OnePlus 10R vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The OnePlus 10R and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches. The 10R prioritizes raw performance and blazing-fast charging, while the A53 5G focuses on a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on display quality and software features. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and charging speed, the OnePlus 10R is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8100 Max chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Exynos 1280 in the A53 5G, coupled with 80W charging that replenishes the battery in just 32 minutes. However, the A53 5G’s brighter display and Samsung’s software support make it a viable alternative for those valuing those features.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 10R Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA), Cat12 600/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V
Launch
Announced2022, April 282022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 04Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.3 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G68
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging80W wired, 100% in 32 min25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSierra Black, Forest Green, Prime BlueBlack, White, Blue, Peach
ModelsCPH2411SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
Price₹ 34,999$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR0.95 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)0.75 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.89 W/kg (head)     1.60 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 113h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus 10R

  • Significantly faster charging (80W)
  • More powerful processor (Dimensity 8100 Max)
  • Superior performance for gaming and multitasking

  • Display brightness likely lower than A53
  • Camera details are unknown

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

  • Brighter display (830 nits)
  • Samsung’s software ecosystem and updates
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Slower processor (Exynos 1280)
  • Significantly slower charging (25W)

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 830 nits, making it more visible outdoors. While the OnePlus 10R’s display specs aren’t provided, it’s likely lower. The A53’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks. However, without knowing the 10R’s panel technology, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or refresh rate differences. The A53’s brightness advantage is a significant benefit for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for both. The A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s well-regarded image processing algorithms. Without knowing the main sensor resolution or aperture on either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A53 is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical tool. The A53’s OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a potential advantage for video recording and low-light photography, if present.

Performance

The OnePlus 10R’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5nm) demonstrably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s Exynos 1280 (5nm). The 8100 Max features a more powerful CPU configuration – 4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 cores versus the A53’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores – resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. Both chips are built on a 5nm process, but the architectural differences and higher clock speeds give the 10R a clear edge. The 10R is better suited for graphically intensive games and demanding applications. The A53’s performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but will show its limitations under heavy load.

Battery Life

Both the OnePlus 10R and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the 10R’s 80W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 32 minutes. The A53 5G’s 25W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably more time to reach 100%. This difference in charging speed is a major advantage for the 10R, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 10R if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or frequent multitasking, and if minimizing charging downtime is crucial. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a brighter, more color-accurate display for media consumption, and if you value Samsung’s established software ecosystem and long-term update commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chip, it's known to throttle under sustained heavy load. The 5nm process helps, but the Dimensity 8100 Max in the OnePlus 10R is better equipped for extended gaming due to its more efficient architecture and superior cooling capabilities.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They often struggle with sharpness and dynamic range. While it can be used for experimentation, don't expect professional-level macro photography from the A53 5G.
❓ Can the OnePlus 10R maintain a stable 60fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high graphics settings?
The Dimensity 8100 Max in the OnePlus 10R is more than capable of running PUBG Mobile at high graphics settings and maintaining a stable 60fps. It's likely to offer a smoother and more consistent gaming experience compared to the Galaxy A53 5G.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between OnePlus and Samsung for these devices?
Samsung typically offers longer software support for its A-series devices, promising several years of Android OS updates and security patches. OnePlus's update commitment is generally shorter, though they have been improving in recent years. If long-term software support is a priority, the Galaxy A53 5G is the better choice.