Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Oppo Reno Z and Oppo A31 are both contenders, offering attractive features at accessible prices. But which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo Reno Z clearly outperforms the A31 thanks to its significantly more powerful processor and faster charging. While the A31 offers a more basic experience, the Reno Z's improved performance and camera make it the better choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, June | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.3 x 74.9 x 9.1 mm (6.19 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10 | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, ColorOS 7.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro-EIS) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, EDR, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 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 |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 435 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4035 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jet Black, Aurora Purple - EuropeStar Purple, Extreme Night Black, Coral Orange, Bead White - China | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | PCDM10, CPH1979 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 490 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -86.6dB / Crosstalk -86.8dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 74dB | - |
Oppo Reno Z
- Superior Performance (Helio P90)
- Faster Charging (20W)
- Likely Better Camera Quality
- Sleeker Design (Generally)
- Potentially Higher Price
- May lack some of the A31's durability features
Oppo A31
- More Affordable
- Reliable for Basic Tasks
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance (Helio P35)
- Standard Charging Speed
- Less Capable Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution, around 6.4-6.5 inches. However, the Reno Z might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially higher quality components. The A31's display is perfectly adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the Reno Z.
Camera Comparison
The Reno Z likely boasts a more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. While specific megapixel counts are needed for a definitive comparison, the P90's greater processing power generally translates to better image quality, especially in low light. The A31's camera is decent for casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Reno Z shines. The Helio P90 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Reno Z. The A31 will handle basic tasks fine, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000-5000 mAh. However, the Reno Z's 20W fast charging provides a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the A31's likely standard charging.
Buying Guide
The Oppo Reno Z is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a better camera, and faster charging. The Oppo A31 is a good option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo Reno Z worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and camera quality are important to you. The Reno Z offers a significantly better experience for a relatively small price increase.
❓ Can the Oppo A31 handle social media and browsing?
Yes, but it might feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open. The Reno Z will provide a much smoother experience.
