OnePlus 8 5G UW vs Oppo Reno3 5G: Which 5G Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The OnePlus 8 5G UW (Verizon exclusive) and Oppo Reno3 5G represent distinct approaches to the 5G smartphone market. The OnePlus, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865, aims for flagship performance, while the Reno3 5G utilizes MediaTek’s Dimensity 1000L, prioritizing a balance of power and efficiency. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best experience for different user needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and sustained gaming, the OnePlus 8 5G UW is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 865 chipset. However, the Oppo Reno3 5G offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a more efficient processor and potentially better value, especially if Verizon’s UW network isn’t a primary concern.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno3 5G OnePlus 8 5G UW (Verizon)
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) / 1800 / 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 4.7/2.5 GbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, December. Released 2019, December2020, April 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, April 29
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.3 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM (pre-installed)
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)180 g (6.35 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 60 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ)Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1000L (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUMali-G77 MP9Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0, 2-LANE
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, 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-
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 20 min30W wired, 50% in 22 min
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 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Black, Starry Night Blue, SunriseOnyx Black, Polar Silver
ModelsPCHM30, PDCM00, A001OP-
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 740 EUR
SAR-1.10 W/kg (head)     1.10 W/kg (body)

Oppo Reno3 5G

  • Superior CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 865
  • Optimized software and wider app compatibility
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Higher power consumption leading to potentially shorter battery life
  • Verizon exclusivity may limit carrier options
  • Potentially higher price

OnePlus 8 5G UW (Verizon)

  • More power-efficient Dimensity 1000L chipset
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Good overall performance for everyday tasks

  • Slightly lower CPU and GPU performance compared to Snapdragon 865
  • May exhibit more throttling under sustained load
  • Less optimized software ecosystem

Display Comparison

While specific display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature AMOLED panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 865’s Adreno 650 GPU will deliver a smoother experience with graphically intensive content. The Reno3 5G, while capable, will likely exhibit slightly lower frame rates in demanding games. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting flagship design trends.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given OnePlus’s history, the 8 5G UW likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 865’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced, enabling faster image capture and better low-light performance. The Reno3 5G will likely focus on software-driven enhancements, but may struggle to match the OnePlus in dynamic range and detail. We can assume both phones will offer a variety of shooting modes, but the OnePlus is likely to deliver more consistent results.

Performance

The core battleground is the chipset. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) in the OnePlus 8 5G UW boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 prime core, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 cores, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Oppo Reno3 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1000L (7nm) with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance for the OnePlus. The Snapdragon 865 also benefits from a more mature software ecosystem and optimizations. While the Dimensity 1000L is a strong performer, it generally trails the Snapdragon 865 in benchmarks and real-world sustained performance. Both utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but the Snapdragon's superior GPU and CPU architecture provide a significant advantage.

Battery Life

Both devices offer 30W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in approximately 20-22 minutes. The Reno3 5G takes slightly longer (22 minutes vs 20). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 865’s higher power consumption will likely result in shorter battery life compared to the more efficient Dimensity 1000L. However, the OnePlus’s faster processing speeds may offset some of this difference during moderate usage. The Dimensity 1000L’s efficiency will be more noticeable during prolonged, less intensive tasks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno3 5G if you need a capable 5G phone with a focus on efficient power usage and a potentially lower price point, and aren't heavily invested in Verizon's Ultra Wideband network. Buy the OnePlus 8 5G UW (Verizon) if you prioritize maximum performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and require seamless compatibility with Verizon’s 5G UW infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 5G UW overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 865 is a powerful chip, it can generate significant heat under sustained load. OnePlus implements thermal management solutions, but some throttling is possible during prolonged gaming. However, the cooling system is generally effective enough to maintain playable frame rates.
❓ Is the 5G UW support on the OnePlus 8 5G UW essential for a good experience, or is it just a marketing feature?
The 5G UW support on the OnePlus 8 5G UW is crucial if you live in an area with Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G coverage. It provides significantly faster speeds than standard 5G. However, if you don’t have access to UW, the phone will still function on Verizon’s regular 5G network, and the performance difference will be less noticeable.
❓ How does the Dimensity 1000L in the Oppo Reno3 5G handle demanding applications like video editing?
The Dimensity 1000L is capable of handling video editing, but it won't be as fast as the Snapdragon 865. Expect longer rendering times and potential stuttering with complex projects. It's suitable for light to moderate video editing tasks, but professionals should opt for the OnePlus 8 5G UW.