The Oppo Reno4 Z 5G and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW 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 different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection and overall design philosophy. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly brighter display, the Oppo Reno4 Z 5G emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800 chipset offers a performance edge, while the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW focuses on broader carrier compatibility and a familiar Samsung user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 3.5 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 29. Released 2020, October 15 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 158.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.89 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 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 800 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC4 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink Black, Dew White | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | CPH2065 | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 78h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1284:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.1 LUFS (Average)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 295562 (v8)
GeekBench: 2196 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Oppo Reno4 Z 5G
- Stronger CPU performance with the Dimensity 800
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Higher contrast ratio display for better visuals
- Limited information on camera specifications
- Potentially less 5G carrier compatibility compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Likely wider 5G carrier compatibility, especially UW
- Familiar Samsung One UI software experience
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially less powerful chipset for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Oppo Reno4 Z 5G boasts a display with a measured maximum brightness of 398 nits and a 1284:1 contrast ratio. While the A51 5G UW’s display specifications aren’t provided, Samsung typically employs Super AMOLED panels known for vibrant colors. However, the Reno4 Z’s higher contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more visually striking image. The lack of refresh rate information for both devices places them behind some competitors, but the Reno4 Z’s contrast advantage is a notable differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS). Given Samsung’s history, the A51 5G UW likely features a more refined image processing pipeline and potentially a larger main sensor. However, without concrete specifications, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera quality. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras in this segment suggests both phones may include 2MP macro or depth sensors that offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo Reno4 Z 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The Dimensity 800’s CPU configuration – octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) – is geared towards strong multi-core performance, potentially offering a smoother experience in multitasking and demanding apps. The Snapdragon 765G’s CPU – octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) – prioritizes a faster single-core performance, which can benefit responsiveness in everyday tasks. Both are 7nm chips, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the Dimensity 800’s architecture leans towards sustained performance.
Battery Life
The Oppo Reno4 Z 5G achieves an Endurance rating of 78 hours, indicating solid battery life. The A51 5G UW’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 15W charging speed is slower than the Reno4 Z’s 18W wired charging. While a larger battery capacity on the A51 5G UW could offset the slower charging, the Reno4 Z’s combination of efficient chipset and faster charging provides a practical advantage for users who frequently top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno4 Z 5G if you need a phone that can handle demanding applications and games with more consistent frame rates, and if you value a display with a higher contrast ratio. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize compatibility with a wider range of 5G networks, particularly those utilizing UW (Ultra Wideband) frequencies, and prefer the Samsung One UI software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 800 in the Reno4 Z 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 800 is a capable chipset and should handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings without significant issues. Its Mali-G57 MC4 GPU is well-suited for mobile gaming, and the 7nm process node helps manage thermals during extended gaming sessions. However, achieving maximum settings may require some optimization.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW guaranteed to work with my carrier's 5G network?
The 'UW' designation in the A51 5G UW indicates support for Ultra Wideband 5G frequencies, primarily used by T-Mobile in the US. While it supports other 5G bands, compatibility with other carriers depends on their specific network configuration. It's crucial to verify compatibility with your carrier before purchasing.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 18W charging, the Oppo Reno4 Z 5G should fully charge in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on battery size. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW, with its 15W charging, will likely take closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours for a full charge.
