Oppo A96 vs Oppo Reno8 Z: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Oppo's A-series and Reno-series offer compelling mid-range options, but which one is right for you? Both the Oppo A96 and Reno8 Z share a common chipset, but differences in design, camera features, and overall experience could sway your decision. Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Oppo Reno8 Z edges out the A96 thanks to its sleeker design, potentially improved camera software, and slightly more premium feel. While both offer solid performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695, the Reno8 Z's refinements make it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A96 (China) Oppo Reno8 Z
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) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, January 122022, August 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 12Available. Released 2022, August 04
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.7 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)181 g (6.38 oz)
 -RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDR)AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 12Android 12, ColorOS 12.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, 720p@30/120fps, EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoUnspecified
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, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, PinkStarlight Black, Dawnlight Gold
ModelsPFUM10-
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 350 EUR

Oppo A96 (China)

  • Large Display
  • Reliable Performance
  • Reverse Wired Charging
  • Competitive Price

  • Larger Bezels
  • Less Premium Design
  • Potentially Less Refined Camera

Oppo Reno8 Z

  • Sleeker Design
  • Potentially Better Camera Software
  • More Premium Feel
  • Improved Color Accuracy (Likely)

  • Slightly Higher Price
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Reno8 Z might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Oppo's display tuning, but the difference is likely minimal. The A96's larger bezels are noticeable compared to the Reno8 Z's more modern design.

Camera Comparison

The Reno8 Z is expected to have a slightly improved camera experience due to Oppo's software optimizations. While both feature a 48MP main sensor, the Reno8 Z's image processing might result in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Reno8 Z also likely has a more versatile selfie camera setup. The A96's camera is still capable, but not as refined.

Performance

Performance is virtually identical. Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, ensuring smooth everyday usage and capable gaming. Expect similar app loading times and multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will be a key factor in sustained performance, and reviews suggest the Reno8 Z might have a slight edge.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging. Charging times are similar (63 minutes to 100%), and both support reverse wired charging. Battery life should be comparable, providing a full day of moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Oppo A96 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a large display and reliable performance. The Oppo Reno8 Z is ideal for those seeking a more stylish design, a potentially better camera experience, and a slightly more polished overall feel, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset good enough for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 5G is capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings. However, don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Oppo generally provides decent software updates, but the Reno series often receives updates slightly sooner than the A series. Check Oppo's official website for the latest update information.