There is always that notion that smartphones are only judged by their hardware-to-price ratio, but sometimes people need to experience the phone itself to get the idea that the price set by the brand may be worth it. OPPO Philippines allowed us to explore that by testing the new OPPO Reno11 5G at various places in the Tagaytay area over one weekend, and here are my thoughts.
We’ve reviewed the OPPO Reno11 F 5G already, and we thought we’d share more of our observations as we used the camera more each day. Even so, OPPO sent us, among other select media members, to various places in Tagaytay City and neighboring towns in Cavite to take the phone to action.
Vibrant Colors, Great Details
The Reno11 F 5G can be at par with other phones in capturing photos, as we have shots full of vivid colors, good dynamic range and contrast, and good sharpness you can get straight out of the camera app. Here are shots we took from a variety of places we’ve been to:
Preciosa Farms, Silang, Cavite
Known for its lush greenery and serene ambiance, Preciosa Farms is a haven for nature lovers and tranquility seekers. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices, this idyllic retreat offers a wide array of fresh produce, from vibrant fruits to crisp vegetables, all cultivated with care and dedication.
Mrs. Saldo’s in Silang, Cavite
This quaint destination is a testament to Filipino hospitality and culinary excellence. Offering a fusion of traditional flavors and modern twists, Mrs. Saldo’s presents a delightful array of homemade dishes crafted with love and expertise. From hearty classics to innovative specialties, every bite tells a story of heritage and innovation.
We were also given a chance to take a tour around the property, with one of the houses, a modern abode with modern features and expensive cutlery, being rented out for a whopping PHP 35,000 on weekdays and PHP 50,000 on weekends.
Perlas ng Silang, also in Silang, Cavite
Perlas ng Silang is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Cavite. Translating to ‘Pearl of Silang,’ this charming destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural richness. From its scenic landscapes to its vibrant community spirit, Perlas ng Silang invites visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic charm of the flora and fauna, exploring the vibrant colorful flowers, and lush gardens, and indulging in locally sourced delicacies.
Papa Bolo in Tagaytay City
Papa Bolo stands out as a culinary oasis, offering a fusion of Filipino and international flavors with a twist. From sizzling grilled specialties to hearty comfort food, each dish at Papa Bolo is crafted with passion and creativity. It also is a plus to visit their place for a great roster of locally brewed craft beers with distinct ingredients and tastes you can only find here.
Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.
Our home for the weekend is a hotel overlooking the iconic Taal Volcano and its picturesque lake. This historic hotel offers a timeless retreat for travelers seeking elegance and comfort. We indulged in exquisite dining at the hotel’s restaurants, where culinary delights are paired with breathtaking views.
OPPO’s Portrait Engine tech working for you
I’ve seen a lot of phones in my nearly 10-year tech writing career, and it’s not all about the hardware that matters most of the time. The phone may appear to feature nothing new to some, but many changes not seen on spec sheets are visible only when you get your hands on it – the overall experience, I usually say.
Here’s the deal with Reno phones: OPPO used Portrait Engine, its camera tech touted to be trained using insights from professional portrait photographers across the globe, resulting in tuned photos that cater to your cultural preferences across five optimization processes, covering faces, skin, and backgrounds. I find it hard to believe that a phone such as the Reno 11 series, in this case the Reno11 F 5G, delivers outstanding portrait shots even at night. The next photos were taken at various locations throughout the trip and even at night, most are from after the brand’s event with David Licauco at SM City Dasmarinas:
The photos I took are simply stunning. Adding the exclusive Flare Bokeh filter in Portrait mode, the phone automatically processes the blurred background into a creamier state with bokeh, ensuring you get studio-like photography wherever you may be. Mind you, some of these were taken at the mall entrance and it honestly doesn’t look like it until you inspect the photos closer.
In a nutshell
I find it hard to digest that some judge a phone simply because it doesn’t feature a branded camera lens or bring its price down to more bang-for-the-buck price points. The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is a screaming testament to how a phone could be a star with all its bells and whistles even without the fanfare, and my overall experience with the device proves just that.
The software optimization in all aspects including the camera, along with the commitment to keep your phone updated, should also be a deciding factor in choosing your next phone. Read more about our full review of the device on this link.
The OPPO Reno 11 5G is priced at PHP 18,990 and is now available in the Philippines.
