Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) vs Oppo Reno 5G: A Head-to-Head Performance and Charging Showdown

Released in 2019, both the Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) and the Oppo Reno 5G represented early forays into mainstream 5G connectivity. While both aimed to deliver next-generation speeds, they took different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you understand which device holds up better today.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) emerges as the stronger choice. Its Kirin 980, while older, offers a competitive CPU architecture and benefits from 40W SuperCharge, significantly reducing downtime. However, the Oppo Reno 5G remains a viable option for those seeking a Qualcomm-powered experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) Oppo Reno 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global
5G bands77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub678 NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat21 1400/200 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2019, May. Released 2019, July2019, April. Released 2019, May
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions174.6 x 85.4 x 8.4 mm (6.87 x 3.36 x 0.33 in)162 x 77.2 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight233 g (8.22 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant Stylus support-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~346 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size7.2 inches, 130.7 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetKirin 980 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MP10Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Leica optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.7", AF48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/3.0, 130mm (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash, HDR
Single24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µmMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging40W wired20W wired
TypeLi-Po 4200 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsEmerald GreenOcean Green, Jet Black
ModelsEVR-N29, EVR-AN00CPH1921
PriceAbout 760 EURAbout 880 EUR

Huawei Mate 20 X (5G)

  • Faster 40W SuperCharge technology
  • Potentially better multi-core CPU performance with Kirin 980
  • Larger display for immersive media consumption

  • Potential software limitations due to Huawei’s geopolitical situation
  • Larger form factor may not suit all users

Oppo Reno 5G

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 offers broad software compatibility
  • Potentially more streamlined user experience
  • More compact design (likely)

  • Slower 20W charging
  • Single high-performance core may not translate to sustained performance gains

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts cutting-edge display technology by today's standards, but differences exist. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits) are unavailable, both utilize 7nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on efficiency. The Mate 20 X (5G) features a larger 7.2-inch display, geared towards multimedia consumption, while the Reno 5G’s size is not specified, but is generally considered more manageable. Color accuracy and viewing angles are likely comparable given the era, but the larger screen of the Mate 20 X (5G) will provide a more immersive experience.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are limited, but both phones aimed for flagship-level imaging. The focus should be on the main sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor sizes, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Huawei historically prioritized computational photography, meaning the Mate 20 X (5G) likely benefits from more aggressive image processing algorithms. The Oppo Reno 5G, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, may offer more natural-looking images. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor of either device would be a significant advantage for low-light photography, but this is unconfirmed.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) utilizes the Kirin 980, a 7nm chip with a tri-cluster CPU configuration: two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.6 GHz, two more Cortex-A76 cores at 1.92 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Oppo Reno 5G, conversely, employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (also 7nm) with a Kryo 485 configuration: one prime core at 2.84 GHz, three performance cores at 2.42 GHz, and four efficiency cores at 1.78 GHz. While the Snapdragon 855’s prime core boasts a higher clock speed, the Kirin 980’s dual high-performance cluster potentially offers better multi-core performance. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization, but the Kirin 980’s architecture is well-suited for sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) features 40W wired charging, a substantial advantage over the Oppo Reno 5G’s 20W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Mate 20 X (5G)’s larger form factor suggests a potentially larger battery. The combination of faster charging and potentially higher capacity makes the Mate 20 X (5G) the clear winner in terms of battery convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) if you need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks for extended periods and value rapid charging. Its larger battery and faster charging are ideal for power users. Buy the Oppo Reno 5G if you prefer the Qualcomm ecosystem, potentially benefiting from wider software compatibility and a slightly more streamlined user experience, and are less concerned with maximizing sustained performance or charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 980 in the Mate 20 X (5G) suffer from significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 980 is a capable chip, sustained performance can be affected by thermal throttling. However, the Mate 20 X (5G)'s larger size provides more surface area for heat dissipation compared to more compact phones, potentially mitigating throttling to some extent. Real-world performance will depend on the game and ambient temperature.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on either phone still relevant in 2024, considering the evolution of 5G networks?
Yes, the 5G connectivity remains relevant. Both phones support sub-6GHz 5G, which is still the most widely deployed 5G technology. While newer phones support mmWave 5G, the sub-6GHz support on these devices will still provide significantly faster speeds than 4G LTE in areas with 5G coverage.
❓ How does Huawei's software situation (lack of Google Mobile Services) impact the user experience on the Mate 20 X (5G)?
The lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Mate 20 X (5G) is a significant drawback for many users. It means no pre-installed Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, or the Play Store. Users must rely on Huawei's AppGallery and sideloading apps, which can be inconvenient and may not offer the same level of app availability or security.