The Reno series has become an important part of OPPO’s smartphone portfolio, sitting between the increasingly competitive mid-range segment and the company’s more premium offerings. With the Reno16 5G, OPPO isn’t attempting to completely reinvent that formula. Instead, it has focused on improving the overall package across design, photography, battery life, software and AI.

Having previously used the Reno14 as one of my primary phones, I was particularly interested in whether the Reno16 felt like a meaningful progression or simply another annual refresh.

After spending time with the device, there is plenty here that feels better refined, although its AED 2,499 UAE price also raises some questions about performance and overall value.

BY SRIJITH KN, SENIOR EDITOR, VAR

A more polished Reno!
My review unit arrived in Twilight Violet, and the Reno16 makes a strong first impression. The aluminium frame, slim symmetrical bezels and overall finish give the device a noticeably premium character.

The 6.32-inch display is also excellent for everyday use. Content looks sharp, the interface feels fluid and the screen is more than capable for browsing, video, social media and photography. The buttons feel solid too, while the haptic feedback deserves particular mention. It is one of those smaller details that contributes considerably to how polished a phone feels in everyday use.

Overall, OPPO has done a good job of making the Reno16 look and feel like a device worthy of its position in the Reno portfolio.

The camera remains a Reno strength

Camera performance was one area where I expected the Reno16 to prove itself, and it largely did.

Images generally came out with natural-looking colours and balanced exposure, without leaving me waiting for noticeable processing after pressing the shutter. There can still be a slightly punchy character to some photographs, but nothing that particularly bothered me.

During testing, I photographed a building opposite me where part of the upper floor had previously suffered fire damage. Zooming into the scene, I was impressed by how closely the camera reproduced the smoke-stained and burnt areas compared with what I could see with my own eyes.

The front camera also performed well. Selfies retained good detail and produced results that I was quite happy to share without much additional editing.

That perhaps sums up the Reno16 camera experience best. It is designed for someone who wants to take the phone out, capture the moment and quickly have an attractive, shareable image.

Performance is good, but the price changes expectations

The Reno16 5G is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, and for everyday smartphone use, I have few complaints.

Messaging, email, browsing, photography, social media, content consumption and moving between applications all feel responsive. I didn’t encounter anything during normal use that made the Reno16 feel particularly slow.

But this is also where the AED 2,499 price becomes important.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is a capable processor, but buyers spending this amount can reasonably expect considerable performance headroom. Users interested primarily in everyday smartphone tasks are unlikely to have an issue, but demanding gamers and those running heavier workloads may find more powerful alternatives at this price.

The Reno16 therefore gets everyday performance right. I simply would have liked OPPO to push the performance envelope further.

Battery and charging strengthen the package

One specification that certainly stands out is the 6,700mAh battery, particularly when combined with 80W SUPERVOOC charging.

Battery capacity has become an increasingly important battleground among smartphone manufacturers, and OPPO has managed to package a substantial battery without making the Reno16 feel unnecessarily cumbersome.

Fast charging also remains one of those features whose usefulness becomes obvious very quickly. Rather than leaving a phone connected for extended periods, being able to add significant charge during a relatively short stop is genuinely practical.

AI is here, but practicality matters more!

Unsurprisingly for a smartphone arriving in 2026, AI plays a significant role in OPPO’s software proposition.

The Reno16 includes the AI Snap Key, which can provide quick access to features such as AI Mind Space. But what I appreciate more is that OPPO allows the physical key to be customised for other functions.

I configured mine to switch between Ring, Vibrate and Silent, and found myself appreciating that simple functionality more than another dedicated AI shortcut.

That flexibility is important. AI capabilities will continue evolving rapidly, but consumers still interact with their smartphones through dozens of simple actions every day. Sometimes improving those actions creates more immediate value than adding another headline AI feature.

ColorOS is fast, although I still want more customisation

ColorOS runs smoothly on the Reno16, and there is no noticeable lag during ordinary use. As mentioned earlier, the haptics are particularly good.

I am less convinced by some of the interface aesthetics. The pre-installed applications and certain default visual elements aren’t necessarily to my taste, and I would like greater freedom around icon customisation and the Quick Settings interface.

These are largely subjective complaints, however. For someone primarily using the Reno16 for messaging, email, photography, browsing, social media and entertainment, ColorOS gets the fundamentals right.

The AED 2,499 question?

The Reno16 5G is ultimately a polished smartphone with very few obvious weaknesses. The camera is dependable, the construction feels premium, the battery capacity is impressive, 80W charging is genuinely useful and everyday performance is smooth.

What prevents it from becoming an automatic recommendation is not something the Reno16 does particularly badly. It is simply how competitive the market becomes once a smartphone reaches AED 2,499.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is perfectly capable, but at this price I would have liked more performance headroom.

For Reno14 users, however, the improvements across design, camera, battery and the overall experience make the Reno16 feel like a meaningful progression. If you already own a Reno15, the argument for upgrading immediately is considerably harder to make.

