Oppo Reno4 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The Oppo Reno4 and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take different approaches to achieving it. The Reno4 prioritizes fast charging and a sleek design, while the Pixel 5a focuses on Google’s renowned camera software and a consistently smooth user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software support, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. Its superior image processing and guaranteed updates outweigh the Reno4’s faster charging. However, users who frequently need a quick power boost will appreciate the Reno4’s 30W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno4 Google Pixel 5a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, July 29. Released 2020, August 052021, August 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions160.3 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.30 in)156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight165 g (5.82 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 430 nits (typ)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7.2Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 20 min18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4015 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsGalactic Blue, Space BlackMostly Black
ModelsCPH2113G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 330 EUR$ 189.00 / C$ 249.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 122h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo Reno4

  • Significantly faster 30W charging
  • Sleek and modern design aesthetic
  • Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 765G
  • Likely inferior camera image processing
  • Uncertainty regarding long-term software support

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Superior camera performance thanks to Google’s software
  • Guaranteed software updates and security patches
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Potentially higher price point
  • Less emphasis on design flair

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 861 nits, compared to an unlisted value for the Reno4. This makes the Pixel 5a far more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher brightness of the Pixel 5a provides a more vibrant and visually appealing experience. The Reno4’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially lower peak brightness and less impressive outdoor visibility. We can infer that the Reno4 likely uses an AMOLED panel, common for the price point, but lacks the Pixel 5a’s superior luminance.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs are limited, the Pixel 5a 5G’s strength lies in Google’s computational photography prowess. The Pixel series is renowned for its image processing, delivering excellent dynamic range and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Reno4’s camera system, while likely capable, relies more on hardware specifications without the same level of software optimization. The absence of detailed sensor information for the Reno4 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Pixel 5a’s software advantage is a significant differentiator. We can assume the Reno4 includes standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the Pixel 5a’s implementation will likely be superior.

Performance

At the heart of the Reno4 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm), while the Pixel 5a 5G utilizes the Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 7nm process node of the 765G generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially lower thermal throttling under sustained loads. The Pixel 5a’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers a slight edge in single-core performance over the Reno4’s 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Pixel 5a’s chipset provides a more future-proofed experience, particularly for demanding applications and 5G connectivity.

Battery Life

Both the Oppo Reno4 and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, they differ significantly in charging speed. The Reno4 supports 30W wired charging, claiming a 50% charge in just 20 minutes, while the Pixel 5a 5G is limited to 18W wired charging with PD2.0. This means the Reno4 can replenish its battery much faster, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need a quick top-up. Despite the slower charging, the Pixel 5a’s efficient chipset and software optimization contribute to its comparable endurance rating.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno4 if you need exceptionally fast charging and a design-focused aesthetic. It’s ideal for users who are constantly on the go and need to top up their battery quickly. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize camera performance, clean software, and long-term software support. This phone is perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who value a streamlined Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 765G is a capable chipset, prolonged gaming can lead to some thermal throttling. However, Google’s software optimization and the 7nm process node help mitigate this issue, providing a generally smooth gaming experience. It won't match flagship performance, but it's respectable for the price point.
❓ How does the Reno4’s 30W charging compare to other phones in this price range?
30W charging is relatively fast for a mid-range phone. Many competitors offer 15W or 18W charging, making the Reno4 a clear winner in terms of charging speed. This allows you to quickly top up your battery when you're short on time.
❓ Is the Pixel 5a 5G’s camera equally good in low-light conditions as in daylight?
Yes, the Pixel 5a 5G excels in low-light photography. Google’s Night Sight mode utilizes computational photography to capture bright, detailed images even in extremely dark environments. It’s a key strength of the Pixel series.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Oppo Reno4?
Oppo’s software update policy for the Reno4 is less consistent than Google’s for the Pixel 5a 5G. While the Reno4 will receive updates, the duration and frequency are not guaranteed to be as long-term as the Pixel 5a’s guaranteed updates.