Oppo Reno3 5G vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Performance

The Oppo Reno3 5G and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at a reasonable price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection and software implementation. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and faster charging, the Oppo Reno3 5G emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1000L chipset provides a noticeable performance edge. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s superior camera software and guaranteed software updates make it a strong contender for photography enthusiasts and those valuing long-term support.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno3 5G 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, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 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 bands1, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 4.7/2.5 GbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, December. Released 2019, December2020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions160.3 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.31 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
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1000L (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MP9Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm Auxiliary lens-
Single13 MP, AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 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, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging30W wired, 50% in 20 min18W wired, PD2.0
Stand-byUp to 410 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 11 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 22 h 30 min (3G)-
TypeLi-Po 4025 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Black, Starry Night Blue, SunriseJust Black, Clearly White
ModelsPCHM30, PDCM00, A001OPGD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 140 EUR

Oppo Reno3 5G

  • Faster 30W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Mediatek Dimensity 1000L offers superior processing power.
  • Potentially more versatile camera system with multiple lenses.

  • Software updates may be less frequent than on the Pixel.
  • Color Science may be less accurate than the Pixel.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Exceptional camera quality thanks to Google’s software.
  • Clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates.
  • Strong value proposition for photography enthusiasts.

  • Slower 18W charging.
  • Snapdragon 765G offers less raw processing power than the Dimensity 1000L.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs LCD) aren't provided, the focus here is on performance. The Reno3 5G’s display is likely tuned for vibrant colors, typical of Oppo’s approach. The Pixel 4a 5G, given Google’s history, will prioritize color accuracy. The real difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive higher refresh rates, which neither phone explicitly supports. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar price points.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 4a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography prowess. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, Google consistently extracts exceptional image quality from relatively modest hardware. The Reno3 5G likely features a higher megapixel count, but megapixels aren’t everything. The Pixel’s strength lies in its image processing algorithms – HDR+, Night Sight, and Portrait Mode – which consistently deliver excellent results in various lighting conditions. The Reno3 5G will likely offer more versatility with potentially more lenses, but the Pixel’s software advantage is significant. Ignoring the likely inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on the Reno3 5G, the Pixel’s focus on core image quality is a key differentiator.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno3 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1000L (7nm) utilizes a Cortex-A77 based CPU, offering strong single-core performance. Its octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex A55) is geared towards multitasking and demanding applications. Conversely, the Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) employs Qualcomm’s Kryo architecture (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver). While the Snapdragon 765G’s prime core clocks slightly higher, the Dimensity 1000L’s A77 cores generally outperform the Kryo 475 in sustained workloads. This translates to a smoother experience in graphically intensive games and faster video rendering on the Reno3 5G. The lack of LPDDR5x specification for either phone suggests they both utilize LPDDR4X, limiting memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging speeds are. The Oppo Reno3 5G’s 30W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0. The Reno3 5G can reach 50% charge in just 20 minutes, while the Pixel 4a 5G will take considerably longer. This difference is crucial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. While a larger battery capacity on the Pixel 4a 5G could offset the slower charging, the Reno3 5G’s faster charging provides a more convenient experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno3 5G if you need a phone for demanding tasks like mobile gaming or video editing, and value faster 30W charging. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize camera quality, clean Android software with timely updates, and a more streamlined user experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1000L in the Reno3 5G suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1000L is a powerful chip, thermal throttling is always a possibility. However, the 7nm process node and Oppo’s cooling solutions (details not provided) should mitigate this to a reasonable extent. Benchmarks suggest the Reno3 5G maintains good performance under load for extended periods, though it may not match flagship-level thermal management.
❓ How does Google’s software update policy for the Pixel 4a 5G impact its long-term usability compared to the Oppo Reno3 5G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Pixel 4a 5G. This is a significant advantage over Oppo, which typically offers fewer updates. This extended support ensures the Pixel 4a 5G remains secure and compatible with the latest apps and features for a longer period.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 4a 5G slow enough to be a major inconvenience for daily use?
While 18W charging is slower than the Reno3 5G’s 30W, it’s still adequate for overnight charging. However, users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day will find the Reno3 5G’s faster charging much more convenient. The Pixel 4a 5G’s charging speed is acceptable, but not ideal for power users.