It sold millions because for the average user in 2020, was worse than pixel anxiety . They wanted a phone that lasted from morning commute to bedtime Netflix. The A9 2020 delivered that.

Let’s take a deep dive into the battery, the cameras, the software, and the legacy of one of Oppo’s most popular budget phones. When the Oppo A9 2020 launched, the "A" series was Oppo’s budget arm, often overshadowed by the flashy Reno series. The A9 2020 tried to solve the classic budget phone trilemma: Battery, Storage, or Camera—pick two.

Published: October 26, 2024 Category: Smartphone Retrospective / Budget Phone Review

It is plastic. And it is a fingerprint magnet . Within 30 seconds of use, the back looks like a CSI crime scene. Furthermore, the phone is heavy (195g) and thick (9.1mm). Because of the 5,000mAh battery, this is a chunky boy.

Oppo used a "3D curving" design on the back. It mimics glass perfectly. For the first week, you’ll think it’s glass. It curves into the palm nicely, and the gradient finish is genuinely pretty. The phone feels solid—no creaks or flex.

Today, however, the budget market has caught up. You can buy a or a Poco M5 for a fraction more that offers a 90Hz screen, Android 14, and faster charging.