OPPO Reno 4 series for content creators now official

OPPO has launched two additions to its Reno family — the OPPO Reno 4 and OPPO Reno 4 Pro. Currently only available in its home country, China, these two new devices are the follow-up to last year’s Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro.

Interestingly enough, both the new Reno 4 and Reno 4 Pro carry the same octa-core Snapdragon 765G processor found on its predecessors. But if it’s anything like the Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro during its launch, the global release of these 5G-enabled devices may end up carrying different specs altogether.

The more affordable Reno 4 will come in two variants that offer either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, both coupled with 8GB of RAM. It houses a 6.4-inch screen with a dual-hole punch housing its front cameras. The Reno 4 Pro, on the other hand, will carry a slightly bigger 6.5-inch curved screen that supports a 90Hz refresh rate as well as HDR10+. Unlike its sibling, the Pro variant will not be carrying dual front cameras and will, instead, have just one selfie camera and a single hole-punch display. It will also come with either 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage or 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Both variants will carry AMOLED displays with under-display fingerprint scanners.

One of the main differences between the two variants lies in their camera specs. The Reno 4 and Reno 4 Pro both carry cameras that are optimized for video and content creation. For its rear setup, the Reno 4 boasts of triple camera system compromised of a 48-megapixel main, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, and 2-megapixel monochrome camera. Around the front, the Reno 4’s dual selfie cameras are made up of a 32-megapixel shooter and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

The Reno 4 Pro has an upgraded system consisting of a 48-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle and night scene camera, and a 13-megapixel telephoto with up to 20x digital zoom. Both the main camera and secondary ultra-wide-angle camera carry Sony’s flagship sensor. For selfies, the Reno 4 Pro carries a single 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

OPPO has also loaded both cameras with a host of video-centric features to further improve its imaging experience. Some of these include Ultra Night Video to achieve better low light images, Ultra Steady Video 3.0 that makes movement smoother, and Live HDR video to get a wider dynamic range for each shot. With these features plus the phone’s hardware, the 4 Pro can be an additional tool for mobile videographers.

Both models carry almost similar battery capacity with the Reno 4 packing a 4000mAh battery and the Reno 4 Pro with 4020mAh. They both support 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging that can charge from zero to 60% in just 15 minutes. A full charge will supposedly require just a mere 36 minutes.

Debuting exclusively on the Reno 4 Pro is OPPO’s new “Reno Glow” finish on the rear. With this, the company says that the phone’s back will be completely fingerprint-free and wear-resistant compared to ordinary glass backs.

Both phones will ship with ColorOS 7.2 pre-installed. Additionally, a special Green Glitter Special Edition variant will be available for the Reno 4 Pro.

OPPO RENO 4 PRO
OPPO Reno 4 Pro

The OPPO Reno 4 series is currently available only in China starting June 12. The Reno 4 is priced at CNY 2,999 (approx. PhP 21,140 or US$ 424) and CNY 3,299 (approx. PhP 23,254 or US$ 466) for the 8GB + 128GB variant and the 8GB + 256GB variant, respectively.

The OPPO Reno 4 Pro is priced at CNY 3,799 (approx. PhP 26,779 or US$ 537) for the 8GB + 128GB variant while the 12GB + 256GB variant is priced at CNY 4,299 (approx. PhP 30,307 or US$ 608)

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5 best affordable laptops for online classes and WFH (2021)

09/01/2021

With online classes and WFH setups becoming the new norm, it’s more important than ever to invest in a reliable laptop. Not all notebooks are equal, however. You need to pick one that suits your specific needs and fits the budget.

For this list, we prioritize three factors: brand, specifications, and price. We highly recommend purchasing from reputable brands and shops because they offer reasonable warranty for their laptops.

For specs, it’s important to aim for at least a Core i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU; anything lower than those could cause stutter during heavy usage. Lastly, we chose a price limit of PhP 30,000, which excludes certain models such as those from Microsoft and MSI.

