Oppo Reno 14 Pro review: Flashy, functional and almost fantastic

In today's smartphone market, devices must not only perform well but also capture attention with their design. The Oppo Reno 14 Pro excels in this regard from the moment you hold it. Its lightweight feel and premium look, particularly in the striking Pearl White variant, are sure to impress. After using it extensively for over a week, I found its camera capabilities, everyday functionality, and the integration of AI features to be quite commendable. However, there’s a lingering thought that it could have truly competed as a flagship contender if it had taken more risks in certain areas. ### Design and Build: A Premium Touch Oppo’s design team has truly hit the mark with the Reno 14 Pro. The device boasts a Velvet Glass back that not only feels luxurious but also resists fingerprints effectively. Its slightly curved aluminum frame fits comfortably in hand, making the phone feel slimmer than it actually is. Weighing in at 201 grams, it strikes a good balance, ensuring it doesn’t feel cumbersome. Additionally, the phone’s impressive IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings offer outstanding water and dust resistance, setting it apart in its price range. ### Display: Visual Delight The 6.83-inch OLED display is a standout feature, delivering bright, crisp visuals that are easy on the eyes, even during lengthy scrolling sessions or binge-watching on Netflix. With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth transitions, while Oppo's Adaptive Tone and high-frequency PWM dimming work behind the scenes to minimize eye strain. Overall, the display ranks among the very best in its category. ### Performance: Solid but Not Groundbreaking Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8450, the Reno 14 Pro manages daily tasks effortlessly. Applications launch quickly, and multitasking is seamless, with no noticeable slowdowns even when multiple apps are active. Gaming performance is also commendable, with titles like Call of Duty and BGMI running smoothly at high settings. However, for those keen on benchmark scores, this device may not be the leading choice as competitors with newer Snapdragon chipsets offer higher raw performance numbers. Nevertheless, real-world performance is stable and fluid, and the AI-powered cooling features contribute to effective thermal management. ### AI Features: Practical Innovations Where the Reno 14 Pro truly distinguishes itself is through its AI capabilities, which are both useful and well-integrated. Features like AI VoiceScribe, which transcribes and summarizes conversations, are ideal for meetings and interviews. Other functionalities, such as AI Call Summary and Google Gemini integrations, simplify organization. Even in gaming, AI enhancements such as Footstep Sound Boost and automatic highlights enhance the experience without feeling gimmicky. ### Camera: The Highlight The camera is undoubtedly one of the Reno 14 Pro's strongest attributes. The main 50MP sensor consistently captures sharp, vibrant images, especially in well-lit conditions, with natural colors and impressive detail. The portrait mode effectively produces flattering depth-of-field effects and accurate skin tones. In low-light scenarios, Oppo's new AI Flash Photography and triple flash system deliver impressive results, maintaining detail and clarity. The 50MP telephoto sensor adds versatility for portraits, while the front-facing camera excels at capturing well-balanced selfies. Notably, the Underwater Photography Mode allows for 4K video recording without a case, proving to be a fun and functional addition. ### Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power Equipped with a robust 6,200mAh battery, the Reno 14 Pro easily lasts a full day, with light users potentially stretching usage to two days. Oppo’s 80W wired charging is impressively fast, reaching a full charge in under an hour, while the 50W wireless charging offers added convenience. ### Conclusion: A Device with Style and Substance The Oppo Reno 14 Pro is designed for those who prioritize aesthetics, camera quality, and usability over sheer performance metrics. While its price tag of ₹49,999 might lead some users to expect a Snapdragon 8-series processor, the overall experience it delivers makes it a compelling choice. If Oppo had adjusted the price slightly, it could have found a broader audience. As it stands, this device shines in design and functionality, making it a joy to use, even if it isn’t the absolute fastest in its class.