OPPO is back with a splash. Literally. The Reno 13 series officially launched in South Africa, and its standout feature is something we don’t see every day: caseless underwater photography.
That’s right… No need for a clunky waterproof case to capture stunning shots under the surface. Just dip and go!
The Reno 13 series isn’t just about camera tricks, though.
From its AI-enhanced imaging to its high-powered MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset and upgraded durability, this smartphone lineup is designed for users who demand both creativity and reliability.
OPPO Reno 13 launch
I attended the OPPO Reno 13 launch event in Johannesburg, where I had a chance to go hands-on with the device and sit down with Liam Faurie, Head of Operations at OPPO South Africa.
We unpacked exactly what makes the Reno 13 lineup stand out.
World’s first caseless underwater phone
OPPO has gone all-in on durability this time around.
The Reno 13 series boasts an IP66, IP68, and IP69 rating, making it one of the most water- and dust-resistant smartphones on the market.
But (and to quote Faurie), OPPO “isn’t just slapping a rating on a spec sheet.” Oh no, it’s actually built for real-world use.
What do all these fancy-sounding ratings mean?
- IP66 protects against powerful water jets (think: rainstorms).
- IP68 allows submersion up to 1.5 metres (perfect for poolside mishaps).
- IP69 is next-level. It shields against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
What makes the Reno 13 stand out?
The Reno 13 is equipped with an AI-powered Underwater Mode, allowing users to snap photos beneath the surface without interference from water droplets.
Traditional waterproof phones struggle with screen input when wet, but the Splash Touch display keeps everything responsive.
“There are plenty of waterproof phones out there, but the problem is, once they go underwater, the screen starts acting up,” Faurie explained.
“We’ve developed a splash touch display that minimises accidental touches while keeping controls accessible.”
The Reno 13 even has a self-draining speaker system. Read that again: A SELF-DRAINING SPEAKER SYSTEM!
Once you leave the water and exit the underwater photography mode, it uses an automated blasting feature to eject water from its ports.
This keeps everything working nicely and keeps the audio crisp and clear.
AI-powered photography meets durability
But it’s not just about going underwater. The Reno 13 is an all-around photography powerhouse.
The device is packed with OPPO’s latest AI-powered imaging enhancements, including:
- AI Magic: Optimises lighting, sharpness, and colour balance automatically.
- AI Livephoto: Captures dynamic three-second videos from still images.
- AI Clarity Enhancer: Restores details in low-light or zoomed-in shots.
OPPO is also sticking with 50MP sensors instead of chasing megapixel counts for marketing hype.
According to Faurie, most users don’t even realise their 200MP phone cameras default to 12MP unless they manually change the settings.
“We focus on what’s important,” he said. “Instead of pushing crazy megapixels, we optimise our cameras for real-world use.”
That means OPPOs’ AI Clarity Enhancer lets users take a photo, zoom in, and enhance it, without needing a massive sensor.
AI WhatsApp feature!
Buckle up, I have a lot to say about this. The AI WhatsApp Reply feature on the OPPO Reno 13 is, quite literally, everything I ever wanted from AI.
As someone notoriously bad at replying to WhatsApp messages, this feature feels like it was designed for me. (No really. Ask literally anyone who knows me well enough to have my number.)
Blame it on ADHD and the very real phenomenon of message fatigue (a cognitive overload where the sheer volume of unread DMs becomes overwhelming, making it harder to respond).
Yes, there’s actually a term for it. Think of it as the communication version of decision paralysis.
In fact, a study published in the National Library of Medicine in the US found that message fatigue can lead to disengagement, making people more likely to ignore incoming messages altogether. Like, we know… But I digress.
With OPPO’s AI WhatsApp Reply, the Reno 13 scans your conversation history, understands context, and generates smart, personalised responses based on your messaging style.
Personalised WhatsApp replies even…
But here’s where it gets crazy. It remembers details, like the way you greet different people.
Faurie shared his own experience:
“I call my one friend by [nickname redacted], and when I tested the AI reply, it automatically said, ‘Hey [nickname], how’s it going?’—exactly how I’d normally respond.”
He jokes that it even adapts based on who you’re talking to, so you don’t accidentally send the same casual response to your boss.
I need this in my life. Desperately.
I already use AI to help draft emails, but WhatsApp is different. The backlog of unread messages from close friends and family is enough to send me into a full existential crisis.
If you’ve ever stared at an unread WhatsApp chat, knowing you should reply but feeling physically unable to, this feature alone might be the reason to upgrade.
Reno 13 performance and battery life
Beyond its pretty exterior and nice AI features, the Reno 13 is also a workhorse under the hood.
- Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 platform.
- 5,600mAh battery keeps things running all day, and
- 80W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge to top up quickly,
- 1.5K 120Hz OLED display for smooth visuals, and
- Adaptive Frame Booster enhances high-frame-rate gaming.
If you’re the kind of user who finds it hard to part with a trusted phone, OPPO designed the Reno 13 series with longevity in mind.
“We want our devices to last. People pass down their old phones to family members, so it’s important that an OPPO phone still works perfectly even after years of use,” Faurie said.
So, when it’s time to upgrade, you can pass your second-hand phone down with ease.
ALSO READ: OPPO tops Southeast Asia smartphone market
SA market and OPPO’s strategy
Beyond the hardware, OPPO’s approach to the South African market is what truly sets it apart.
Faurie has emphasised this before in our previous chats: OPPO doesn’t obsess over competitors. Instead, it focuses on user experience and retention.
Does it work? OPPO has built a strong local user base of around 1.2 million people. And the kicker? It’s not even chasing market dominance. The data speaks for itself.
“Our goal isn’t to be the number one smartphone brand in South Africa,” Faurie said. “We want to carve out our own space and keep delivering great experiences to our users.”
Another key strategy? Making AI and premium features more accessible, even on budget devices.
Faurie hinted at upcoming IP69-rated entry-level devices, meaning even OPPO’s most affordable phones will soon carry the same high durability standards as its flagships.
“Quality is hard to advertise, but durability speaks for itself,” he said. “We want South Africans to feel confident in their OPPO devices, no matter their price point.”
If that doesn’t convince you about how OPPO sees its customers, I don’t know what will.
Reno 13 pricing and availability in SA
The OPPO Reno 13 5G is now available in South Africa through all major operators, starting at R799 per month on a 36-month contract (or at the RRP of R18,999).
The OPPO Reno 13 F is set for release in March 2025.
Final thoughts: Is the Reno 13 worth it?
I’ve been a proud OPPO user since the Reno 10, and I can say with certainty that the Reno 13 series is more than just a smartphone. It’s a statement, actually. (Full review to follow).
With game-changing underwater photography, AI-enhanced imaging, and its durability-first approach, OPPO has set a new benchmark.
For South Africans looking for a phone that can handle adventure, creativity, and real-life accidents, this is one to watch.
“This isn’t just a smartphone,” Faurie concluded. “It’s a device that adapts to your life—rain, shine, or even underwater.”
