OPPO is no slouch when it comes to providing a wide range of handsets, from entry-level value to premium competitors. While we recently reviewed the OPPO A78 5G, the newly released OPPO A58 might sit below in terms of outright specs, but is still an incredible alternative for the everyday user, given its lower price point of A$299. While the refresh rate drops to 60Hz, this handset manages to provide an impressive 50MP main camera and that same 33W SUPERVOOC charging that makes a case for one of the best value handsets on the market today.
Design
Many of these A-series handsets have retained the same look across the front and back, making them all feel relatively similar. The 6.72-inch display comes with some sleek bezels making it feel much more premium than its price suggests. While it still retains the same plastic sides and backing, it feels nice in the hands and doesn’t attract any fingerprints, should you want to use this without a case, which is a plus.
Much like the A78, the A58 is available in the Glowing Black, but now offers a new Dazzling Green colour. Around the back, those same metallic rings sit around each of the cameras, which also adds to its premium look. These lenses once again stand out from the pack, even if the returning “Innovative AI Camera” tagline below feels a little tacky. Unfortunately, its surrounding glossy panel acts as an absolute magnet for fingerprints.
The 6.72-inch display is definitely on the larger side, sitting more in line with some of the handsets I’m used to. Those looking for a smaller handset might need to look into the A78. It’s also slightly heavier, weighing in at 192g, but this is still surprisingly much lighter than most phones at this size. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in at 221g. The standard volume control and lock buttons are all packed onto the right side, with fingerprint unlocking capabilities embedded into the lock button.
Performance
The OPPO A58 packs in an 8-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor. Put simply, it’s more than enough for everyday social media scrolling and some light gaming when needed. The embedded fingerprint sensor and facial recognition also work well, making it a breeze to access on multiple fronts. The 6GB of RAM on the other hand, actually does a really good job at holding things together when multiple apps are open. While it stutters on occasion, it’s perfectly usable for everyday activities.
Thankfully, the 128GB of storage can be expanded for up to 1TB via MicroSD for those who need it down the line. While it only supports 4G networks, it includes dual-sim compatibility, which comes in handy when travelling.
The A58 feels a lot like the A78 5G when it comes to software, and that’s because it’s pretty much the same. As a result, the same sentiments from our A78 5G review ring true here:
“It also comes with the latest version of ColourOS 13, OPPO’s answer to Android 13, along with the latest security updates. While things can get a little crowded at times, the newer drop-down menu provides a bunch of adjustable settings and options to add more, making your experience feel that much more intuitive, should you wish to tailor it. Beyond that, most OPPO users will feel at home, even with this fresh coat of paint.”
The dual stereo speakers are also decent, but I’ll take it as a win that they feature in the first place. Volume levels are surprisingly solid, even if they lack the bass and lower levels you’ll find on the soundstages of some of their more premium devices. To top it all off, the A58 also comes with an IP54 rating, making it resistant to causal spills and brief water exposure.
Display
Unfortunately, the display is where things take a little dip. The FHD+(2400×1080) display on board is perfectly usable in most situations, but a couple of things are holding it back. The 60Hz display is something I’m struggling to come to terms with, given the A78 5G is similarly priced and throws in that 90Hz display.
But the most noticeable issue is the overall brightness. Coming from an iPhone 15 Pro with 1000 nits (typical) and 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoors), this 550 nits (typical) and 680 nits (outdoors) display brings you back down to reality and highlights the fact that you’re using an entry-level handset. While it’s fine indoors, it’s certainly going to struggle outdoors on sunnier days.
Camera
The dual rear camera includes a 50MP AI main sensor along with pixel-binning, and a 2MP Mono lens, which helps when it comes to low-light photography. The 8MP selfie camera is also decent, providing more than enough for the occasional selfie and video call.
The 50MP main sensor is going to carry most of the load but provides some decent shots for an entry-level handset, even going as far as to produce some impressive low-light shots of its own. Being able to shoot with portrait and panoramic options is also nice, even if the AI software can touch things up a little too much, making skin tones and general colours feel a little oversaturated.
Both front and rear camera video recording provides 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 30fps. While I’m still hoping for that 720p 60fps recording, I can’t be too mad, as it doesn’t feature in the A78 5G either.
Battery
This 5,000 mAh battery is pretty much going to get you through an entire day, and in some cases, into the next. While I didn’t use this for gaming in any way, I found myself clocking in most nights with around 30% of juice left in the tank.
33W SUPERVOOC USB-C charging returns, and it’s an absolute game changer. The provided charging can take the battery from 0-100% in just 67 minutes. Like the A78 5G and various other OPPO phones I’ve reviewed, it never ceases to amaze me, and I’m a total sucker for it whenever it’s included, beating out most options for both battery life and charging speeds alone, particularly at this price point.
Verdict & Value
For just under A$300, the OPPO A58 makes a solid case for one of the best entry-level handsets you can buy. Be it the great battery life and 33W SUPERVOOC charging, or the fingerprint and facial recognition which rivals some premium handsets, there’s plenty to love. The 50MP main sensor is also a great option for those who love to snap quick everyday shots, even if the AI can feel a little overbearing at times. The display’s brightness and average sound quality let it down in parts, but at $299, it’s hard to complain when it comes to providing that value for money.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Sleek design; Solid 50MP main camera; 33W SUPERVOOC charging
Lowlights: Screen brightness falters in outdoor conditions
Manufacturer: OPPO
Price: A$299
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by OPPO.
