OPPO Reno14 5G Review: A Mid-Range Masterclass with Flagship Features

So, OPPO just dropped the OPPO Reno14, and it’s making waves for being the first phone to pack MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 chipset. But let’s be real, this phone’s not just about raw power.

If you’ve been following the Reno series, you’ll know design and camera always get top billing, and the OPPO Reno14 keeps that tradition alive. It’s rocking a new Velvet Glass back that looks sleek and feels super premium, with that matte finish that doesn’t pick up fingerprints every two seconds. Bonus: it’s built tough too, with solid water and dust protection, so you don’t have to baby it every time you head out.

Camera-wise, this thing’s pretty loaded. You get a double 50MP camera setup for both the main camera and the telephoto camera. On top of that, it’s got the usual AI magic, a massive 6,000mAh battery (yes, that’s not a typo), and speedy charging whether you’re plugging it in or going wireless.

Is the OPPO Reno14 really as good as it sounds on paper? Worth your duit raya or bonus? Stick around as we’ve got the full review coming up.

Design and First Look

Unboxing the OPPO Reno14 was already a bit of a flex. This phone looks expensive the moment you take it out of the box. We got our hands on the Pearl White variant, and it’s a stunner. The back has this subtle wave pattern that catches the light just right, giving it a classy, almost futuristic vibe. It’s the kind of phone that makes people go, “Eh, phone apa ni?” when you place it on the table.

What makes it even better is the matte glass back. No more constantly wiping off smudges or fingerprints as this finish keeps things clean and sleek all day. It’s also got a nice soft texture that feels good in the hand, with way more grip than your typical glossy phone. So even if you’re not using a case, it doesn’t feel like it’s about to slip out of your hand every time you snap a photo or scroll TikTok.

Now let’s talk build. The OPPO Reno14 comes with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame. And yes, that’s the same kind of material they use in aircrafts. It’s tough, it’s durable, and it adds a premium touch to the overall feel. Despite packing a massive 6000mAh battery (which, by the way, is huge for a phone this slim), it only weighs 187 grams. That’s light enough for all-day use without feeling like you’re carrying a brick in your pocket.

Overall, OPPO clearly put in some serious effort into the design and build of this phone, and it shows. The OPPO Reno14 nails that premium look and feel.

Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way. There’s no NFC on the OPPO Reno14. So if you’re someone who relies on contactless payments like Touch ‘n Go eWallet or likes tapping to pair devices, this might be a bit of a letdown. It’s not a total dealbreaker, but in 2025, you kinda expect that feature to be standard, even on mid-range phones.

But here’s where the OPPO Reno14 bounces back hard: durability. This phone doesn’t just look good — it’s built like a tank. It’s rocking not one, not two, but three hardcore protection ratings: IP66, IP68, and IP69. That means it’s dust-tight, can survive underwater dips, and can even handle high-pressure water jets.

Seeing all three IP ratings on a non-flagship phone is almost unheard of. It’s the kind of protection you’d usually expect from rugged, military-grade devices. Not something this stylish. So if you’re the adventurous type or just plain clumsy, this phone’s got your back. And yes, it’s technically waterproof enough for those underwater TikToks or pool selfies. Just make sure you dry it off properly after.

Display

The OPPO Reno14 comes with a 6.59-inch flat AMOLED display that’s sharp, vibrant, and seriously easy on the eyes. With a 1.5K resolution (2760 × 1256 px), it lands nicely between Full HD+ and QHD, so you’re getting crisp visuals whether you’re bingeing Netflix, editing your Insta Reels, or just scrolling through web pages.

One feature I love? The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It makes everything feel smooth and snappy, from swiping through the UI to fast-paced gaming. OPPO also gives you the option to switch between Full HD+ and 1.5K resolution, which is perfect if you want to stretch your battery a little further without compromising too much on clarity. Smart move, honestly.

Brightness-wise, the OPPO Reno14 clocks in at 600 nits under normal usage and can hit up to 1,200 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). While it’s not the brightest screen out there, it holds up well in Malaysian sunlight.

Now let’s talk viewing quality. The screen supports HDR10 and Widevine L1, which means you’ll get high-quality streaming on apps like Netflix and YouTube. Plus, with 3840Hz PWM dimming, the display reduces eye strain during nighttime use.

