The Oppo A5 (2020) and Realme 5 Pro represent a fascinating intersection in the budget smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they took slightly different approaches. The Realme 5 Pro, with its more powerful chipset, targeted users prioritizing performance, while the Oppo A5 (2020) focused on a balanced feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best value in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme 5 Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Oppo A5 (2020)'s Snapdragon 665, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Realme 5 Pro’s faster 20W charging is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 21. Released 2019, October | 2019, August 20. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 4035 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Dazzling White | Crystal Green, Crystal Blue, Chroma White |
| Models | CPH1931, CPH1959, CPH1933, CPH1935, CPH1943 | RMX1971, RMX1973 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1875:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 85dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 182765 (v7)
GeekBench: 6106 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A5 (2020)
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Potentially more affordable (depending on current pricing)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely less responsive user interface
Realme 5 Pro
- More powerful Snapdragon 712 chipset
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Brighter display (512 nits)
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- No significant camera advantages based on available data
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A5 (2020) and Realme 5 Pro feature displays with a 1875:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme 5 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 512 nits, offering a brighter viewing experience, particularly outdoors. While the Oppo A5 (2020)'s display specifications aren't explicitly stated, it's likely to be comparable, but potentially slightly dimmer. The Realme 5 Pro’s higher brightness provides a more comfortable experience in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are advertised with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both feature multi-camera setups. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Realme 5 Pro likely benefits from the increased processing power of the Snapdragon 712 for image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of details on Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone features it, relying on software stabilization instead.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Realme 5 Pro’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A5 (2020)’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 712 features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver versus the 665’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. The 10nm process node of the 712 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Realme 5 Pro. The Snapdragon 712’s Adreno 616 GPU also provides a substantial graphics boost.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A5 (2020) and Realme 5 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme 5 Pro distinguishes itself with 20W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The Oppo A5 (2020) offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, but lacks the fast charging capabilities of its competitor. The Realme 5 Pro’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 (2020) if you prioritize a consistently stable, if less powerful, experience and value reverse wired charging for topping up accessories. Buy the Realme 5 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user interface, enjoy mobile gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster 20W wired charging. The Realme 5 Pro is the better choice for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 665 in the Oppo A5 (2020) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Realme 5 Pro’s Snapdragon 712 offers a significantly better gaming experience with higher frame rates and more consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 20W charging on the Realme 5 Pro compared to the Oppo A5 (2020)?
The Realme 5 Pro can reach 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes with its 20W charging. The Oppo A5 (2020) lacks this fast charging capability, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. This is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Oppo A5 (2020) useful in real-world scenarios?
Reverse wired charging is a niche feature, but can be useful for charging accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone in an emergency. However, it's a slow charging method and will drain the Oppo A5 (2020)'s battery significantly.
