Oppo Reno5 Z vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: Which Mid-Range 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and long-term software support, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. Its superior image processing and guaranteed updates outweigh the Reno5 Z’s faster charging. However, users who frequently game or need rapid top-ups will appreciate the Reno5 Z’s Dimensity 800U.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo Reno5 Z | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 04 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 04 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.4 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 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 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (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 | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Cosmo Blue | Mostly Black |
| Models | CPH2211 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 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 Reno5 Z
- 30W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially more versatile camera modes
- Dimensity 800U offers solid performance for the price
- Less detailed display specifications
- Software update support is less guaranteed than Pixel
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Exceptional camera quality thanks to Google’s software
- Guaranteed software updates for years
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slower 18W charging
- Less powerful GPU compared to Reno5 Z
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 861 nits, compared to the Reno5 Z’s unspecified peak brightness. This translates to better outdoor visibility for the Pixel 5a. While both likely utilize OLED panels (based on the 'infinite' contrast ratio of the Pixel 5a), the Pixel’s brightness advantage is a clear win. The Reno5 Z’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
The Pixel 5a 5G’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography expertise. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range and detail. The Reno5 Z’s camera specifications are less detailed, and its image quality likely relies more on hardware than software optimization. The Pixel 5a 5G’s focus on software processing will provide more consistent results across various lighting conditions, a key advantage for casual users. The Reno5 Z may offer more versatility with potentially more camera modes, but the Pixel 5a 5G’s core image quality is likely superior.
Performance
Both the Oppo Reno5 Z and Google Pixel 5a 5G employ 7nm process nodes, but the chipsets differ significantly. The Reno5 Z’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U features a dual-cluster CPU with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, while the Pixel 5a 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G utilizes a tri-cluster setup with 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores. While peak clock speeds are similar, Qualcomm’s Kryo cores generally offer better sustained performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU is also likely to outperform the Dimensity 800U’s Mali-G57 MC4 in graphically intensive tasks, making the Pixel 5a 5G the better choice for mobile gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing charging speeds. The Reno5 Z’s 30W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0. This means the Reno5 Z can go from 0-100% much quicker, a benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery. However, the Pixel 5a 5G’s efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset and software optimizations likely contribute to similar real-world usage times, despite the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno5 Z if you need a phone that charges incredibly quickly (30W) and you enjoy a more vibrant, eye-catching design. It’s ideal for users who prioritize quick power boosts and don’t heavily rely on computational photography. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance, and guaranteed software updates for years to come. It’s the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable, long-lasting device.