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OPPO doesn’t usually launch two Reno models in a row locally, but it seems like 2025 is the exception. Following the release of the Reno13 in May, the Reno14 is now available in South Africa. The new Reno14 5G smartphone targets consumers who prioritise low-light photography, extended battery life, with a splash of AI served on the side.

The company has equipped the Reno14 5G with several features designed to cater to a “dusk till dawn” user experience, with low-light photography a key feature. It includes an AI Flash Photography system, which is intended to improve clarity in dimly lit environments. This includes a triple flash system, offering a dedicated focus flash for the telephoto camera, which is up to 10 times brighter than the previous generation. This system aims to improve clarity for close-range photos, and the upgraded Flash Mode provides more natural tones in darker environments, OPPO notes. 

Then there’s also a large 6000 mAh battery (compared to the Reno13’s 5600 mAh) with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, a feature we’ve found very useful in the past in previous Reno’s we’ve tested.

The smartphone's photography system is another key feature. The Reno14 5G features a 50MP camera with a decent 3.5x optical zoom, plus an ultra wide camera. Once again it’s possible to capture underwater images and Livephoto is also onboard, which provides a small bit of video before a photo - this time round being able to be posted to Instagram. AI is also NB, with AI Editor 2.0 included, which uses AI to automatically adjust lighting, backgrounds and composition, alongside AI Recompose and AI Perfect Shot. 

Beyond its entertainment and photographic functions, the phone is powered by Google's Android 15 with OPPO’s ColorOS 15 overlay. The operating system includes a number of Google powered AI-enabled features, but also OPPO’s own for productivity, such as scheduling, translation and document handling.

Structurally the Reno14 5G isn’t much different to the Reno13, although OPPO glammed it up thanks to an Iridescent Mermaid finish, a multi-layered design intended to create a shimmering, visually distinct appearance. If something a little less flashy is required, Luminous Green might be better suited. A quick run down of specs includes a 6.59" AMOLED display (1256 x 2760 pixels), 12 GB RAM, 512 GB of storage, with the octacore MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoC doing the hard work under the hood.

Bradley Young, head of retail at OPPO, said the launch reflected a focus on what is relevant to South African consumers. "The Reno14 5G delivers real improvements in low-light imaging, battery endurance and fast charging features that matter in people's daily lives," he stated.

The OPPO Reno14 5G has a recommended retail price of R19,999.00 and is available on contract from R849 per month from leading operators. For further details on pricing, promotions, and availability, visit www.oppo.com/za.