Oppo Reno5 4G vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Champions

The Oppo Reno5 4G 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 – the Reno5 prioritizing charging speed and a sleek design, while the Pixel 5a focuses on Google’s renowned camera software and 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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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. However, if rapid charging and a slightly more powerful CPU for everyday tasks are paramount, the Oppo Reno5 4G offers a compelling alternative, especially at a lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno5 4G 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
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, December 312021, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, January 09Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 7.7 mm (6.26 x 2.89 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
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning 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 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak)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 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
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
Quad64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 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@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30/120fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS1080p@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
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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
Charging50W wired, 100% in 48 min Reverse wired18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4310 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsGalactic Silver (Fantasy Silver), Starlight Black (Starry Black)Mostly Black
ModelsCPH2159G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 310 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 Reno5 4G

  • Significantly faster 50W charging
  • Reverse wired charging capability
  • Slightly more powerful CPU for everyday tasks

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Display likely less bright than Pixel 5a

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Superior camera image processing
  • Guaranteed software updates from Google
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Slower 18W charging
  • No reverse wireless charging

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 861 nits, compared to the Reno5 4G (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this segment). This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both offer an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 5a’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage. The Reno5 4G’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a standard OLED panel, while the Pixel 5a’s brightness indicates a higher-quality panel optimized for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 5a 5G’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range and detail. The Reno5 4G likely relies more on hardware specifications, but without detailed information, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Pixel 5a’s focus on software optimization gives it a significant advantage, particularly in low-light conditions. The Reno5 4G may offer more versatile shooting modes, but the Pixel 5a’s consistent image quality is a stronger selling point.

Performance

Both phones utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chipsets, but the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) has a slight edge over the Reno5 4G’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The 765G features a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.4 GHz, offering a performance boost over the Reno5’s 2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold cores. The 7nm process node of the 765G also contributes to better power efficiency. While both have 6x 1.8 GHz efficiency cores, the Pixel 5a’s integrated 5G modem adds future-proofing, though it may impact battery life. The Reno5 4G’s CPU is still capable for everyday tasks, but the Pixel 5a will handle more demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both the Oppo Reno5 4G and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, their charging approaches differ drastically. The Reno5 4G’s 50W wired charging can replenish the battery to 100% in just 48 minutes, a significant advantage over the Pixel 5a’s 18W charging with PD2.0. The Pixel 5a prioritizes efficiency, while the Reno5 4G prioritizes speed. The Reno5 also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Pixel 5a, allowing it to charge other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno5 4G if you need blazing-fast 50W charging and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly. It’s ideal for users who value a sleek aesthetic and don’t heavily rely on 5G connectivity. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize exceptional camera performance, guaranteed software updates directly from Google, and future-proof 5G capabilities. It’s the better option for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a long-term, reliable software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the Oppo Reno5 4G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 720G is capable, it's not a gaming powerhouse. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates in demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G offers a slight performance advantage, potentially allowing for higher settings without significant frame drops.
❓ How does Google's software update commitment on the Pixel 5a 5G compare to Oppo's update policy for the Reno5 4G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 5a 5G, ensuring long-term software support and security. Oppo’s update policy for the Reno5 4G is less consistent and typically provides fewer major Android updates, potentially leaving the device vulnerable to security risks over time.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 5a 5G slow compared to other phones in this price range?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W or 50W charging offered by many competitors, including the Oppo Reno5 4G. It will take significantly longer to fully charge the Pixel 5a 5G, but the efficient power management helps mitigate the impact on overall battery life.