The Oppo A77 is a mid-range smartphone aimed at users looking for an affordable option with decent performance, sleek design, and adequate camera capabilities. Launched in 2017 (and later followed by the Oppo A77 4G/5G variants in 2022), the A77 offers a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek MT6750 chipset (in the earlier version), and a 3200mAh battery. While it has been praised for its build quality and user-friendly interface, like any smartphone, it has its fair share of bugs, performance issues, and hardware problems.
In this article, we will look at the most common issues faced by Oppo A77 users, offering possible fixes, and helping you decide if this phone is still a worthy option or if there are better alternatives on the market.
1. Performance Problems: Lag and Freezing
Although the Oppo A77 is equipped with a MediaTek MT6750 processor (or MediaTek Dimensity 810 for the 5G variant), it struggles with intensive tasks and multitasking, especially as newer, more resource-demanding apps are released. Over time, users have noticed significant performance degradation, with reports of lag and freezes during everyday usage.
Key performance issues include:
- Slow response times when opening apps, switching between them, or using multiple apps at once.
- Frequent freezing or lagging while browsing, watching videos, or during phone calls.
- Overheating during gaming or prolonged use, particularly in 5G-enabled versions.
Solutions:
- Clear the cache of frequently used apps and the system cache to improve performance.
- Limit background apps by turning on Battery Saver mode or disabling unnecessary app auto-starts.
- Factory reset the device periodically if performance becomes unbearable, though this is a temporary solution.
User feedback:
“The phone worked fine for the first few months, but now it lags a lot, especially when I’m switching between apps or trying to use social media.”
2. Battery Drain and Charging Issues
The Oppo A77 comes with a 3200mAh battery (for the 2017 model) or a 5000mAh battery in the A77 4G/5G versions. While this provides decent battery life for moderate use, many users have reported problems such as fast battery drain and charging difficulties, especially after several months of usage.
Common battery and charging complaints:
- Fast battery drain, even with minimal usage, where the phone loses a significant percentage within a few hours.
- Slow charging, even with the included charger, or instances where the battery percentage stalls during charging.
- Overheating while charging, particularly if using fast chargers or when the phone is used while charging.
Possible fixes:
- Disable background apps that consume battery, or use the Power Saving mode to limit resource-intensive processes.
- Avoid using the phone while charging to prevent overheating and slow charging.
- Check if the charger and cable are functioning properly, as defective accessories can cause issues.
User complaints:
“The battery used to last an entire day, but now I have to charge it twice a day. It also gets really hot when I charge it, which makes me worried.”
3. Display Issues: Touchscreen Sensitivity and Brightness Problems
The Oppo A77 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with 1080p resolution (or a 6.56-inch HD+ display on newer 4G/5G variants). However, users have faced touchscreen sensitivity issues and problems with the adaptive brightness feature, particularly in outdoor settings.
Common display-related issues:
- Unresponsive touchscreen: Some users report the screen doesn’t always respond to touches, particularly along the edges.
- Touchscreen delays: The screen may respond slower than usual, causing frustrating experiences during typing or gaming.
- Adaptive brightness malfunctions: The screen brightness can sometimes fluctuate unexpectedly or fail to adjust properly in different lighting conditions.
Solutions:
- Calibrate the touchscreen or use apps that improve touch sensitivity.
- Disable adaptive brightness in the settings and adjust the brightness manually for more consistent results.
- Update the software to the latest version, as touchscreen bugs are sometimes addressed in updates.
User experience:
“The touchscreen doesn’t always respond when I tap, especially around the edges. It’s annoying when I’m typing or playing games.”
4. Camera Issues: Quality and App Glitches
The Oppo A77 is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and a 16MP front camera in the earlier models, while the Oppo A77 4G/5G features a 48MP dual camera system. While the camera performance is decent in good lighting, it struggles in low-light conditions and users have reported various camera app bugs.
Common camera issues include:
- Blurry photos in low-light settings due to the camera's inability to focus quickly.
- Camera app crashes when switching between modes (e.g., from photo to video).
- Slow shutter speed: Users report noticeable delays between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken.
Fixes:
- Use the Night mode in low-light settings to improve photo clarity, or rely on third-party apps for better performance.
- Clear the camera app cache or reset the app if it crashes frequently.
- Restart the phone if the camera app freezes or becomes unresponsive.
User feedback:
“The camera is good for selfies, but the back camera struggles in low light. Sometimes, the app crashes when I switch to video mode.”
5. Software Bugs and Stability Issues
The Oppo A77 runs ColorOS (based on Android), which is known for its customization options and user-friendly interface. However, many users have encountered software bugs that lead to system crashes, app glitches, and UI freezes.
Reported software bugs include:
- System crashes or the phone restarting unexpectedly during regular usage.
- App freezing or closing abruptly, particularly with heavy apps like Facebook or YouTube.
- Delayed notifications, especially with messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Workarounds:
- Ensure that the phone is running the latest firmware to fix bugs and glitches.
- If apps frequently crash, consider reinstalling them or clearing their cache.
- Perform a factory reset if the system becomes too unstable, but ensure all data is backed up beforehand.
User complaints:
“My phone keeps restarting out of nowhere, and apps like YouTube sometimes freeze, making me restart the app or the phone.”
6. Fingerprint Sensor and Face Unlock Problems
The Oppo A77 comes with a front-mounted fingerprint sensor in earlier models, while newer variants like the A77 5G feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock. However, users have reported issues with both unlocking methods.
Common fingerprint and Face Unlock issues:
- Fingerprint sensor failing to recognize fingerprints on the first attempt or requiring multiple tries.
- Slow fingerprint unlock: The sensor can be sluggish compared to other phones in the same price range.
- Face Unlock struggles in low light or at different angles, making it unreliable in certain conditions.
Fixes:
- Re-register fingerprints in better lighting conditions to improve recognition accuracy.
- Clean the fingerprint sensor regularly, as dirt and moisture can affect its performance.
- Use Face Unlock only in well-lit environments, or rely on the fingerprint sensor for better accuracy.
User experience:
“Sometimes, my fingerprint doesn’t work on the first try, and the face unlock doesn’t work well in low-light rooms.”
Conclusion: Is the Oppo A77 Still a Good Purchase?
The Oppo A77 is a solid mid-range phone, particularly suited for users who don’t need high-end performance but appreciate a sleek design, good display, and decent camera for everyday use. However, its performance slowdowns, battery issues, and software bugs may make it a less appealing choice for users who need a more reliable and longer-lasting device.
If you are considering purchasing the Oppo A77, it’s worth noting that it may struggle with intensive apps, and long-term use could result in lag and battery degradation. For those who want a budget-friendly phone for basic tasks like social media, web browsing, and casual photography, the Oppo A77 can still be a viable option.
Recommended alternatives:
- Realme 9i: Offers better performance and a more modern design with fewer software issues.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: A reliable mid-range phone with improved battery life, camera, and performance at a similar price.
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Provides a smoother user experience, better software support, and a reliable camera.
In conclusion, while the Oppo A77 has its strengths, there are other phones in the same price range that offer better performance, more consistent battery life, and fewer software bugs, making them better long-term investments.