Oppo F35 5G vs F Series Alternatives: Which to Pick

The Oppo F35 5G is a mid-range 5G phone with a 6.72-inch display, a 50MP main camera, and a 5000mAh battery, while the F-series alternatives (like the F25 Pro 5G and F21 Pro 5G) differ mainly in processor, camera setup, and price. If you want the newest chipset and the most future-proof 5G performance, choose the F35 5G; if you prefer a lighter phone or a more compact size, an older F-series model may suit you better. This article compares the F35 5G against its main F-series siblings so you can decide based on your priorities.

Background: The Oppo F Series Lineup

Oppo’s F series has long targeted the mid-range market, emphasizing camera quality and stylish design. The F series sits above the A series (budget) and below the Reno series (upper mid-range). Over the years, the F series has included models like the F17, F19, F21, F23, and F25, each bringing incremental upgrades in processing power, display, and charging speed.

The F35 5G was launched in early 2024 as a successor to the F25 Pro 5G. It introduced a new MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and a larger battery, while keeping the same 67W fast charging. The F-series alternatives we’ll compare here are the F25 Pro 5G (2023), F23 5G (2023), and F21 Pro 5G (2022). These are the models you’re most likely to find in the same price bracket, either new or refurbished.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Oppo F35 5G: 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, Dimensity 6100+, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, 50MP+2MP+2MP rear cameras, 16MP front, 5000mAh battery, 67W charging.
• Oppo F25 Pro 5G: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, Dimensity 7050, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, 64MP+8MP+2MP rear cameras, 32MP front, 4800mAh battery, 67W charging.
• Oppo F23 5G: 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, Snapdragon 695, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, 64MP+2MP+2MP rear cameras, 16MP front, 5000mAh battery, 67W charging.
• Oppo F21 Pro 5G: 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED, Snapdragon 695, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 64MP+2MP+2MP rear cameras, 16MP front, 4800mAh battery, 33W charging.

Notice that the F35 5G has the largest battery and the fastest charging (on par with the F25 Pro), but it uses an IPS LCD instead of AMOLED. That’s a key trade-off: the F25 Pro and F21 Pro have more vibrant displays with deeper blacks.

Display and Build: AMOLED vs LCD

The most noticeable difference in daily use is the screen. The F35 5G uses an IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright and smooth, but colors can look washed out compared to AMOLED. The F25 Pro and F21 Pro both have AMOLED panels with 90Hz refresh rates (F25 Pro) and 60Hz (F21 Pro). AMOLED offers true blacks, higher contrast, and better viewing angles. If you watch a lot of video or read in dark mode, the F25 Pro is the better choice. However, the F35’s LCD is still perfectly usable, and its 120Hz makes scrolling feel snappier.

In terms of build, all four phones have plastic frames and backs. The F35 5G is slightly heavier (193g) than the F25 Pro (185g) and F21 Pro (173g). The F21 Pro is the most comfortable to hold one-handed due to its smaller 6.43-inch screen.

Performance and 5G: Who’s Faster?

The F35 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ is a budget 5G chip, while the F25 Pro’s Dimensity 7050 is a mid-range chip with better CPU and GPU performance. In benchmark tests, the Dimensity 7050 scores roughly 20-30% higher than the 6100+. For everyday tasks like social media, messaging, and light gaming, both are fine. But for heavy gaming (like Genshin Impact) or video editing, the F25 Pro will handle it better.

The F23 and F21 Pro use the Snapdragon 695, which is similar in performance to the Dimensity 6100+. So the F35 5G is not a performance upgrade over those older models—it’s about the same. What the F35 offers is a newer modem that supports more 5G bands in some regions, which could mean better connectivity on certain carriers. But for raw speed, the F25 Pro is the winner.

Camera System: More Megapixels Doesn’t Always Mean Better

The F35 5G has a 50MP main camera, but the sensor is smaller than the 64MP sensor on the F25 Pro and F23. In good light, the F35 takes decent photos with acceptable detail, but the F25 Pro’s larger sensor captures more detail and handles low light better. The F25 Pro also has an 8MP ultrawide lens, which the F35 lacks—it only has a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. That’s a significant downgrade: you lose the ultrawide for group shots or landscapes.

The F21 Pro also has a 64MP main camera but lacks an ultrawide (it has a 2MP macro and 2MP depth). So among these, the F25 Pro is the best camera phone. The F35’s front camera is 16MP, same as the F23 and F21 Pro, but the F25 Pro has a 32MP front camera for sharper selfies.

