameras.
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Avoid it if: You are a mobile gamer (60Hz refresh rate is a deal-breaker), a photography enthusiast (the 2MP macro/depth sensors are dated), or want the latest Android updates (it launched on Android 11).
In-Depth Analysis: What the Specs Actually Mean for You
Let’s move beyond the raw numbers and translate them into real-world experience.
1. Display & Design: Beauty with a Compromise
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The Spec: 6.43-inch FHD+ (1080×2400) AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate.
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The Analysis: This is the phone’s biggest strength and weakness. The AMOLED panel means deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent contrast for watching videos—a premium feature at this price. However, the 60Hz refresh rate is a glaring omission in 2024. Scrolling through social media or UI animations will feel noticeably less smooth compared to any 90Hz or 120Hz phone, even cheaper ones. The 7.5mm thin profile and 173g weight make it comfortable to hold.
2. Performance & Software: Reliable, But Not Future-Proof
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The Spec: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, Android 11 with ColorOS 12.
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The Analysis: The Snapdragon 695 is a capable but mid-tier 5G chip. It handles everyday apps, calls, browsing, and even light gaming (like COD Mobile on medium settings) without breaking a sweat. The 8GB RAM ensures good multitasking. The major concern is software. Launching on Android 11 in 2022 was already behind the curve. Its update future is uncertain, potentially leaving you on an older OS. This affects security and app compatibility long-term.
3. Camera Review: One Good Sensor, Two Fillers
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The Spec: 64MP (main, f/1.7) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth); 16MP front camera.
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The Analysis: Don’t let the “triple camera” label fool you. The primary 64MP sensor is competent in good light, capturing detailed shots. However, the two 2MP sensors are largely marketing specs with minimal practical use—macro shots are low-quality, and depth effects can be software-generated. In low light, performance is average. It’s a serviceable camera system for casual snaps, not for photography enthusiasts.
4. Battery & Charging: The All-Day Performer
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The Spec: 4500mAh battery with 33W SuperVOOC fast charging.
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The Analysis: This is a strong point. The 4500mAh battery, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 695 and fixed 60Hz screen, will easily deliver 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use. The 33W fast charging is still competitive, taking the phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes—a lifesaver on busy days.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G: Pros & Cons (2024 Perspective)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent AMOLED display for media | 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated |
| Solid all-day battery life | Launched with Android 11 (now old) |
| Fast 33W charging included in box | Basic 2MP auxiliary cameras |
| Premium, lightweight design | Price may not be competitive vs newer phones |
| Reliable 5G & daily performance | Likely missed key Android updates |
Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G is a tough sell at its original ₹24,999 price today. It feels like a phone designed in 2021. The lack of a high refresh rate and outdated Android version are significant handicaps.
However, if you find it heavily discounted (closer to ₹15,000-18,000), and your needs are specific—a beautiful screen for Netflix, a phone for calls/social media, and a battery that won’t quit—it becomes a viable budget option. For anyone else, especially gamers or those wanting a longer software support life, we recommend looking at newer phones in the same price range (like the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, Nothing Phone (2a), or older Poco/Redmi models) that offer 120Hz displays and more recent Android versions.
Bottom Line: A well-built but aged contender. Buy only on a deep discount and with full awareness of its limitations.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Full Specifications
(Your original table, kept clean for reference, but now as PART of a larger article)
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Oppo |
| Model | F21 Pro 5G |
| Effective Price in India (2024) | ₹16,999 – ₹24,999 (Check latest offers) |
| Release date | 12th April 2022 |
| Form factor | Touchscreen |
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.90 x 73.20 x 7.50 |
| Weight (g) | 173.00 |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | 4500 |
| Fast charging | 33W Super VOOC |
| Colours | Cosmic Black, Rainbow Spectrum |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen Type | AMOLED |
| Screen size (inches) | 6.43 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 pixels (FHD+) |
| Aspect ratio | 20:9 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Hardware & Storage | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (octa-core) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Internal storage | 128GB (UFS 2.2) |
| Camera | |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 64MP (f/1.7, main) + 2MP (f/2.4, macro) + 2MP (f/2.4, depth) |
| Rear Autofocus | Yes |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.4) |
| Software & Connectivity | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Skin | ColorOS 12 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Dual-band) |
| Bluetooth | v5.10 |
| USB | Type-C |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes |
| SIM Slots | 2 (Dual Nano-SIM) |
| 5G Support | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the Oppo F21 Pro 5G have a high refresh rate display?
A: No. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is its most significant drawback for smooth scrolling and gaming.
Q: Will the Oppo F21 Pro 5G get Android 13 or Android 14?
A: It launched with Android 11. While it may have received Android 12, an update to Android 13 or 14 is highly unlikely. Always check Oppo’s official update schedule.
Q: Is the 64MP camera good?
A: The main 64MP sensor is good for daylight photography. The other two 2MP cameras (macro and depth) are low-quality and offer little practical value.
Q: How fast is the charging?
A: It supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging, which can charge the 4500mAh battery to 50% in roughly 30 minutes.
Q: What are the best alternatives in 2024?
A: Consider the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G (better software support, 120Hz display), Nothing Phone (2a) (unique design, smooth performance), or the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (superior 120Hz AMOLED and 108MP camera) around a similar price.
Ready to make a decision?