And sound? OPPO didn’t cheap out here. The OPPO Reno14 packs stereo speakers that deliver surprisingly loud and clear audio with zero distortion, even at higher volumes. The audio experience definitely holds its own.

Big, sharp screen, smooth visuals, solid audio, and thoughtful features will make everyday use feel premium without the flagship price tag.

Performance and Daily Use

Under the hood, the OPPO Reno14 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350, a 4nm chipset that also appeared in last year’s Reno13. Now, some folks might roll their eyes and say, “Eh, same chip again?”. But don’t be too quick to judge. This processor still delivers solid performance for everyday use, and more importantly, it handles mobile gaming and multitasking like a champ.

Backing up the chipset is up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is plenty for running multiple apps, switching between games and social media, or keeping your Spotify playlist going while you edit videos. Storage-wise, you’re looking at fast UFS 3.1 memory, which means quick app launches, faster file transfers, and smoother overall performance. The graphics are powered by the Mali-G615 GPU, a 6-core setup that holds its own even with more demanding titles.

Now, if you’re a benchmark junkie, the scores are commendable. I managed to hit 1,335,196 points on Antutu and 2845 points on 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark. But benchmarks don’t always tell the full story. In real-world usage, the OPPO Reno14 feels snappy. Games like PUBG Mobile run at a smooth 90fps and Genshin Impact is greatly playable on high settings without turning the phone into a pocket-sized oven.

Speaking of heat, OPPO clearly thought ahead. The OPPO Reno14 is equipped with a Nano Dual-Drive Cooling System, which combines a vapour chamber and aerospace-grade graphite for better heat management. It’s not just marketing fluff. After a solid 40-minute gaming session, the phone got warm, sure, but never reached that “oh no, should I stop?” level of heat.

All in all, the OPPO Reno14 might not be chasing headlines with the newest chip on the block, but in day-to-day use, it’s more than capable. It will keep things running smooth and cool, literally.

Let’s talk battery. Because this is where the OPPO Reno14 really comes through. That massive 6000mAh battery is honestly one of the biggest highlights of the phone. In a world where some brands are still pushing 4,000–5,000mAh like it’s 2019, OPPO said, “Let’s go big.”

With my typical daily use while connected to Wi-Fi, some YouTube and Netflix, a bit of scrolling on TikTok, replying to WhatsApp messages, and snapping some food pics, I was easily getting over 5.5 hours of screen-on time, and that’s consistent. If you’re a more casual user, you might even stretch it to two days on a single charge.

But let’s be real. If you’re cranking everything up to the max (5G on, screen at full brightness, 1.5K resolution + 120Hz refresh rate), the battery will obviously drain faster. You’ll probably be looking at more like 4 hours of screen-on time, especially if you’re gaming or using the camera heavily. So yeah, there’s a trade-off between performance and endurance, and the power management system still has room for improvement. It doesn’t seem fully optimised yet for all the hardware it’s packing.

The silver lining? 80W SuperVOOC charging. This thing is fast. You can go from nearly dead to 50% in less than 20 minutes, which is perfect for those last-minute top-ups before heading out on your day. A full charge takes roughly 40–45 minutes, which honestly makes overnight charging feel kind of unnecessary. Just plug it in while you get ready, and you’re good to go.

The OPPO Reno14 runs on Android 15, layered with ColorOS 15, and I’ve got to say, it’s a pretty slick experience. The interface feels clean, zippy, and well-optimised. Everything from opening apps to switching between tasks happens without lag, and it feels like OPPO has really polished the user experience.

ColorOS has come a long way. Version 15 brings a more modern, flat design language that looks less cluttered and more visually consistent across the board. If you’re into customisation, Flux Themes let you switch things up easily with new icons, colour palettes, and widgets that actually feel tasteful instead of tacky. It doesn’t feel like the typical bloated Android skin we used to see a few years ago.

Now let’s talk AI features because, they’re everywhere these days, but OPPO’s implementation is actually useful. There’s AI Clarity Enhance & Unblur, which works surprisingly well for cleaning up old or low-resolution photos. Even great if you’re trying to restore those grainy family pics from your parents’ gallery. Another nice touch is the Reflection Remover, which helps clear out annoying glare from glass surfaces in your photos. If you’ve ever tried taking a picture at a cafe window or inside a car, you’ll know how clutch this feature can be.