While you could find laptops cheaper than the ones listed below, you run the risk of subpar performance or trade-offs such as cheap keyboards or low-resolution displays. When it comes to long-term gadgets, it’s best to invest in the best.

SEE ALSO: 5 best affordable tablets for online classes and WFH (2021)

Acer Aspire 5

 

Specifications and Price:

  • 14-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 27,999

Acer’s Aspire 5 does everything right: an 11th-generation Core i3 processor, the bare minimum 8GB of RAM, and a healthy 256GB SSD. On top of all that, it comes with a two-year warranty. It’s tough to beat its value, especially since it’s well below the PhP 30,000 mark.

Its design is unremarkable, but if you’re spending most of your time at home, no one’s going to notice.

ASUS ExpertBook P1

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Radeon Vega 3 graphics
  • 128GB SSD
  • PhP 26,995

The ASUS ExpertBook P1 has a large 15.6-inch display and a number pad, both of which make this laptop great for heavy data crunching. In addition, the Ryzen 3 processor with its Vega 3 graphics make Chrome and Photoshop usage smooth.

On the other hand, the 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD definitely need to be upgraded down the line. Fortunately, at PhP 26,995, you’ll have extra cash to spend.

Dell Inspiron 3501

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1125G4 processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 29,990

While this Dell Inspiron looks plain on the surface, its hardware has a nice mix of the aforementioned Acer and ASUS laptops. You get the larger 15.6-inch display, 11th-generation Core i3 processor, and generous 256GB SSD.

However, this is another model that requires a RAM upgrade for its measly 4GB. On the bright side, Dell’s home service applies to this laptop’s warranty.

CHECK OUT: Value for money gaming laptops starting at PhP30K

Huawei MateBook D 15

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-10110U processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 31,999

The MateBook D 15 goes above the P30,000 limit, but Huawei often includes freebies such as a backpack to the package. It’s certainly worth spending extra for this model: it comes with all the essential hardware, plus some nifty features, such as a fingerprint reader for logging in, USB-C charging, and Huawei Share for easier pairing with your smartphone.

The only downside is its recessed webcam above the keyboard; people on the other end of the video call would have a clear view of your nostrils.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

Specifications and Price:

  • 14-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD
  • PhP 29,995

If you’re after lots of storage, the IdeaPad 3i is your best bet. In addition to the 128GB SSD, it includes a 1TB HDD for all your locally saved files. It also comes with a physical shutter for its webcam, allowing you to cover it when not in use.

Other than those, this IdeaPad has run-of-the-mill specifications from its 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor to the 14-inch Full HD display.

Alternatives

Apple MacBook

It’s time to address the elephant in the room: you can’t score a brand-new MacBook at this price point. Alternatively, you could find secondhand or refurbished models on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

A MacBook’s main advantage would be its macOS operating system. You’d have access to apps and software that you can’t use on Windows laptops. MacBooks also tend to last longer than their Windows counterparts thanks to sturdier build quality and service centers specifically catered to repair Apple products.

Chromebook

If you aren’t loyal to Windows or macOS and are on a tight budget, the next best thing is a Chromebook. They hover around the P10,000 to PhP 15,000 range from known brands including ASUS and Lenovo. The catch is that the build quality may not be as solid as the laptops above and your apps will be limited to what Google allows you to install.

Thankfully, Chromebooks have access to the Play Store, providing a similar experience to what you’d find on an Android smartphone except with a much larger screen.

Final thoughts

You can’t go wrong with any of the aforementioned Windows laptops. If we were forced to recommend only one, it would be the Acer Aspire 5. It has every specification covered, and it’s one of the cheapest Core i3 laptops you can find brand new.

Best of all, the two-year warranty is unmatched in providing peace of mind during your online classes or work from home. Our runner-up would be the Dell Inspiron 3501.

If you have an extra stick of RAM to insert, it’s easily the most complete 15-inch laptop you can find at this price point.

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