High-end features have been trickling down to more affordable smartphones quickly this year; OPPO's two latest smartphones - the R11s and F5 - both feature the same style of extra tall "all screen" display we've started seeing in flagships like the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S8. And while the iPhone X and Galaxy S8 start at $1,579 and $1,199 respectively, OPPO's latest phones could go for as little as $400.
The R11s is the mid-year refresh of this year's R11. The biggest difference is the jump from a 5.5-inch 16:9 display to 6-inch 18:9 display in a body that's roughly the same size. This has resulted in a screen-to-body ratio of over 85%, up from around 72% on the R11; it's a big screen in a small package. The move to an extra tall display does however mean the R11s' fingerprint reader is now on the back.
Key specifications for the R11s include a 6-inch 1080p display, an eight-core Snapdragon 660 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, a 3,200mAh battery, and a dual rear-camera configuration. The R11s runs a customised version of Android based on Nougat.
The OPPO F5 is likely to come in at a lower price point than the R11s, based on its lower-end internals and the historical positioning of OPPO's F-series, but it still has a similar 6-inch 18:9 display. OPPO has typically called it's F-series "selfie experts", and it's taking this to the next level with an AI-powered 20MP front-facing camera. Using a combination of software and 200 positioning dots, the F5's selfie camera is able to accentuate facial features, enhance symmetry, and blur the background behind your face.
You're also able to use the front-facing camera to unlock the F5 via facial recognition, although the fine print on OPPO's website notes that this is "less secure" than using a fingerprint, pattern, or passcode.
Key specifications for the F5 include a 6-inch 1080p display, an eight-core MediaTek MT6763T processor, either 4GB or 6GB or RAM, either 32GB or 64GB of storage, a 3,200mAh battery, and a 16MP rear-facing camera. The F5 also runs OPPO's customised version of Android, based on Nougat.
An OPPO spokesperson told us that it's not yet clear if either device will be available in Australia.
"In Australia, OPPO considers all devices launched in China for the Australian market," said the spokesperson. "However, it is important only the right devices are brought over for Australian consumers, ensuring customers have access to premium features at an affordable price point."
"OPPO carefully selects each device for the Australian market and will provide further updates when available."
We certainly wouldn't be surprised if the R11s made it down under, given that it's one of OPPO's hero products. OPPO previously brought the R9s and R7s to Australia, so there's certainly precedent. OPPO's "s" iterations have typically launched at a similar price to the original they succeed, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the R11s launch at around $650 locally - the R11's retail price -, but the move to a taller display could certainly affect the pricing.
If the F5 makes it to Australia, we'd expect to see it priced around $399 based on international pricing.
OPPO isn't the only smartphone manufacturer plonking extra-tall displays in more affordable phones. Huawei recently launched the Nova 2i in Australia at $499, and LG has its Q6 at $399.
Alex Choros
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