Released around the same timeframe, the Asus Zenfone 6 and Oppo Reno2 Z represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Zenfone 6 aimed for near-flagship performance with its Snapdragon 855, while the Reno2 Z prioritized a balance of features and efficiency with the MediaTek Helio P90. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Asus Zenfone 6 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 offers a significant leap in processing power over the Reno2 Z’s Helio P90. However, the Reno2 Z provides a competitive experience for everyday tasks and benefits from slightly faster 20W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A version |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - A version |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 39, 41, 46 - C version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 28. Released 2019, September | 2019, May 16. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 159.1 x 75.4 x 9.2 mm (6.26 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, ColorOS 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, ZenUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, auto panorama (motorized rotation) |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS (except @240/480fps) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | Motorized flip-up main camera module |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, auto panorama (motorized rotation) |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS (except @240/480fps) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired
10W reverse wired, QC4 |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 624 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 33 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky White, Luminous Black | Midnight Black, Twilight Silver |
| Models | PCKM70, PCKT00, PCKM00, CPH1945, CPH1951, PCKM80 | ASUS_I01WD, ZS630KL, I01WD |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -85.8dB / Crosstalk -76.2dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1201:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.7 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 361679 (v7), 447774 (v8)
GeekBench: 10721 (v4.4), 2609 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo Reno2 Z
- Faster charging (20W)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Efficient processor for everyday tasks
- Significantly weaker CPU/GPU performance
- Less future-proof
- Potentially inferior camera image processing
Asus Zenfone 6 ZS630KL
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 855 processor
- Superior gaming performance
- Versatile flip camera design
- Slower charging (18W, requires QC4 charger for optimal speed)
- Potentially higher price
- Larger size and weight (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios at 1201:1, suggesting comparable image depth. However, the Zenfone 6 boasts a measured peak brightness of 455 nits, which will provide a more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the Reno2 Z (brightness data unavailable). While neither phone is likely to feature high refresh rate panels, the Zenfone 6’s slightly brighter display offers a better viewing experience outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. The Zenfone 6’s standout feature was its innovative flip camera, offering both high-resolution selfies and versatile main camera functionality. Without specific sensor details for the Reno2 Z, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Zenfone 6’s Snapdragon 855 ISP (Image Signal Processor) provides more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Reno2 Z likely relies on MediaTek’s image processing algorithms, which are generally less sophisticated.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Asus Zenfone 6’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-level processor, featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This architecture delivers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance than the Oppo Reno2 Z’s MediaTek Helio P90 (12nm). The P90, while capable, is designed for efficiency and features a dual-cluster configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and superior gaming performance on the Zenfone 6. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 855 also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 112 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging capabilities differ. The Zenfone 6 supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) and 10W reverse wired charging, offering flexibility. The Reno2 Z, on the other hand, supports 20W wired charging, potentially leading to slightly faster 0-100% charge times. The Zenfone 6’s QC4 support allows for faster charging with compatible chargers, while the Reno2 Z’s 20W is a fixed rate.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno2 Z if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Asus Zenfone 6 ZS630KL if you prioritize demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive applications, and want a phone that will remain capable for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio P90 in the Reno2 Z struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG or Fortnite?
The Helio P90 can run PUBG and Fortnite, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 855 in the Zenfone 6 offers a significantly better gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ Is the flip camera on the Zenfone 6 durable, and are there any concerns about its long-term reliability?
The Zenfone 6’s flip camera was a unique design, and while Asus claimed it was tested for durability, some users reported issues over time. The mechanism was a potential point of failure, though many units operated reliably for years. It's a consideration if purchasing a used Zenfone 6.
❓ How does the thermal performance differ between the two phones during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855’s 7nm process node generally results in better thermal efficiency than the Helio P90’s 12nm process. This means the Zenfone 6 is less likely to experience significant throttling during prolonged gaming, maintaining higher performance for longer periods.
❓ Does the Zenfone 6 support 5G connectivity?
No, the Zenfone 6 ZS630KL does not support 5G connectivity. It is a 4G LTE device. The Reno2 Z also lacks 5G support.