The Reno16 gets most of the fundamentals right. The question buyers ultimately need to answer is whether that polished overall experience is enough to justify its price.

Srijith kn

Carrying a power bank often means accepting a compromise between capacity and convenience. A 10,000mAh unit typically demands a dedicated bag compartment, while ultra-compact chargers rarely hold enough power to be genuinely useful on a long day. The Baseus PicoGo AC22 takes a more elegant approach, placing a high-density 10,000mAh battery into a footprint roughly the size of a wireless earbuds case.

Reviewed By Srijith KN, Senior Editor, Integrator

The result is a portable charger that feels purpose-built for the daily commute. Rather than requiring a backpack, it slips easily into a pocket. When you factor in the built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap, the AC22 becomes a surprisingly practical solution for professionals moving between meetings, flights, and remote workspaces.

A Different Approach to High-Density Power

The first thing that stands out about the PicoGo AC22 is its size-to-output ratio. Baseus utilises a dual-cell silicon-carbon battery chemistry, which allows the unit to remain exceptionally compact while delivering a 45W maximum output. On paper, 45W is a technical specification. In practice, it becomes the charger’s defining advantage. It provides enough current to fast-charge flagship smartphones from zero to fifty percent in under thirty minutes, and can even sustain smaller USB-C laptops during a layover.

The integrated eight-inch USB-C cable makes the concept even more practical. A secondary USB-C port allows for simultaneous dual-device charging, though output drops to a combined 5V/3A when both are in use. A smart digital display clearly indicates the remaining battery percentage, removing the guesswork often associated with four-LED indicator systems.

Design That Feels Ready for Travel

The AC22 is constructed with travel in mind. Weighing just 170 grams, it carries full TSA compliance for airline carry-on. The built-in cable is robust enough to act as a lanyard, though its short length means you cannot easily use your phone while the charger sits in your pocket.

This combination feels particularly relevant for airport lounges, cafes, and conference centres. The unit does generate noticeable warmth during sustained 45W output, but a comprehensive seven-point safety system manages thermal limits effectively. It recharges fully in roughly two hours via a 30W input, ensuring it is ready for the next leg of the journey.

For users who require magnetic attachment or wireless charging, Baseus offers the sibling AM52 model. However, for those prioritising rapid wired charging in the smallest possible format, the PicoGo AC22 delivers reliable, predictable power without the usual bulk.

After spending considerable time testing the Baseus Inspire XH1, I can confidently say this headphone delivers on its core promise being a device you can truly depend on, day after day, without constantly hunting for a charger. This isn’t trying to be the flashiest premium headphone on the market, instead, it focuses on what actually matters for most users. It is one of the most dependable audio devices I have tested recently. It focuses on comfort, endurance, and a robust sound profile rather than chasing trends or relying on flashy gimmicks.

Reviewed by Srijith KN, Editor, Integrator

A Bright, Beefed-Up Sound Profile

The 35mm dynamic drivers deliver a beautiful, warm sound signature with deeper bass and vibrant energy. The “Sound by Bose” tuning makes listening to music, watching content, or even just taking calls feel more fluid and engaging. Max volume is rated high enough that I can actually hear my audio comfortably in loud outdoor environments, which is something I’m usually bothered about when switching to a midrange device from my personal flagship headphones. But in the case of the XH1, I never had to strain to catch the details.

The sound profile is protected by an intelligent EQ system accessible through the Baseus app. This digital tuning makes it much easier to adjust frequencies and find the perfect balance. That means it is less likely to sound harsh or distorted when pushed to higher volumes, and it holds up better to complex mixes that would otherwise cause muddiness. I’ve been deliberately testing it with bass-heavy tracks, and the audio remains pristine.

Built Like a Tank Yet Aesthetically Pleasing

The first thing that struck me was how good it feels on the head. The build quality feels premium and at 275g, it’s got a reassuring heft without being heavy. The metal headband enhances the structural feel, and with its plush protein leather cushions, the XH1 is comfortably soft to wear for hours. My review unit came in Twilight Blue, and it has this understated elegance that shifts subtly under light. The matte texture does a good job of resisting fingerprints, and the overall build feels more high-end than you’d expect from a mid-range device.

Almost 4 Days on A Single Charge

The battery life is massive, and it lives up to the promise. In my daily use, it easily lasts up to 100 hours on a single charge with ANC off, handling regular music playback, occasional gaming, long video streaming sessions, and a decent amount of call time. A moderate user could easily get over a week of battery life from the XH1. It’s one of those devices that you can take on a weekend trip and leave the charger behind without worry.

The Verdict

The Baseus Inspire XH1 is a no-nonsense device built for long-lasting power, ultra durability, and smooth performance. It’s a competent go-to headphone that you can rely on for whatever comes your way each day. A highly recommended daily driver for those who value substance over status.