The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, released in 2019, represented a high-water mark for periscope zoom cameras and flagship features. Now, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro enters the scene as a modern budget option. This comparison examines whether the Reno 10x Zoom’s older, but powerful, hardware still holds up against the newer, more affordable HMD Pulse 2 Pro, and who each phone best serves.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and camera versatility, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom remains the superior choice, despite its age. The Snapdragon 855’s processing power significantly outpaces the Unisoc T615. However, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a modern Android experience and acceptable everyday performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 01 | 2019, April. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, December | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 162 x 77.2 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~384 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, ColorOS 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/3.0, 130mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF OIS, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Dark Blue | Ocean Green, Jet Black, Mist Pink, Ocean Blue |
| Models | - | CPH1919, PCCM00 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 1020 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 107h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.7 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 364220 (v7), 407473 (v8)
GeekBench: 10395 (v4.4), 2103 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 35fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HMD Pulse 2 Pro
- More powerful Snapdragon 855 processor
- Superior camera system with 10x zoom
- Excellent battery life (107h endurance)
- Older device with potentially limited software updates
- May be difficult to find in new condition
Oppo Reno 10x zoom
- Modern Android experience
- Affordable price point
- Likely more readily available
- Significantly less powerful Unisoc T615 processor
- Inferior camera performance
- Unknown battery capacity
Display Comparison
The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom features a display capable of 440 nits of peak brightness, a respectable figure for its time, but potentially washed out in direct sunlight compared to modern panels. While the contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite (nominal)', this is typical marketing language. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, but given its price point, it likely offers lower peak brightness and contrast. The Reno 10x Zoom’s larger display size (assumed, based on the '10x zoom' marketing) will provide a more immersive viewing experience, while the Pulse 2 Pro likely prioritizes compactness.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the Reno 10x Zoom’s camera system was a standout feature at its launch, particularly its 10x hybrid optical zoom. While specific sensor details are missing, the Reno 10x Zoom likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro’s camera specifications are unknown, but it likely utilizes a more basic sensor and software suite. The Reno 10x Zoom’s optical image stabilization (OIS) will result in sharper images and smoother videos, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume the Pulse 2 Pro will struggle in low light compared to the Reno 10x Zoom.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-class processor with an octa-core configuration (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) designed for demanding tasks. In contrast, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro utilizes the Unisoc T615 (12nm), an octa-core processor (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) geared towards efficiency and everyday use. The 7nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 855 offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance. The Reno 10x Zoom will demonstrably outperform the Pulse 2 Pro in gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones share a 20W wired charging capability. However, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom boasts an endurance rating of 107 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro’s battery capacity is not specified, but a larger capacity would be needed to match the Reno 10x Zoom’s endurance, given the more power-hungry Snapdragon 855. While charging speeds are identical, the Reno 10x Zoom’s more efficient power management and potentially larger battery will likely translate to longer real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Pulse 2 Pro if you need a reliable, up-to-date Android phone for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming, and your budget is under $200. Buy the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom if you prioritize a significantly faster processor for demanding apps, superior camera capabilities, and don't mind an older device with potentially limited software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom struggle with modern apps?
While the Snapdragon 855 is an older chip, it remains a capable processor. It will handle most everyday apps and even many demanding games, but may exhibit some slowdowns with the very latest, most resource-intensive applications. The Unisoc T615 in the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will likely struggle more with these apps.
❓ How important is the 10x zoom feature on the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom?
The 10x zoom was a groundbreaking feature at the time of release. It allows for significantly closer shots without a substantial loss in image quality compared to digital zoom. If you frequently photograph distant subjects, this feature is a major advantage. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro likely offers only digital zoom, which degrades image quality.
❓ Is the HMD Pulse 2 Pro a good option for mobile gaming?
The HMD Pulse 2 Pro is suitable for casual gaming, but its Unisoc T615 processor will struggle with graphically demanding titles at high settings. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering in games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile. The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom’s Snapdragon 855 will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
