iPhone SE (2022) vs Oppo Reno6 Z: A Detailed Comparison of Two Budget Powerhouses

The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, but finding a balance between performance and price is often a challenge. The Apple iPhone SE (2022) represents Apple’s entry into affordable smartphones, leveraging its powerful A15 Bionic chip. Meanwhile, the Oppo Reno6 Z offers a more modern aesthetic and faster charging, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to determine which one offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and long-term software support, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is the clear winner. Its A15 Bionic chip delivers significantly faster processing speeds, despite the Reno6 Z’s advantages in charging and design. However, Android enthusiasts and those valuing a larger display will find the Reno6 Z a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno6 Z Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2783, A2784, A2785
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2783, A2784, A2785, A2782
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2595
Launch
Announced2021, July 202022, March 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 14Available. Released 2022, March 18
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions160.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)144 g (5.08 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display
Protection-Ion-strengthened glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDM), 800 nits (peak)Retina IPS LCD, 625 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM
 -NVMe
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)7 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGLightning, USB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired 5W reverse wired20W wired, 50% in 30 min 7.5W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Po 4310 mAhLi-Ion 2018 mAh (6.96 Wh)
Misc
ColorsBlack, AuroraMidnight, Starlight, Red
ModelsCPH2237A2783, A2595, A2785, A2782, A2784, iphone14,6
PriceAbout 350 EUR$ 119.84 / C$ 199.99 / £ 142.00 / € 173.00
SAR-0.98 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.20 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 62h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1424:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 723486 (v9) GeekBench: 4629 (v5.1) GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo Reno6 Z

  • Unmatched performance with the A15 Bionic chip
  • Compact and pocketable design
  • Long-term software support from Apple

  • Outdated display with a 60Hz refresh rate
  • Small screen size may not suit all users
  • Limited battery capacity

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

  • Faster 30W wired charging
  • Larger display for enhanced media consumption
  • More modern design aesthetic

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the A15 Bionic
  • Android software updates may be less frequent
  • Dimensity 800U may struggle with demanding games

Display Comparison

Both devices feature a 1424:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar image quality in terms of dynamic range. However, the iPhone SE (2022) boasts a measured peak brightness of 605 nits, which will provide better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Reno6 Z (brightness data unavailable). The iPhone SE’s smaller 4.7-inch display results in a higher pixel density, offering a sharper image, while the Reno6 Z likely has a larger screen size, enhancing the viewing experience for videos and gaming. The iPhone SE’s 60Hz refresh rate is a notable drawback compared to the 90Hz or 120Hz panels increasingly common in the Android space, potentially resulting in less smooth scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is limited for the Reno6 Z. The iPhone SE (2022) benefits from Apple’s renowned image processing pipeline, delivering consistently high-quality photos and videos. While the Reno6 Z may offer more versatile camera features (based on Oppo’s marketing), the A15 Bionic’s image signal processor (ISP) provides superior noise reduction and dynamic range. Without specific sensor size and aperture details for the Reno6 Z, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance relative to the iPhone SE.

Performance

The Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) in the iPhone SE (2022) is in a different league than the Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) found in the Oppo Reno6 Z. The A15’s hexa-core CPU, with its 3.22 GHz Avalanche cores, delivers significantly faster single-core and multi-core performance. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to superior power efficiency and thermal management. While the Reno6 Z’s octa-core CPU is capable for everyday tasks, the A15 Bionic will handle demanding applications, such as video editing and graphically intensive games, with ease. The iPhone SE’s GPU also significantly outperforms the Reno6 Z’s, making it the superior choice for mobile gamers.

Battery Life

Both the iPhone SE (2022) and Oppo Reno6 Z achieve an endurance rating of 62 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Oppo Reno6 Z supports 30W wired charging, allowing for a faster top-up compared to the iPhone SE’s 20W charging (50% in 30 minutes). The Reno6 Z also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the iPhone SE. The iPhone SE (2022) does support 7.5W wireless charging (Qi), providing an alternative charging method, but it’s slower than the Reno6 Z’s wired charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 Z if you need a larger display, faster 30W charging, and prefer the Android ecosystem. It’s ideal for media consumption and users who frequently transfer files without relying on iCloud. Buy the Apple iPhone SE (2022) if you prioritize unmatched performance in a compact form factor, seamless iOS integration, and guaranteed software updates for years to come. It’s the best choice for mobile gaming and users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 800U in the Oppo Reno6 Z struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 800U is a mid-range chipset and will likely require reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience in demanding games like Genshin Impact. The iPhone SE (2022)'s A15 Bionic will handle these games at higher settings without significant performance drops.
❓ How does the iPhone SE (2022)'s smaller display affect video playback and web browsing?
The iPhone SE (2022)'s 4.7-inch display is noticeably smaller than the Reno6 Z's. While the higher pixel density provides a sharp image, the smaller screen size may feel cramped for extended video playback or web browsing sessions. Users who prioritize immersive media consumption may prefer the Reno6 Z's larger display.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the iPhone SE (2022) a practical charging solution?
While convenient, the 7.5W wireless charging on the iPhone SE (2022) is relatively slow. It's best suited for overnight charging or occasional top-ups. The Oppo Reno6 Z’s 30W wired charging is significantly faster and more practical for quickly replenishing the battery.
❓ How long will the iPhone SE (2022) receive software updates compared to the Oppo Reno6 Z?
Apple typically provides 5-7 years of software updates for its iPhones, ensuring long-term security and feature enhancements. Oppo’s software update policy is less consistent, generally offering 2-3 years of major Android updates and 3-4 years of security patches. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a significant advantage in terms of long-term software support.