Price and specifications of Oppo R817 Real advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Oppo R817 Real sports a classic design with a focus on ergonomics and comfort. Measuring 123 x 63 x 9.7 mm and weighing just 125 grams, this smartphone is both lightweight and easy to handle. Its compact size, coupled with the dual SIM capability, makes it an ideal choice for users who appreciate functional simplicity without excess bulk. The design accommodates a mini-SIM, and its dual standby feature provides a seamless transition between personal and professional communications.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a 4.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Oppo R817 Real offers decent display quality with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 58.8% might seem low by today's standards, but during its release in 2012, it was par for the course. The display provides good color reproduction and viewing angles, which is ideal for everyday tasks such as browsing and watching videos.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Oppo R817 packs a Mediatek MT6577 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. This configuration delivers adequate power for handling basic tasks and provides a smooth user experience for the Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. With 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, extendable via microSDHC, users can manage essential apps and media efficiently, although modern applications might challenge its limits.

Camera Capabilities

The smartphone features an 8 MP primary camera capable of capturing sharp images and videos. The inclusion of an LED flash enhances photography in low-light conditions. For selfies and video calls, a VGA front camera is available, which, while basic, delivers on its core functionality. The camera software provides a straightforward interface, ensuring users can easily access photography modes and settings.

Battery Life

Powered by a 1710 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Oppo R817 offers reasonable endurance for its category. Standby time is up to 400 hours on 2G networks and 380 hours on 3G networks, with talk time extending up to 8 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and 8 hours on 3G. This makes it suitable for a typical day's use under moderate conditions, prioritizing energy efficiency and practicality.

Connectivity Options

The device supports GSM/HSPA technologies, ensuring broad compatibility with various network standards. Although it lacks 4G capability, its HSDPA support allows for satisfactory mobile data speeds where available. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth functionality for wireless devices, GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Multimedia

The Oppo R817 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, facilitating easy connection to headphones and external speakers. Multimedia experiences like listening to music and watching videos are straightforward and uncomplicated, aligning with the device's core function as a practical and user-friendly smartphone.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the Oppo R817 offers a user interface that, while dated by today’s standards, still provides the essential features and functionality needed for daily use. The software is optimized to run efficiently on the given hardware, maintaining a balance between performance and battery life.

Final Thoughts and Market Position

Upon its release in October 2012, the Oppo R817 Real was positioned as a solid, affordable smartphone. Priced around 100 EUR, it catered to users prioritizing functionality over cutting-edge technology. This device's combination of design, performance, and features made it a competitive option in its time, appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable mobile companion for essential communication and media consumption.