Huawei nova 8 SE 4G vs Oppo Reno5 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Huawei nova 8 SE 4G and Oppo Reno5 5G represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The nova 8 SE focuses on fast charging and a streamlined experience, while the Reno5 5G brings 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Oppo Reno5 5G is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers significantly better performance and future-proofing with 5G, while maintaining comparable charging speeds and battery endurance to the nova 8 SE. The Huawei device remains a viable option for those prioritizing a lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 8 SE 4G Oppo Reno5 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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, November 262020, December 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 26Available. Released 2021, January 07
Body
Dimensions161.5 x 74.8 x 7.5 mm (6.36 x 2.94 x 0.30 in)159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight180 g (6.35 oz)172 g or 180 g (6.07 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLEDAMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDR), 750 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetKirin 710A (14 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G51 MP4Adreno 620
OSHarmonyOS 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, Panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired65W wired, 100% in 35 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 3800 mAhLi-Po 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Aurora, SilverGalactic Silver, Azure Blue, Starry Black
ModelsJSC-AL50PEGM00, PEGT00, CPH2145
PriceAbout 290 EURAbout 160 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 109h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -30.4 LUFS (Below average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 317762(v8) GeekBench: 1813 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 8 SE 4G

  • 66W fast charging for quick top-ups
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Streamlined user experience (typical of Huawei)

  • Older Kirin 710A chipset offers lower performance
  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Limited display information

Oppo Reno5 5G

  • Snapdragon 765G provides superior performance
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Battery capacity not specified
  • Reverse charging may not be useful for all users

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno5 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 634 nits, which translates to better visibility under direct sunlight compared to the nova 8 SE (brightness unspecified). While both likely utilize OLED panels for vibrant colors, the Reno5 5G’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage. Contrast ratio is listed as infinite (nominal) for the Reno5 5G, typical of OLED technology. The absence of detailed display specs for the nova 8 SE makes a direct comparison difficult, but it’s reasonable to assume the Reno5 5G offers a superior viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. However, given Oppo’s historical focus on camera technology, it’s reasonable to expect the Reno5 5G to offer more refined image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess video stabilization capabilities. We can assume both phones will have a standard set of camera modes, but the Reno5 5G likely has an edge in overall image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno5 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a clear upgrade over the Huawei nova 8 SE 4G’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 765G provides superior power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 765G’s CPU configuration – a Kryo 475 Prime core at 2.4 GHz, a Kryo 475 Gold core at 2.2 GHz, and six Kryo 475 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz – is architecturally more advanced than the Kirin 710A’s Cortex-A73/A53 combination. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Reno5 5G. The Reno5 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the nova 8 SE.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve a respectable endurance rating of 109 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the unspecified mAh capacity of the nova 8 SE. However, the Reno5 5G’s 65W charging, capable of a full charge in 35 minutes, is complemented by reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the nova 8 SE. The nova 8 SE also offers 66W charging, suggesting comparable charging speeds, but the Reno5 5G’s added reverse charging functionality provides added versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 8 SE 4G if you need a reliable smartphone with exceptionally fast 66W charging and are operating in an area without 5G infrastructure. Buy the Oppo Reno5 5G if you prioritize future-proof connectivity with 5G, smoother performance for demanding apps and games, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 710A struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Kirin 710A is likely to struggle with demanding games at higher settings. While playable, you'll likely need to reduce graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 765G in the Reno5 5G offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Is the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei nova 8 SE 4G a significant issue?
Yes, the absence of GMS means you won't have direct access to the Google Play Store and core Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps. Huawei's AppGallery is available, but the app selection is limited. Sideloading apps is possible, but requires technical knowledge and carries security risks.
❓ How does the reverse wired charging on the Oppo Reno5 5G work, and is it useful?
The Reno5 5G can act as a power bank for other devices via a USB-C cable. While charging speeds will be slower than using a dedicated charger, it's a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches when you're away from a power outlet.
❓ What type of SIM card does each phone support?
While not explicitly stated, both phones likely support dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM). However, the nova 8 SE's 4G-only nature means it won't benefit from 5G SIM capabilities, while the Reno5 5G will.