The Oppo Reno3 5G and Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver 5G connectivity without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which phone offers the best value for specific user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Oppo Reno3 5G is the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1000L chipset offers a slight edge in CPU performance, coupled with 30W fast charging. However, the A71 5G UW remains a viable option for those deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 4.7/2.5 Gbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 162.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1000L (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP9 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7 | Android 10, One UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 20 min | 25W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 410 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 22 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4025 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Starry Night Blue, Sunrise | Prism Bricks Black |
| Models | PCHM30, PDCM00, A001OP | SM-A716V |
| Price | About 440 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Oppo Reno3 5G
- Faster CPU performance with the Dimensity 1000L
- Significantly faster 30W charging
- Potentially more optimized software for gaming
- Less established brand recognition in some markets
- Potential software update support may be shorter than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- UW 5G support for potentially faster speeds (carrier dependent)
- Stronger brand recognition and wider service network
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to the Reno3 5G
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially more bloatware pre-installed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, both target the mid-range market. The focus here is likely on 6.5-inch FHD+ displays, typical for this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) on either device suggests a cost-saving measure. Bezels are likely comparable, with Samsung potentially having a slight edge in minimizing them due to their display manufacturing expertise.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, both phones likely feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The Reno3 5G, given Oppo’s camera focus, may prioritize image processing algorithms for vibrant colors and enhanced low-light performance. The A71 5G UW will likely lean towards Samsung’s natural color science. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is notable; its presence on either device would be a significant advantage for video recording and low-light photography. We can assume both phones will have a 48MP or higher main sensor, typical for this segment.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno3 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1000L (7nm) features an octa-core configuration with a Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.2GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. This architecture prioritizes strong single-core performance, beneficial for app launch times and responsiveness. The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm), employing a tri-cluster setup: 1x 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver. While the Snapdragon 765G has a higher clocked prime core, the Dimensity 1000L’s Cortex-A77 cores generally outperform the Kryo 475 Prime in benchmarks. This translates to a slight advantage for the Reno3 in CPU-intensive tasks. Both utilize 5G modems, but the UW designation on the A71 suggests compatibility with specific mmWave frequencies for faster 5G speeds where available.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-4500 mAh range. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Oppo Reno3 5G supports 30W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 20 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW is limited to 25W charging. This 5W difference, while seemingly small, can translate to a noticeable time saving during daily charging cycles, making the Reno3 more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno3 5G if you need a phone that prioritizes CPU performance for multitasking and demanding applications, and if fast charging is a critical feature. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW if you prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience, value a potentially wider carrier compatibility (UW designation), and are less concerned with achieving the absolute fastest processing speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1000L in the Oppo Reno3 5G struggle with sustained gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 765G?
While the Snapdragon 765G has a reputation for efficient thermal management, the Dimensity 1000L’s performance is generally comparable. Both chipsets are 7nm, and the Reno3 5G’s cooling system should be adequate for most gaming scenarios. However, prolonged, graphically intensive gaming sessions might result in some throttling on both devices, though the Reno3’s slightly more powerful CPU may maintain higher frame rates initially.
❓ Is the 'UW' designation on the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW crucial for 5G connectivity, and will I miss out if I choose the Oppo Reno3 5G?
The 'UW' (Ultra Wideband) designation indicates compatibility with mmWave 5G frequencies. This offers potentially much faster 5G speeds, but only in areas where mmWave infrastructure is deployed. If you live in an area with limited or no mmWave coverage, the UW designation is largely irrelevant. The Oppo Reno3 5G supports sub-6GHz 5G, which is more widely available and provides a solid 5G experience in most locations.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Oppo’s ColorOS and Samsung’s One UI on these devices?
Samsung’s One UI is known for its feature-richness and customization options, but can also include pre-installed bloatware. Oppo’s ColorOS has become more refined in recent years, offering a cleaner interface and a focus on performance optimizations. One UI generally receives longer software support, while ColorOS is improving in this area but may lag behind Samsung.