One feature I personally found handy is Mind Space. Swipe up with three fingers and boom, you can quickly capture and organise screen content like travel bookings, shopping lists, meeting notes, or any random task that pops into your head. It’s a simple gesture, but one you’ll find yourself using way more than expected.

That said… not everything’s perfect. The OPPO Reno14 does come with a bit of bloatware. You’ll see pre-installed apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, and some games, which most Malaysians probably don’t use. The good news? Most of it can be uninstalled with a couple of taps, so it’s not the end of the world. Just take a few minutes after setup to clean things up.

All things considered, ColorOS 15 on the OPPO Reno14 feels polished and purposeful, with plenty of features that are actually helpful, not just buzzwords. Just ditch the bloat, and you’ve got yourself a fast, customisable, and surprisingly smart user experience.

Camera

This time around, OPPO’s not playing it safe. They’ve brought back the 3.5x periscope telephoto lens, and honestly, it’s a smart move. In a world where many brands are ditching telephoto cameras in favour of just slapping on more megapixels, OPPO went the other way and delivered something actually useful for everyday photography.

The main camera on the OPPO Reno14 is a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS (optical image stabilisation) built in. You get sharp, punchy images even in tricky lighting. All in all, the camera holds up well. Colours are vibrant but not oversaturated, and skin tones look natural, no weird beauty filters making you look awkward.

On top of that, you’re getting an 8MP ultra-wide camera, plus the highlight, a 50MP 3.5x periscope telephoto lens, which makes zoomed-in shots way more useful than digital zoom ever could. The periscope lens adds flexibility you’ll actually use.

There’s also a 50MP front-facing camera, which sounds like overkill but hey, selfies and video calls come out clean, with plenty of detail. Great for those who rely on their phone’s front cam for TikToks, Zoom meetings, or just flexing on IG Stories.

In terms of results, shots from the main sensor are consistently sharp, with solid dynamic range and reliable Auto HDR that keeps highlights and shadows in check. Portraits are another strong point. You get excellent subject separation and a smooth, natural-looking background blur. It’s not the artificial-looking bokeh we sometimes see on mid-range phones. It actually looks polished.

As for the ultra-wide lens, it’s… okay. It gets the job done for group shots or scenery, but don’t expect the same clarity or colour accuracy as the main or telephoto sensor. It’s definitely the weakest link in the camera setup, but still handy to have.

All in all, the OPPO Reno14’s camera setup is surprisingly versatile. The return of the periscope lens is a big win, and the overall image quality punches well above its weight, making it a great pick for anyone who loves taking photos without needing to go full flagship.

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Conclusion

So here’s the deal: the OPPO Reno14 isn’t out here trying to flip the smartphone game on its head, but what it does do, it does with style and intention. It doesn’t try to be flashy for the sake of it. Instead, it fine-tunes the things that actually matter: a smooth, high-res AMOLED display, a surprisingly capable 3.5x periscope telephoto lens, solid 4K front camera video, and top-tier IP69-rated durability that you rarely see at this price point.

It’s these thoughtful touches. The kind most mid-range phones usually skip, and that make the OPPO Reno14 stand out. You get a phone that’s dependable, polished, and packed with little features that make daily use genuinely enjoyable. The OPPO Reno14 surely delivers where it counts.

Sure, it would’ve been nice to see a newer chipset under the hood or NFC support for tap-to-pay at the grocery store, no arguments there. But for what it offers at this price, it’s clear OPPO was aiming for refinement over raw specs. And honestly? That strategy works.

If you’re looking for a mid-range phone that doesn’t feel mid, one that looks good, performs well, and doesn’t make you compromise on essentials, the OPPO Reno14 is an underrated gem that deserves way more attention than it’s getting.

OPPO Reno14 5G is retailing at RM2,599.00 at the time of writing and you can find out more about it here: https://www.oppo.com/my/smartphones/series-reno/reno14/

Special offer price on Shopee: https://s.shopee.com.my/9pTc2G7C9R