Oppo Reno 5G vs. Reno3: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo Reno 5G is the superior choice. While it charges slightly slower, the Snapdragon 855’s significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially for demanding tasks and gaming. The Reno3 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users prioritizing a slightly faster charging speed.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo Reno3 | Oppo Reno 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| 5G bands | - | 78 NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - APAC | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 17. Released 2020, March 17 | 2019, April. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 162 x 77.2 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP B/W, f/2.4 | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/3.0, 130mm (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 73 min | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4025 mAh | Li-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Aurora Blue, Sky White | Ocean Green, Jet Black |
| Models | CPH2043 | CPH1921 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 880 EUR |
Oppo Reno3
- Faster 30W wired charging
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to Snapdragon 855
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to potential throttling
- Likely inferior camera performance
Oppo Reno 5G
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 855 performance
- More efficient 7nm process for better battery life
- Superior gaming and multitasking capabilities
- Slower 20W wired charging
- Higher price compared to the Reno3
- May experience some heat under sustained heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo provided detailed display specs in the provided data. However, given the Reno series’ positioning, both likely feature AMOLED panels. The Reno 5G, being the higher-tier model, likely benefits from a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration. The Reno3’s display, while adequate, will likely exhibit less vibrant colors and narrower viewing angles compared to its 5G counterpart. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting design trends of the time.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Reno 5G, as the premium model, likely features a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and improved image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 855’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more powerful, enabling better dynamic range and low-light performance. While both phones likely feature similar secondary lenses (ultrawide, depth), the Reno 5G’s main sensor is expected to capture more detail and produce higher-quality images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Reno 5G’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-level processor, boasting an octa-core configuration with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This architecture, combined with the smaller 7nm fabrication process, delivers significantly higher performance and improved power efficiency compared to the Reno3’s MediaTek Helio P90 (12nm). The P90, while capable, utilizes a less efficient 12nm process and its Cortex-A75 cores are outperformed by the Kryo 485 cores in the Snapdragon 855. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Reno 5G.
Battery Life
The Reno3’s 30W wired charging is faster than the Reno 5G’s 20W charging, achieving 100% charge in 73 minutes versus an estimated longer time for the Reno 5G. However, the Snapdragon 855’s superior power efficiency partially offsets this difference. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Reno 5G’s more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable, if not slightly better, real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed. The 7nm process allows the Snapdragon 855 to maintain performance without excessive power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno3 if you prioritize fast charging and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. Its Helio P90 chipset is adequate for these scenarios, and the 30W charging will get you back up and running quickly. Buy the Oppo Reno 5G if you value performance, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently multitask. The Snapdragon 855 offers a substantial performance boost, making it a more future-proof and versatile device.