Why the OPPO A103 Revolutionized Feature Phones in 2008

OPPO A103 (2008) – OPPO’s First Mobile Phone (Non-Smartphone, Feature Phone)

The OPPO A103 is OPPO’s first mobile phone, released in May 2008, known as the “Smiley Face Phone” for its iconic rear design. It is a feature phone (not a smartphone by modern standards) focusing on music, design, and daily usability, laying the foundation for OPPO’s later mobile product lines.

Core Specifications

Feature Category	Detailed Information
Launch Details	Released in May 2008; original price: ~CNY 1198–1298; colors: Champagne Gold, Fantasy Purple
Form Factor & Design	Bar-style (candybar) with metal front panel; dimensions: 113×50×14mm, weight: 105g; iconic “smiley face” rear (130MP camera + selfie mirror + speaker)
Display	2.4-inch 260K-color QVGA (240×320) TFT LCD; clear color reproduction and decent viewing angles
Processor & Memory	Proprietary platform; 64MB RAM; expandable via microSD (up to 2GB)
Camera System	Rear: 1.3MP CMOS (max 1280×1024 photos, 176×144 videos); selfie mirror; basic shooting modes (white balance, night mode)
Audio & Multimedia	Wolfson audio chip; OPLAYER with equalizer, background play, lyrics display; supports MP3/AAC/AMR, MP4/3GP; 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth A2DP
Battery & Charging	900mAh removable Li-ion; ~200 mins talk, ~200 hrs standby; mini-USB charging
Connectivity	Single Mini-SIM; GSM 900/1800MHz, GPRS; Bluetooth 2.0; mini-USB 2.0 (storage, webcam, serial)
Software & Features	Proprietary OS; T9 keypad; Java MIDP 2.0; OPPO 乐园；basic tools (calendar, alarm, e-dictionary)

Key Selling Points

Iconic Smiley Design: The rear “smiley face” (camera + mirror + speaker) became a memorable symbol, differentiating it from competitors.
Premium Audio: Wolfson chip delivered CD-like sound quality, leveraging OPPO’s legacy in portable media players.
Durable Build: Metal front panel enhanced scratch resistance and premium feel.
Balanced Usability: 2.4-inch QVGA screen, expandable storage, and essential features met daily needs at an affordable price.

Market Positioning & Legacy

Legacy: Marked OPPO’s entry into the mobile market, sold over 1 million units in its first year; established OPPO’s focus on design and audio, paving the way for later smartphone success (e.g., Find, Reno, K series).

Positioning: Entry-level feature phone targeting young users seeking style, music, and simplicity, priced for mass appeal.