1. Introduction
Welcome to the user manual for your new OPPO A38 4G Dual-SIM smartphone. This guide provides essential information on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device. The OPPO A38 is designed to offer a smooth and reliable mobile experience with its powerful processor, vibrant display, and long-lasting battery.
Key features include a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate, a Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 processor, 128GB storage, 4GB RAM, and a 50 MP main camera. It operates on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1.
2. What's in the Box
Upon unboxing your OPPO A38, please ensure all the following items are present:
- OPPO A38 4G Dual-SIM Smartphone
- USB Cable
- Quick Start Guide (may vary by region)
- Safety Guide (may vary by region)

Image: The OPPO A38 smartphone shown with its included USB charging cable, representing the typical contents of the product box.
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the physical components and layout of your OPPO A38 smartphone.
3.1 Front View

Image: Front view of the OPPO A38, highlighting its 6.56-inch LCD display and overall dimensions (163.67 mm height, 75.03 mm width, 8.16 mm thickness).
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate.
- Front Camera: Located at the top center, 5 MP for selfies and video calls.
- Earpiece: Located above the front camera.
3.2 Rear View

Image: Rear view of the OPPO A38, detailing the dual camera module with the 50MP main camera and 2MP portrait camera.
- Main Camera Module: Features a 50 MP primary camera and a 2 MP portrait camera.
- LED Flash: Provides illumination for photos in low-light conditions.
3.3 Side and Bottom Views
- Power Button: Typically on the right side, also functions as a fingerprint sensor.
- Volume Buttons: Typically on the left side, for adjusting volume.
- USB Port: At the bottom, for charging and data transfer.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack: For connecting headphones.
- Speaker Grille: At the bottom, for audio output.
- SIM Card Tray: Location varies, typically on the side, for inserting SIM and microSD cards.
4. Setup
4.1 Inserting SIM Card(s) and MicroSD Card
- Locate the SIM card tray on the side of your phone.
- Insert the SIM ejector tool (if provided) into the small hole next to the tray to open it.
- Place your Nano-SIM card(s) and/or microSD card into the tray with the gold contacts facing down, ensuring they are correctly oriented.
- Gently push the tray back into the phone until it clicks into place.
Important Note for USA Buyers: This smartphone is not compatible with CDMA networks, including Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular. Please verify compatibility with your network provider for 3G or 4G/LTE services before use.
4.2 Initial Power On and Setup Wizard
- Press and hold the Power button until the OPPO logo appears.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup:
- Select your language and region.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Accept the End User License Agreement.
- Sign in with your Google account or create a new one.
- Set up screen lock (PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint).
- Restore data from a previous device (optional).
5. Operating Instructions
Your OPPO A38 runs on Android 13 with OPPO's custom ColorOS 13.1 interface, offering a user-friendly experience.
5.1 Basic Navigation
- Touchscreen Gestures: Tap to select, swipe to scroll, pinch to zoom.
- Home Screen: Access apps, widgets, and notifications.
- Notification Panel: Swipe down from the top of the screen to view notifications and quick settings.
- App Drawer: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access all installed applications.
5.2 Making Calls and Sending Messages
- Calls: Open the Phone app, dial the number, and tap the call icon.
- Messages: Open the Messages app, tap to start a new conversation, enter recipient and message.
5.3 Connecting to Networks
- Wi-Fi: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi, select a network, and enter the password if required.
- Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, and pair with desired devices.
- Mobile Data: Ensure your SIM card is active and mobile data is enabled in Quick Settings or Settings > Mobile Network.
6. Camera Features
The OPPO A38 is equipped with a versatile camera system to capture your moments.

Image: Highlights of the OPPO A38, including the 50MP AI Camera feature.
- Rear Camera: 50 MP main sensor for high-resolution photos, complemented by a 2 MP portrait camera for depth effects.
- Front Camera: 5 MP for clear selfies and video calls.
- AI Camera Features: Utilizes artificial intelligence for scene recognition and optimized photo settings.
- Modes: Includes standard Photo, Portrait, Video, Night, and more.
To open the camera, tap the Camera app icon on your home screen or lock screen. Select your desired mode and tap the shutter button to capture photos or start recording videos.
7. Battery and Charging
Your OPPO A38 is equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery, providing extended usage time.

Image: The OPPO A38 connected to a charger, illustrating its 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging capability and battery life benefits.
- Battery Capacity: 5000 Milliamp Hours (mAh).
- Charging: Supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
- Charging Time: Approximately 15 minutes of charge provides over 5 hours of video viewing; 30 minutes provides over 50% battery; full charge provides over 32 hours of call time.
- Battery Life: Up to 33 hours of phone talk time.
To charge your phone, connect the USB cable to the phone's USB port and the other end to a compatible power adapter. For optimal charging speed, use the original OPPO charger and cable.
8. Maintenance and Care
Proper care ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your OPPO A38.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the screen and body. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Water Resistance: This device is not rated for water resistance. Avoid exposure to liquids.
- Temperature: Operate the phone within recommended temperature ranges (typically 0°C to 35°C). Avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Software Updates: Regularly check for and install system updates to ensure your device has the latest features and security patches. Go to Settings > About device > Up to date.
- Storage Management: Periodically clear unnecessary files and apps to maintain optimal performance.
9. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your OPPO A38.
9.1 Device Not Turning On
- Ensure the battery is charged. Connect the phone to a charger for at least 10 minutes before attempting to power on.
- Press and hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds to force a restart.
9.2 Network Connectivity Issues
- No Signal/Poor Signal: Check if your SIM card is properly inserted. Try restarting the phone. Verify with your carrier if there are network outages in your area.
- Wi-Fi Connection Problems: Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled. Restart your router. Forget the network and reconnect.
- Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Ensure both devices are in pairing mode and within range. Try restarting both devices.
9.3 Apps Crashing or Freezing
- Close and reopen the app.
- Clear the app's cache and data (Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear cache/Clear data).
- Update the app from the Google Play Store.
- Restart your phone.
9.4 Slow Performance
- Close background apps.
- Clear cache and unnecessary files.
- Ensure sufficient storage space is available.
- Restart your phone regularly.
9.5 Factory Reset
If issues persist, a factory reset may be necessary. This will erase all data on your phone. Back up important data before proceeding. Go to Settings > System settings > Back up and reset > Reset phone > Erase all data.
10. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the OPPO A38 smartphone.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Model Name | OPPO A38 4G |
Operating System | Android 13, ColorOS 13.1 |
Processor | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12nm), Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
Display | 6.56 inches IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 nits (peak), 720 x 1612 pixels (~269 ppi density) |
RAM | 4GB |
Internal Storage | 128GB |
Expandable Storage | microSDXC |
Rear Camera | 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (portrait) |
Front Camera | 5 MP |
Battery Capacity | 5000 Milliamp Hours (mAh) |
Charging | 33W SUPERVOOC |
Dimensions (H x W x T) | 163.67 mm x 75.03 mm x 8.16 mm (approximate) |
Weight | 190 Grams (6.7 ounces) |
Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
Connectivity | 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS |
11. Warranty and Support
Your OPPO A38 smartphone comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging for specific terms and conditions, including warranty period and coverage details.
For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please visit the official OPPO support website or contact their customer service. You can usually find contact information on the OPPO official website or in the warranty documentation.
- Online Support: Visit the official OPPO website for FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and software downloads.
- Customer Service: Contact OPPO customer service via phone or email for personalized assistance.