Oppo F21 Pro 5G- Smartphones today are not just about raw performance or fancy specs on paper. For many users, design, feel, and practicality matter just as much as chipset numbers or benchmark scores. Oppo, a brand that has consistently focused on aesthetics and lifestyle appeal, seems to understand this balance very well. With the launch of the Oppo F21 Pro 5G, the company has tried to deliver a device that is both stylish and modern, without breaking the bank.
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G positions itself in the highly competitive mid-range segment, where brands like OnePlus, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi have been battling for attention. What Oppo promises here is a blend of premium design, decent 5G performance, and features that resonate with young professionals and style-conscious users. But does it really stand out in a crowded market? Let’s take a deep dive.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Design and Build: A Premium Feel at a Friendly Price
The first thing you notice about the Oppo F21 Pro 5G is its striking design. Unlike many smartphones in this segment that tend to look generic, Oppo has given this device a distinct identity. The back panel, with its clean matte finish, feels luxurious to the touch and resists fingerprints effectively. The flat-edge frame adds a modern appeal and ensures the phone feels sturdy in the hand.
At just around 173 grams, the phone is lightweight and slim, making it comfortable for long usage without hand fatigue. The camera module has been thoughtfully designed as well, with dual orbit lights around the lenses that glow for notifications, calls, and charging status. This isn’t just a gimmick—it adds to the overall futuristic appeal of the phone.
When placed next to other mid-range devices, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G undoubtedly looks more expensive than it actually is. This is a phone you’d want to flaunt at a café table or during a night out.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Display: Smooth Visuals for Everyday Entertainment
A good smartphone experience is incomplete without a reliable display. The Oppo F21 Pro 5G features a 6.43-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen, which delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, binge-watching Netflix, or gaming, the screen holds up very well.
The 60Hz refresh rate, however, might feel like a drawback in 2025, considering most mid-range devices now offer at least 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. While Oppo argues that its AMOLED quality compensates for this, smoother scrolling and animations would have been a welcome addition.
Still, in terms of brightness and visibility outdoors, the panel performs decently. Even under harsh sunlight, text and images remain readable. The inclusion of HDR playback support further enhances streaming experiences, though it doesn’t quite match the flagship-level panels.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Performance: Built for Daily Users, Not Power Gamers
Under the hood, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. This processor has become a common choice in mid-range 5G devices, thanks to its efficiency and reliable performance. Paired with 8GB RAM and expandable RAM technology, multitasking feels smooth. Switching between apps, browsing, and light gaming is effortless.
That being said, heavy gaming isn’t this phone’s strong suit. Titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Call of Duty: Mobile run well on medium settings, but if you’re expecting flagship-level graphics or sustained performance in long gaming sessions, you might be disappointed. The phone tends to throttle slightly when pushed too hard, which is understandable for this segment.
On the positive side, everyday users who rely on social media, video calls, streaming, and online shopping will find this phone more than capable. The software optimizations in ColorOS also contribute to a lag-free experience.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Software Experience: ColorOS Brings Personality
Oppo’s custom skin, ColorOS 12, runs on top of Android 12 (with updates lined up for Android 13). Over the years, Oppo has refined its software, and the F21 Pro 5G benefits from this maturity. The interface feels fluid, animations are smooth, and customization options are abundant.
Features like FlexDrop for multitasking, Air Gestures for hands-free navigation, and enhanced privacy controls make daily use more intuitive. Bloatware exists, but most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled.
One of the highlights of ColorOS is the balance it strikes between simplicity and features. Unlike some heavy skins that clutter the experience, Oppo keeps it neat without stripping away useful tools. Regular updates are promised, though how consistently they arrive will be worth watching.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Camera Setup: Reliable, Not Revolutionary
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G sports a triple-camera setup at the back, featuring a 64MP primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, you get a 16MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout.
In daylight, the main camera delivers crisp shots with good detail and natural colors. Oppo’s AI scene optimization does a decent job of balancing exposure and enhancing vibrancy without going overboard. Portrait mode is another strong suit, thanks to effective edge detection and pleasing background blur.
The macro and depth lenses, however, feel more like fillers. The macro shots require steady hands and perfect lighting, while the depth sensor could have been replaced by something more useful, like an ultra-wide lens. Night photography is acceptable, though not groundbreaking. Noise creeps in, and details soften when lighting isn’t favorable.
Selfies, on the other hand, are reliable and Instagram-ready, with good skin tones and Oppo’s signature beauty enhancements. Video recording maxes out at 1080p, which feels limiting compared to rivals offering 4K.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Battery and Charging: A Day Without Worries
Battery life is one of the highlights of the Oppo F21 Pro 5G. Equipped with a 4500mAh cell, the phone comfortably lasts a full day of mixed usage, including social media, video calls, and moderate streaming. For light users, it can stretch to a day and a half.
The 33W fast charging support ensures that you don’t spend too much time tethered to a charger. In about an hour, the phone goes from 0 to 100%, which is convenient for users constantly on the move. While not class-leading, this charging speed is dependable and consistent.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Connectivity and 5G Experience
As the name suggests, the F21 Pro 5G is built for the next-generation network. The Snapdragon 695 chipset supports multiple 5G bands, and in areas where 5G is live, users can expect stable speeds and low latency. Even on 4G networks, connectivity remains robust, with clear call quality and strong signal reception.
Other connectivity features such as Bluetooth 5.1, dual SIM support, and USB Type-C are present. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might bother some traditional users, but wireless earphones are clearly the future that Oppo is nudging towards.
Comparison Table: Oppo F21 Pro 5G vs Rivals
| Feature | Oppo F21 Pro 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Samsung Galaxy M53 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED | 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED 90Hz | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 900 | MediaTek Dimensity 900 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/128GB | 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB | 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP + 2MP + 2MP | 64MP + 8MP + 2MP | 108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 4500mAh, 33W charging | 4500mAh, 65W charging | 5000mAh, 25W charging |
| Weight | 173g | 173g | 176g |
| Software | ColorOS 12, Android 12 | OxygenOS 11, Android 11 | One UI 4.1, Android 12 |
| Price Range (Approx) | ₹25,999 | ₹23,999 | ₹26,499 |
This comparison shows that while Oppo lags slightly in refresh rate and charging speeds, it holds its ground with design, software, and a balanced overall experience.
Who Should Buy the Oppo F21 Pro 5G?
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G is tailored for a specific audience. If you’re someone who values design, portability, and a smartphone that feels premium without costing a fortune, this device is for you. It’s not a powerhouse for gamers, nor does it boast a revolutionary camera system. Instead, it delivers a consistent, stylish, and user-friendly experience.
Students, young professionals, and lifestyle enthusiasts will appreciate its looks and reliable daily performance. Content creators or mobile photographers might prefer rivals with stronger camera setups, while heavy gamers should consider alternatives with higher refresh rates and more powerful processors.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Verdict: A Stylish Performer With a Few Compromises
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G strikes a fine balance between style and substance. It’s not the fastest or the most feature-loaded device in its price range, but it knows its strengths. The premium design, lightweight build, reliable battery, and smooth software make it a delight for everyday users.
Yes, the absence of a high refresh rate display and 4K video recording are compromises. But for users who prioritize design and dependability over sheer specs, this smartphone makes a lot of sense. In a world where many mid-range devices look and feel the same, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G dares to be different.