Battery and Charging: The F35’s Strong Suit

The F35 5G has a 5000mAh battery, which is the same as the F23 and slightly larger than the F25 Pro’s 4800mAh. With the less power-hungry Dimensity 6100+ and an LCD screen, the F35 can easily last a full day and a half on a single charge. The F25 Pro’s AMOLED is more efficient, but the more powerful chip balances that out, so battery life is similar. The F21 Pro has a smaller 4800mAh battery and slower 33W charging, so it’s the weakest here.

All three newer models (F35, F25 Pro, F23) support 67W fast charging, which can take you from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes. The F21 Pro’s 33W takes about an hour. If battery life and fast charging are your top priorities, the F35 or F23 are the best picks.

Software and Updates: What You Get

All these phones run Oppo’s ColorOS based on Android. The F35 5G launched with Android 14 and ColorOS 14, while the F25 Pro launched with Android 13 and will likely get Android 14 and 15. The F23 launched with Android 13, and the F21 Pro with Android 12. In terms of future updates, the F35 5G is the newest, so it will receive security patches for a longer period (Oppo typically offers 2-3 years of OS updates for F-series). However, Oppo’s update policy is not as generous as Samsung’s, so don’t expect more than two major Android versions.

One thing to note: the F35 5G ships with some pre-installed apps (bloatware) that you can uninstall, but not all. The F25 Pro is similar. If you prefer a cleaner experience, you might consider a different brand, but among these, they’re all the same.

How to Choose: A Simple Decision Tree

1. If you want the best camera and display: Choose the Oppo F25 Pro 5G. It has AMOLED, a 64MP main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a 32MP front camera.
2. If you want the longest battery life and fastest charging: Choose the Oppo F35 5G or F23 5G. Both have 5000mAh batteries and 67W charging. The F35 is newer, so it gets updates longer.
3. If you want a compact phone: Choose the Oppo F21 Pro 5G. It’s the smallest and lightest, but you sacrifice battery and charging speed.
4. If you’re on a tight budget: The F23 5G is often cheaper than the F35 and offers similar specs (except the chipset is slightly older).

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the F35 5G is a direct upgrade over the F25 Pro. It’s not—it’s a sidegrade that trades the AMOLED and ultrawide camera for a bigger battery and a newer chip. Another issue is that the F35’s Dimensity 6100+ may not support all 5G bands in every country, so check your carrier’s compatibility before buying. Also, some users report that the F35’s speaker is a bit tinny, but that’s subjective.

Another problem: the F35 5G lacks a microSD card slot in some regions, while the F25 Pro has one. If you need expandable storage, verify that before purchasing. Also, the F35’s LCD has a noticeable bezel at the bottom, which some find less premium.

Cost and Value Considerations

Pricing varies by region, but generally, the F35 5G is priced slightly higher than the F23 5G and lower than the F25 Pro. The F21 Pro is the cheapest, but it’s also the oldest. When considering value, think about what you’ll use the phone for. If you take lots of photos, the F25 Pro is worth the extra money. If you just want a reliable 5G phone with great battery life, the F35 or F23 are better deals. Always check current prices on local retailers, as they fluctuate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Oppo F35 5G waterproof?

No, the F35 5G does not have an official IP rating for water resistance. It can handle light splashes, but you should avoid exposing it to rain or submersion. The same applies to other F-series models.

Does the F35 5G support wireless charging?

No, none of the F-series phones mentioned support wireless charging. They all use wired fast charging (67W or 33W).

Which has a better selfie camera: F35 5G or F25 Pro?

The F25 Pro has a 32MP front camera, while the F35 has a 16MP front camera. In good light, both take acceptable selfies, but the F25 Pro captures more detail and performs better in low light.

Can I use a microSD card in the F35 5G?

It depends on the region. In some markets, the F35 5G has a hybrid SIM slot that accepts a microSD card, while in others it does not. Check the specific model’s specs for your country before buying.

Will the F35 5G get Android 15?

Oppo has not officially confirmed, but based on their policy of two major updates, the F35 5G (launched with Android 14) should receive Android 15 and possibly Android 16. The F25 Pro (launched with Android 13) will get Android 14 and 15.

Is the F35 5G good for gaming?

It can handle casual and mid-tier games like PUBG Mobile at medium settings, but for heavy games like Genshin Impact, you’ll need to lower the graphics. The F25 Pro with the Dimensity 7050 is better for gaming.

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