In 2025, the Oppo A37 feels a little like your neighborhood movie theatre that still prints paper tickets. A bit out of place, a bit nostalgic, but oddly satisfying for people who know what they’re getting. Originally launched back in 2016, the A37 wasn’t trying to steal the spotlight. It just wanted to be the friendly, dependable phone in your pocket. Fast-forward to now, people are still Googling, “Is Oppo A37 still good in 2025?”
Well, that’s what we’re here to answer — minus the tech jargon, minus the marketing fluff. Because if you’re considering this phone today, it’s probably not about bells and whistles. You want something that works, doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, and lasts a day without throwing a tantrum mid-scroll.
Let’s break it all down.
Design That Aged Better Than You’d Expect
First impressions? Not bad at all.
For a phone released nearly a decade ago, the Oppo A37 still knows how to make an entrance. It has a sleek, sturdy design with a curved back that fits comfortably in the hand. The lightweight body (just 136g) and slim build make it easy to slip into your jeans or joggers—no bulge, no drama.
And get this: the metal-like finish still gives off that slight “premium-lite” vibe. You won’t mistake it for a flagship, but it certainly doesn’t scream “value phone” either. The gold and rose gold finishes? Delightfully retro now, in a way that almost feels intentional.
Display Still Holding Its Ground
Here’s the thing—screens matter. Especially when you spend hours hunched over WhatsApp or watching reels you swore you’d only scroll through for five minutes (yeah, we’ve all been there).
The A37 comes with a 5-inch IPS LCD display that, surprisingly, hasn’t aged too poorly. It’s not dazzling, but it’s bright enough for casual use, and the colors hold their own unless you’re used to AMOLED panels, in which case… manage your expectations.
Vibrancy’s decent, and Gorilla Glass 4 at this price range was ahead of its time back then—and a comforting touch now. That screen protection still goes a long way in resisting those accidental clumsy drops.
Can It Still Keep Up With Today’s Workload?
Let’s talk performance — and this is where nostalgia gives way to reality.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 was mid-tier even when it first came out. Slap on 2GB RAM, and yes, you’re going to feel the pinch. If your daily routine includes Instagram, YouTube, email, and maybe a food delivery app or two — the A37 hums along decently.
Light gaming? Sure, something casual like Subway Surfers or Ludo King runs okay. Anything more demanding, and the phone politely bows out. No drama, no overheating, just a slow fade into lag-land.
But, for basics — calls, messages, web browsing, and social media lurking — it’s fine. That said, multitasking is where things slow down. Don’t expect snappy app switching or background processes behaving themselves. It’s like asking a 40-year-old actor to do gymnastics. Possible, but slow, and probably not what you’d pay front-row for.
Let’s Talk About the Camera – Hit or Miss?
8MP rear. 5MP front. Sounds modest in 2025 terms, right?
And yet, it’s not completely out of the game. Under decent lighting, the A37 delivers usable, even surprisingly clean photos. Colours don’t pop, and detail is a little soft, but it gets the job done — especially for people who just want to snap receipts, food photos, or that ever-reliable selfie for your WhatsApp DP.
Low-light photography? Not this phone’s strong suit. But if you’re more of a “camera-for-necessity” than “camera-for-artsy-Instagram-reels” kind of user, you’ll survive.
Plus, front-facing shooting still appeals to the crowd hooked on selfies and video calls on a budget. Beauty mode is basic, but hey, it tries.
Battery & Daily Endurance – A Mixed Bag
The 2630mAh battery used to be respectable. In 2025? It’s passable… for light users.
If you use your phone intermittently — stuff like checking emails, streaming a few short clips, or hopping on a few voice calls — it might last a full day. Used heavily or paired with a battery that hasn’t aged well? Expect to be charging mid-day and maybe carrying a power bank if you’re outdoors.
What hurts a little is the micro-USB slot. It’s dated, slow, and when you’ve been spoiled by fast charging and USB Type-C, it feels like going back to dial-up after sipping on broadband.
Software Experience – More Old School Than Nostalgic
Here’s where you feel the age.
The Oppo A37 runs ColorOS 3.0 on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop. Yes, that’s practically prehistoric in tech terms. No official updates are coming — and haven’t been for years.
But not all hope is lost. Tech-savvy users have been experimenting with custom ROMs to breathe new life into the device. If you’re even mildly interested in tinkering — or know someone who’s willing to do it for you — the A37 can be somewhat modernized. But for most regular users? What you’ve got is what you live with.
So yeah, approach this one with clear expectations.
Affordability = Main Selling Point
Here’s the headline: You can get an Oppo A37 for under ₹10,000—often much less if you’re looking at the second-hand market or refurbished deals.
That makes it a tempting offer for people who:
- Need a backup phone
- Want a smartphone for kids or elderly parents
- Just want basic functionality without breaking the bank
- Are trying to dodge payment EMIs and just want a buy-now-use-forever device
At this price, you’re not paying for innovation — you’re paying for reliability. And you do get it… for the most part.
What the Users Are Saying in 2025
Here’s where things get interesting.
Some users absolutely love their A37s. They’ve used them for years, stuck on custom launchers, managed battery-boosting tricks, and kept the device going like the little engine that could.
Others? Well, not so thrilled — especially those trying to squeeze heavy WhatsApp backups or big reels into that 16GB internal memory (yes, only 16GB!). Performance dips significantly if you don’t manage storage carefully. Tip: An SD card (it supports up to 128GB) is a must if you’re even remotely serious about usability.
Should You Still Buy the Oppo A37 in 2025? Key Takeaways
Let’s cut the fluff. The Oppo A37 isn’t trying to compete with the latest budget phones anymore. But it does still have a few tricks up its sleeve:
What’s still nice:
- Slim, lightweight design with good build quality
- Basic performance for calls, browsing, and messaging
- Gorilla Glass and decent screen durability
- Dual SIM + 4G support
- Affordable — really affordable
What holds it back:
- Outdated software, no updates
- Sluggish multitasking
- Weak battery life if it’s an old unit
- Limited storage and modest cameras
- Micro-USB and no fast charging
It’s not for gamers, not for power users, and definitely not for people expecting buttery-smooth modern UI experiences. But if you’re someone who just wants a smartphone that looks decent, handles basics, and costs less than a weekend dinner — the A37 still has some gas in the tank.
FAQs
Is Oppo A37 still usable in 2025?
Yes, for calling, texting, basic use and very light apps. Not recommended for heavy gaming or multitasking.
What’s the current price?
Usually under ₹10,000 in most Indian online and offline markets.
Does it support 4G?
Yup. It supports 4G and dual SIM cards — a solid perk even now.
Can I run Instagram or Facebook smoothly?
Yes — but keep background apps closed and don’t expect zero lag.
Is it worth buying for a student or elderly person?
Definitely. It’s simple, familiar to use, and won’t give anyone decision fatigue with features they’ll never use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the Oppo A37 in 2025 is kinda like picking a Maruti 800 in a showroom full of electric hybrids. Sure, you won’t win drag races or turn heads—but it’ll get you where you need to go, quietly and without bankrupting you.
If you’re okay living without frills and just want reliability on a budget, it’s still a decent companion. And if you squint just a little, that humble little 2016 frame might still make you smile.
Go back in style — and on your terms. If you’re still rocking the A37, tag us! We respect the loyalty.
