Oppo Reno5 Lite vs. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The Oppo Reno5 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a 5G experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal, primarily through chipset selection and overall design philosophy. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best balance of features and performance.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Reno5 Lite’s Helio P95, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While the Reno5 Lite offers faster 30W charging, the A52s 5G’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names	Oppo Reno5 Lite	Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	-	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2021, March 23	2021, August 17
Status	Available. Released 2021, March 23	Available. Released 2021, September 01

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions	160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in)	159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	172 g (6.07 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GM9446	Adreno 642L
OS	Android 11, ColorOS 11.1	Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

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, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio	Unspecified	No
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	-	Virtual Proximity Sensing

Battery
Charging	30W wired	25W wired
Type	Li-Po 4310 mAh	Li-Ion 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple	Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint
Models	CPH2205	SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N
Price	About 300 EUR	£ 112.98 / € 249.47
SAR	-	0.72 W/kg (head)
SAR EU	-	0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 113h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-27.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9) GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo Reno5 Lite

Faster 30W wired charging
Potentially lighter and more compact design (based on Reno series history)
Competitive price point

Significantly weaker processor (Helio P95)
Less future-proof due to chipset limitations
Display specifications are less impressive

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

Superior performance with Snapdragon 778G 5G
Brighter and more vibrant display (800 nits)
More efficient chipset for longer sustained performance

Slower 25W wired charging
Potentially larger and heavier design
May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 800 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Reno5 Lite. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on market segment), the A52s 5G’s higher brightness and 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggest a more visually immersive experience. The Reno5 Lite’s display specifications are less detailed, leaving questions about color accuracy and potential PWM dimming rates unanswered, which could impact users sensitive to flicker.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The Reno5 Lite’s camera system is likely focused on software enhancements, given the chipset’s limitations in image signal processing. The A52s 5G, powered by the Snapdragon 778G’s superior ISP, will likely deliver more detailed and dynamic range-rich images. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the A52s 5G’s processing power gives it a clear advantage. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the A52s 5G will likely execute these more effectively.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo Reno5 Lite’s MediaTek Helio P95 (12nm). The 778G features a more modern CPU architecture – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores – versus the Reno5 Lite’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the A52s 5G will handle graphically intensive games and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both the Oppo Reno5 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the Reno5 Lite’s 30W wired charging is faster than the A52s 5G’s 25W charging. This means the Reno5 Lite can replenish its battery more quickly, a benefit for users who frequently need a quick top-up. The Snapdragon 778G’s efficiency may partially offset the Reno5 Lite’s charging advantage, leading to comparable real-world usage times.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno5 Lite if you prioritize fast charging and a lighter design, and your usage primarily revolves around social media, light browsing, and casual photography. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you demand stronger performance for gaming and demanding apps, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a more future-proof 5G experience. The A52s 5G is the better all-rounder.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio P95 in the Oppo Reno5 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?

Yes, the Helio P95 is a mid-range chipset that will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty at higher settings. You may experience frame drops and stuttering, requiring you to lower the graphics settings for a smoother experience. The Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G offers a significantly better gaming experience.

❓ How much of a difference will the 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 778G make in real-world usage?

The 6nm process node is a significant advantage for the Snapdragon 778G. It translates to improved power efficiency, meaning the A52s 5G will generate less heat and experience less thermal throttling during prolonged use. This results in more consistent performance, especially during gaming or video recording, compared to the 12nm Helio P95.

❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?

Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range are of limited utility. The low resolution often results in soft, grainy images. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-quality macro photography from either device. The main camera on the A52s 5G will likely produce better close-up shots using digital zoom.

❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G receive more software updates and security patches than the Oppo Reno5 Lite?

Samsung typically provides longer software support for its devices than Oppo. The A52s 5G is likely to receive more Android version updates and security patches over its lifespan, making it a more secure and future-proof investment. Oppo's update schedule for the Reno5 Lite is less predictable.