When you stumble upon an old phone, it often sparks a sense of nostalgia and curiosity. You might wonder, “Was this actually good back in the day?” That’s the sentiment surrounding the Oppo A3s — a device that’s technically been discontinued, yet continues to generate discussion online. Whether through Google search trends or buzzing tech communities, conversations about its legendary battery life and solid build persist.
So, is the A3s merely a relic from the golden age of budget smartphones, or does it still deliver value in 2025? Let’s explore this with critical analysis, genuine impressions, and some candid observations.
First Impressions: A Beauty with Brains (Kind of)
Upon its launch in the Indian market, the Oppo A3s drew attention—not because of flashy specs, but for its ability to handle the basics exceptionally well. Its 6.2-inch screen, albeit an HD+ panel (720 x 1520), features a notched display and a tall aspect ratio, making it a visually appealing option in the ₹9,000 price range.
The back panel, made of glossy plastic, strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. It carries that “budget but presentable” vibe — akin to wearing stylish shoes from a local market. People might not guess your economical choice, and it’s definitely durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily life.
The Battery: A Legendary Feature
The Oppo A3s is equipped with a robust 4230mAh battery. This figure was impressive in 2018, and it continues to hold its ground in 2025.
Whether you’re blasting music, binge-watching YouTube, or navigating your mom’s endless WhatsApp forwards, this device offers an astonishing battery life of 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge. This claim is widely validated by user reviews and real-world tests.
However, there’s a caveat. The charging speed is painfully slow; transitioning from dead to full takes around three hours. It’s advisable to charge it before settling in for a Netflix marathon to avoid an unexpected blackout.
Performance: More Chill Than Thrill
When it comes to performance, the A3s is more suited for laid-back users than power-hungry gamers.
This device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, coupled with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the model. While this setup is adequate for basic tasks—like social media, browsing the news, or light audio streaming—don’t expect much more.
If you’re hoping to engage in heavy gaming or multitasking, you might be left disappointed. Light games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers work decently, but gaming giants like PUBG or Free Fire may test your patience, likely only performing well at the lowest settings.
Push the device too hard, and it may lag like a late government website.
Camera: Functional but Far from Award-Worthy
Let’s talk about the camera setup on the Oppo A3s, which can best be described as serviceable.
- Rear Camera: 13MP primary + 2MP depth sensor
- Front Camera: 8MP
In daylight, the shots are passable, provided you avoid zooming in. However, low-light environments cause quality to drop significantly, often resulting in blurry images. The portrait mode is acceptable, but don’t expect the depth-of-field perfection that propels Instagram influencers to fame.
The front camera does attempt to deliver decent selfies and comes equipped with Oppo’s beauty filters. This might appeal to users who enjoy sprucing up their photos, but without those filters, the output may not qualify as Instagram-ready.
In short, the camera is adequate for casual use, but it won’t be winning any photography awards.
ColorOS & Software Experience: A Mixed Bag from Yesteryear
Let’s address the software situation: the A3s runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with ColorOS 5.1. Yes, Oreo. Does that ring a bell?
Back in its prime, ColorOS 5.1 was relatively user-friendly and offered customization options like shortcuts, gesture navigation, and vibrant themes. It certainly provided an engaging experience for first-time smartphone users.
Fast forward to 2025, however, and many of the apps you’d typically want to use might not fully support this dinosaur of an operating system anymore. New features, such as enhanced notification management or updated privacy controls, are entirely absent.
If you’re okay with basic functionality and don’t care to explore the latest app offerings, the ColorOS experience will suffice. Otherwise, you’ll likely want to consider newer models that come with updated software.
The “Still Good or Just Nostalgia?” Round
Let’s not overlook the main aspect of the A3s — its price-to-performance ratio. With an initial launch price under ₹9,500, it appealed to a broad audience, becoming a preferred choice for first-time buyers and parents purchasing devices for teenagers.
In 2025, you might still find some units hovering around the ₹5,000 mark in the second-hand market.
Would I recommend purchasing it now? Only if:
- You seek a secondary phone with exceptional battery life.
- You require a basic smartphone for calls, WhatsApp, and occasional YouTube viewing.
- You desire a low-maintenance device that won’t bombard you with updates or notifications.
If those criteria don’t resonate, you’ll likely find better options among newer budget smartphones that offer improved chipsets, increased RAM, and newer Android versions.
Key Considerations Before You Buy (Or Dust Off Your Old A3s)
- No Fast Charging: Be prepared for prolonged charging times.
- Decent Display: The 6.2-inch HD+ display still feels spacious.
- Expandable Storage: Up to 256GB with a microSD card.
- Strong Battery Life: Lasts reliably for 1.5 to 2 days.
- Old Software Version: Expect no new updates beyond Android Oreo.
- Limited Gaming: Manage your expectations regarding performance.
Who is the Oppo A3s For in 2025?
The A3s is akin to a trusty autorickshaw in your neighborhood: it may not be glamorous or blisteringly fast, but it reliably gets you where you need to go — as long as your expectations align.
- Parents? It’s an excellent choice for their teenagers.
- Older Adults? Ideal for general use without complexity.
- Secondary Phone? It serves this purpose well.
- Aspiring Mobile Gamers? Look elsewhere.
In an ecosystem oversaturated with overstated features, the A3s stands out for its transparency regarding capabilities — and that’s its distinct appeal.
Final Thoughts: The Budget Warrior That Refuses to Quit
In an era where smartphones seem to expire faster than fresh produce, the Oppo A3s remains a surprisingly resilient option. Perhaps it’s the exceptional battery life or its steadfast performance that keeps it relevant.
It isn’t without flaws, and it’s certainly not cutting-edge. But it fulfills its promise: a no-frills, durable smartphone that knows its role.
So, should you use it in 2025? If you can forgo modern features and simply need a reliable companion, the answer is yes. Just don’t expect the impossible.
FAQs About the Oppo A3s
Q1. Does the Oppo A3s support fast charging?
No, charging from 0% to full takes over 3 hours.
Q2. Is it good for gaming like BGMI or Free Fire?
Not really; the Snapdragon 450 with 2GB RAM might lag even during simple multitasking.
Q3. Can I expand its storage?
Yes, it supports a microSD card up to 256GB.
Q4. How long does the battery last on daily use?
Generally, it lasts for 1.5 to 2 days, depending on usage.
Q5. Is it still available for purchase in 2025?
Officially, it’s discontinued, but you might find a few units in second-hand markets.
Q6. What’s the highlight feature of the Oppo A3s?
Unquestionably, the impressive 4230mAh battery.
Q7. Does it support 5G?
No, it’s strictly a 4G phone; plan accordingly if future-proofing is a concern.
