The Honor Play5 Youth and Oppo Reno5 K represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a balanced experience, but they take different approaches to achieving it. The Honor prioritizes raw processing power with the Dimensity 900, while the Oppo leans on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G for a blend of efficiency and 5G connectivity. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Honor Play5 Youth emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 750G in the Oppo Reno5 K, and the slightly faster 66W charging provides a marginal convenience boost. However, the Reno5 K’s 8nm process may offer better sustained 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 02 | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 74.7 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 172 g or 180 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, 90Hz, 600 nits (typ), 750 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 40 min | 65W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Moonlight Black, Starry Dream, Blue Breeze |
| Models | NEW-AN90 | PEGM10 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Honor Play5 Youth
- More powerful CPU for faster performance
- Slightly faster 66W wired charging
- Potentially better value for performance
- Lacks reverse wireless charging
- 6nm process may run hotter under sustained load
Oppo Reno5 K
- Potentially better thermal management with 8nm process
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging
- Qualcomm ecosystem benefits
- Less powerful CPU compared to the Dimensity 900
- Slightly slower charging speed
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are missing from the provided data. However, given the price bracket, we can assume both devices utilize LCD panels. The Reno5 K, being an Oppo, likely benefits from Oppo’s color science tuning, potentially offering more vibrant and accurate colors. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rate panels. Without further data, a definitive winner is impossible to declare.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup geared towards everyday photography. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and apertures makes it difficult to assess image quality. Given Oppo’s reputation for camera software optimization, the Reno5 K might offer more refined image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact the overall camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play5 Youth’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Oppo Reno5 K’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This translates to faster application loading and smoother multitasking on the Honor. While the Snapdragon 750G benefits from an 8nm process, potentially offering better thermal efficiency, the Dimensity 900’s architectural advantage gives it a lead in raw performance. The 6nm node of the Dimensity 900 also contributes to improved power efficiency. Users who frequently engage in gaming or resource-intensive tasks will see a tangible benefit from the Honor’s chipset.
Battery Life
Both devices offer impressive fast charging capabilities – 66W for the Honor Play5 Youth and 65W for the Oppo Reno5 K. The Honor claims a 50% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 40 minutes, while the Oppo’s charging speed is not specified beyond 65W. The Reno5 K also includes 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Honor. While the Honor’s charging is marginally faster, the difference is unlikely to be significant in real-world usage. The battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the efficient chipset and fast charging mitigate concerns about battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play5 Youth if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications with relative ease, and if you value the fastest possible charging speeds. Buy the Oppo Reno5 K if you prioritize a potentially more thermally efficient chipset for extended gaming sessions, and if reverse wireless charging is a feature you’ll actively use. The Reno5 K is also a better choice for users heavily invested in the Qualcomm ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 900 in the Honor Play5 Youth overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 900 is a powerful chipset, the 6nm process can generate more heat under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process. However, Honor likely incorporates thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. Expect some throttling during extended gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Oppo Reno5 K useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature for topping up small accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it's not a fast charging solution, it can provide a small boost when you're away from a power outlet. It's a niche feature, but valuable for users who frequently use wireless accessories.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Oppo Reno5 K support advanced 5G features like carrier aggregation?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is a 5G-enabled chipset and supports key 5G features, including carrier aggregation, which allows for faster and more reliable 5G speeds by combining multiple frequency bands. This ensures a better 5G experience in areas with strong 5G coverage.