Oppo Reno3 5G vs Huawei nova 7 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Power

The Oppo Reno3 5G and Huawei nova 7 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver flagship-like features without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset design and fast-charging technology. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which phone offers the best value and performance.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more efficient chipset, the Oppo Reno3 5G emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1000L offers a strong CPU package, while the Huawei nova 7 5G excels in charging speed, but potentially at the cost of thermal management.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno3 5G Huawei nova 7 5G
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) / 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, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 4.7/2.5 GbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2019, December. Released 2019, December2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame-
Dimensions160.3 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)180 g (6.35 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ)OLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex A55)Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1000L (7 nm)Kirin 985 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MP9Mali-G77 (8-core)
OSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Panorama, HDR
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 lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Single13 MP, AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, OIS4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 20 min40W wired, 75% in 30 min 5W reverse wired
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 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Black, Starry Night Blue, SunriseBlack, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Red, Green
ModelsPCHM30, PDCM00, A001OPJEF-TN00, JEF-AN00, JEF-NX9, JEF-AN20
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 390 EUR

Oppo Reno3 5G

  • Strong CPU performance with Dimensity 1000L
  • Potentially better thermal management due to chipset efficiency
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks and gaming

  • Slower charging speed compared to Huawei nova 7 5G
  • Lacks reverse wireless charging

Huawei nova 7 5G

  • Ultra-fast 40W charging
  • 5W reverse wired charging
  • Potentially strong image processing from Kirin 985 ISP

  • Potentially higher thermal throttling under sustained load
  • CPU architecture may not be as efficient as Dimensity 1000L

Display Comparison

While specific display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature AMOLED panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. The choice of chipset impacts the display's ability to maintain high refresh rates without significant power draw. The Dimensity 1000L's integrated display engine may offer better optimization for smooth visuals. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar market positioning, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset's ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 1000L features a capable ISP, but the Kirin 985’s ISP is known for its strong image processing capabilities, particularly in Huawei devices. Expect both phones to deliver good image quality in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will depend on sensor size and software algorithms. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor would be a significant advantage for either device, but is not specified.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno3 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1000L (7nm) utilizes a Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.2 GHz paired with a Cortex-A55 efficiency cluster. The Huawei nova 7 5G’s Kirin 985 5G (7nm) employs a different core configuration: one Cortex-A76 at 2.58 GHz, three more A76 cores at 2.40 GHz, and four A55 cores at 1.84 GHz. While the Kirin 985 boasts a higher clock speed on its primary core, the Dimensity 1000L’s architecture, with its newer A77 cores, generally translates to better sustained performance and efficiency. The Kirin 985’s reliance on multiple A76 cores could lead to higher power consumption under sustained load. Both likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but the speed and configuration will impact multitasking responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Huawei nova 7 5G takes a clear lead in charging speed with its 40W wired charging, capable of reaching 75% charge in just 30 minutes. The Oppo Reno3 5G’s 30W charging is respectable, achieving 50% in 20 minutes, but noticeably slower. The actual battery capacity isn’t provided, but the faster charging of the nova 7 5G is a significant benefit for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery. The nova 7 5G also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Reno3 5G, allowing it to charge other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno3 5G if you need a phone that balances performance and efficiency for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Its Dimensity 1000L chipset provides a solid foundation for multitasking and 5G connectivity. Buy the Huawei nova 7 5G if you prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly, and are comfortable with potentially warmer operation under heavy load.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Kirin 985 5G in the Huawei nova 7 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Kirin 985 5G, with its multiple high-clocked Cortex-A76 cores, may be prone to thermal throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming. While the 7nm process helps, the core configuration isn't as efficient as the Dimensity 1000L, potentially leading to reduced performance over time to manage heat.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Oppo Reno3 5G compare to the 40W charging on the Huawei nova 7 5G in real-world usage?
The Huawei nova 7 5G’s 40W charging is noticeably faster. It can reach 75% charge in 30 minutes, while the Oppo Reno3 5G only reaches 50% in 20 minutes. This means if you're consistently short on time, the nova 7 5G will provide a more substantial charge in the same timeframe.
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1000L in the Oppo Reno3 5G support high refresh rate displays?
Yes, the Dimensity 1000L is capable of supporting high refresh rate displays (90Hz or 120Hz). However, whether the Oppo Reno3 5G actually *utilizes* a high refresh rate panel isn't specified in the provided data. The chipset itself has the hardware to handle it.