Oppo Reno2 vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range 5G Contenders

The Oppo Reno2 and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. The Reno2, while older, boasts impressive battery endurance, while the Pixel 4a 5G offers Google’s renowned camera software and a newer chipset. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G provides a performance edge, and Google’s computational photography elevates its camera above the Reno2. However, the Oppo Reno2 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing exceptional battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno2 Google Pixel 4a 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, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2019, August 28. Released 2019, September2020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions160 x 74.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.37 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 104.1 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 620
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, ColorOS 7.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS); video rec. only with main camera4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRHDR
SingleMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging20W wired18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsLuminous Black, Ocean Blue, Sunset PinkJust Black, Clearly White
ModelsPCKM70, PCKT00, PCKM00, CPH1907GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 140 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -92.9dB / Crosstalk -92.4dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 102h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker Voice 67dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 81dB -
Performance AnTuTu: 214097 (v7), 261990 (v8) GeekBench: 7001 (v4.4) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Oppo Reno2

  • Exceptional battery life (102h endurance)
  • 20W fast charging
  • Potentially lower price point (due to age)

  • Older chipset (Snapdragon 730G)
  • Less advanced camera software
  • Display may struggle in direct sunlight

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
  • Google’s superior camera software
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds

  • Likely shorter battery life
  • 18W charging is slower than Reno2
  • May be more expensive

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno2 features a display capable of reaching 509 nits of peak brightness, which is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight. While the contrast ratio is listed as infinite (nominal), this is typical marketing speak. The Pixel 4a 5G’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely offers similar brightness levels. Neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rate panels, focusing instead on efficiency. The Reno2’s display is likely the limiting factor for outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are advertised with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the Pixel 4a 5G benefits significantly from Google’s industry-leading computational photography algorithms. While sensor sizes and apertures are not specified, the Pixel’s software processing excels in dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The Reno2 likely relies more on hardware capabilities, and while capable, won’t match the Pixel’s consistently excellent results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The lack of detail regarding the Reno2’s camera features suggests it doesn’t offer a standout advantage in this area.

Performance

The Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) represents a generational leap over the Oppo Reno2’s Snapdragon 730G (8nm). The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and potentially lower temperatures. The Pixel 4a 5G’s CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers a slight clock speed advantage over the Reno2’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, giving the Pixel 4a 5G a clear edge.

Battery Life

The Oppo Reno2 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 102 hours, a testament to its efficient chipset and likely optimized software. This translates to multi-day battery life for typical users. The Pixel 4a 5G’s battery capacity is not provided, but its more powerful chipset and 5G connectivity will likely result in shorter battery life. However, the Pixel 4a 5G supports 18W charging with PD2.0, while the Reno2 offers 20W charging. While the difference isn’t massive, the Reno2’s slightly faster charging could offset some of the Pixel’s potential battery life deficit.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno2 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use and value long-term battery health. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize a clean Android experience, excellent camera performance, and future-proofing with 5G connectivity, even if it means more frequent charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 730G in the Oppo Reno2 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 730G is capable, it may require reduced graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience in graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G offers a noticeable performance boost, allowing for higher settings and more stable frame rates.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity on the Pixel 4a 5G impact battery life compared to the Reno2?
Actively using 5G will consume more battery than 4G LTE. The Pixel 4a 5G’s more powerful chipset and 5G connectivity will likely result in shorter battery life than the Oppo Reno2, especially when 5G is frequently used. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s power efficiency improvements in the 765G may mitigate some of this impact.
❓ Is the camera on the Oppo Reno2 still capable of taking good photos in low-light conditions?
The Reno2’s camera can take acceptable low-light photos, but it will likely struggle to capture the same level of detail and dynamic range as the Pixel 4a 5G. Google’s Night Sight mode is a significant advantage, producing brighter and clearer images in challenging lighting scenarios.