The two masters of the selfie camera clash in this epic match-up! The OPPO F5 and the Vivo V7 Plus both want to lay claim on the local Philippine market as the go-to brand for selfie-centric smartphones–but which one will actually deliver the best, for your hard-earned cash?
Round 1: Selfie Camera
No doubt, the biggest battle in this war will be between their heavy-hitting selfie shooters. On paper, the Vivo V7 Plus takes the advantage by having a higher megapixel count (24 versus the F5’s 20). Plus, it features an equal f/2.0 aperture, ensuring clear photos that would only be trumped by a higher aperture like f/1.8. Furthermore, the much-touted Face Beauty 7.0 expands the flexibility of the regular beautification feature by allowing it to function even during video calls. Not only that, but the Moonlight Glow flash feature ensures that your selfies get the right amount of lighting. Additionally, Moonlight Glow, Vivo’s version of the soft flash, prevents those moments where the sudden burst of light from the flash ruins your smile.
On the other hand, the OPPO F5’s AI Beauty feature goes beyond the expected functions. Basically, the OPPO F5’s artificial intelligence will detect the subjects’ skin tone, type, gender, age, and lighting conditions. From there, it will compare the data to a global database and try to set up the appropriate tools to capture your ‘best’ selfie. In fact, capture enough selfies and the AI will begin to learn. Specifically, it will begin to figure out which beautification toggles work best with the subject.
Overall, it’s a question of what kind of beautification mode you want. Do you need a flexible one that can function even during live video? Or do you need one that will learn from your own selfie habits?
Round 2: Rear Camera
For some, the rear camera is an afterthought if the phone focuses on the selfie setup. However, OPPO and Vivo actually complement their front shooters with good rear cams. Here, the OPPO F5 gets the advantage thanks to its wider aperture (f/1.8) and PDAF. However, that’s not to say that the V7 Plus rear camera feels lacking. In fact, the 16-megapixel with LED flash touts its own PDAF function, and will satisfy almost every consumer.
Round 3: Processors and Performance
In terms of processing, the OPPO F5 rocks a 2.5GHz processor, theoretically trumping the Vivo V7 Plus’ 1.8GHz set. However, the V7 Plus might even the odds considering that it holds a Snapdragon chipset. Normally, it functions better than a MediaTek. For the GPU, gamers might want to opt for the Adreno 506 of the V7 Plus. This is because developers apparently prefer creating games for Adreno GPU sets. Lastly, both devices enter a deadlock thanks to having the same exact RAM of 4GB.
For the OS skin, I personally prefer ColorOS to Funtouch, but that falls to a matter of taste. For me, the ColorOS lineup keeps improving, especially in terms of minimalist aesthetics and uniformity. The Funtouch, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have a central, unifying theme. But then again, some may actually prefer the more ‘stock’ feel of the Funtouch.
Round 4: Display
The OPPO F5 gets the lead here thanks to its bezel-less, larger 6-inch display. Not only that, but it also keeps a higher pixel count at 2160×1080. Obviously, people who want to watch HD media will opt for the OPPO F5. On the other hand, the Vivo V7 Plus carries classic, visible bezels. It should be noted though, that some prefer it this way. It’s easier to scratch bezel-less screens, after all. To counter this point, though, the OPPO F5 carries a stronger Gorilla Glass variant, with Gorilla Glass 5. The Vivo V7 Plus, in contrast, carries Gorilla Glass 3.
Round 5: Everything Else
Battery-wise, the OPPO F5 and Vivo V7 Plus barely differ, with only a 25 mAh lead by the V7 Plus. Basically, the other specs of both phones run so close to each other that no phone trumps the other. Ultimately, it falls to your preference. Both selfie titans offer their own flair, though it should be noted that pricing wise, they are not created equal. The OPPO F5 originally retailed for PHP 15,990, while the Vivo V7 Plus came out with a higher price, at PHP 17,990.
Vivo V7 Plus Specs
OS | Android 7.1 Nougat (FunTouch 3.2 OS) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC, octacore |
Memory | 4GB |
Display | 5.99-inch HD (720x1440 pixels) IPS Incell 'FullView' display |
Storage | Expandable 64GB on-board storage (up to 256GB) |
Camera | 16-megapixel rear camera + 24-megapixel front camera with an f/2.0 aperture, 1/2.78-inch sensor, and a 'Moonlight Glow' soft selfie light |
SIM | Dual-SIM (Nano) |
Battery | 3,225mAh |
Audio | AK4376A Hi-Fi chipset |
Dimensions | 155.87 x 75.47 x 7.7 mm |
Weight | 160 g |
OPPO F5 Specs
OS | ColorOS 3.2, based on Android 7.1 |
Display | 6.0 inches, FHD+(2160 by 1080 pixels), LTPS TFT |
Processor | Octa-core MT6763T, ARM Mali G71 MP2 800MHz |
Memory | 4GB / 6GB |
Storage | 32GB/64GB |
Battery | 3200mAh |
Rear Camera | 16-megapixel, f/1.8 |
Front Camera | 20-megapixel, f/2.0 |
Dimensions | 156.5mm x 76mm 7.5mm |
Weight | 152g |
Sensors | Distance sensor, Light sensor, G-sensor, E-compass |
Color | F5 4GB: Gold and Black, F5 6GB: Red |
SIM | Dual Nano SIM Cards & Micro SD Card(Total 3 slots) |
Connectivity | FDD B1/2/3/5/7/8/20/28, TDD B38/39/40/41(2555-2655MHz), WCDMA B1/2/5/8, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
Others | OTG Supportn |