Oppo Reno6 vs. iPhone SE (2022): A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Oppo Reno6 and Apple iPhone SE (2022) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Reno6 prioritizes fast charging and a modern Android experience, while the iPhone SE (2022) offers Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip in a compact, familiar design. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is the superior choice. While the Oppo Reno6 boasts significantly faster 50W charging, the A15 Bionic’s raw processing power and Apple’s software optimization provide a smoother, more responsive experience that will last for years. The Reno6 is a viable option for those heavily invested in the Android ecosystem and prioritize charging speed above all else.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno6 Apple iPhone SE (2022)
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2783, A2784, A2785
5G bands-1, 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, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / 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 272022, March 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 27Available. Released 2022, March 18
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.1 x 73.3 x 7.8 mm (6.26 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)
SIMNano-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 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 750 nits (peak)Retina IPS LCD, 625 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 11.1iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM
 -NVMe
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide)7 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS1080p@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
USB-Lightning, 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
Charging50W wired, PD2.020W wired, 50% in 30 min 7.5W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Po 4310 mAhLi-Ion 2018 mAh (6.96 Wh)
Misc
ColorsAurora, Stellar BlackMidnight, Starlight, Red
ModelsCPH2235A2783, A2595, A2785, A2782, A2784, iphone14,6
PriceAbout 150 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

  • 50W SuperVOOC charging is incredibly fast.
  • Android OS offers greater customization options.
  • Potentially larger main camera sensor (unconfirmed).

  • Snapdragon 720G is significantly less powerful than the A15 Bionic.
  • Android software updates may be less frequent and consistent.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

  • A15 Bionic delivers exceptional performance.
  • iOS offers a smooth, secure, and long-supported experience.
  • Compact size is ideal for one-handed use.

  • Slower 20W charging compared to the Oppo Reno6.
  • Smaller display may not appeal to all users.

Display Comparison

Both the Oppo Reno6 and iPhone SE (2022) share a contrast ratio of 1424:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the iPhone SE (2022) reaches a measured peak brightness of 605 nits, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays are adequate, neither features high refresh rates, a common omission in this price bracket. The iPhone SE's smaller 4.7-inch display results in a higher pixel density, potentially offering slightly sharper visuals, though this difference is subtle.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable cameras, but approach image processing differently. The iPhone SE (2022) leverages Apple’s computational photography expertise, delivering consistently good results in various lighting conditions. While specific sensor details are not provided, Apple’s image signal processor (ISP) excels at dynamic range and noise reduction. The Oppo Reno6’s camera system, while likely featuring a larger sensor, relies more on software enhancements. Without detailed sensor specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Apple’s consistent image quality and video recording capabilities give it an edge. We'll ignore any potential 2MP macro lenses on either device as they offer minimal practical benefit.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Apple A15 Bionic, fabricated on a 5nm process, is significantly more powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) found in the Oppo Reno6. The A15’s hexa-core CPU, with its 3.22 GHz Avalanche cores, delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. While the Snapdragon 720G is capable for everyday tasks, it will struggle with demanding applications and graphically intensive games compared to the iPhone SE. The A15's Neural Engine also provides a significant advantage in machine learning tasks.

Battery Life

Despite having an unspecified mAh capacity, the iPhone SE (2022) achieves an endurance rating of 62 hours, indicating efficient power management. The Oppo Reno6’s battery life is not specified, but its 50W wired charging (with PD2.0 support) is a major advantage, allowing for a significantly faster recharge. The iPhone SE (2022) supports 20W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes) and 7.5W wireless charging (Qi), but it’s considerably slower than the Reno6’s solution. The Reno6’s faster charging is ideal for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly, while the iPhone SE prioritizes overall efficiency and longevity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 if you need exceptionally fast charging and prefer the flexibility of the Android operating system. Its 50W charging is a game-changer for users who frequently find themselves with low battery. Buy the Apple iPhone SE (2022) if you prioritize long-term performance, a streamlined user experience, and the security of iOS. The A15 Bionic ensures this phone will remain snappy for years to come, and its compact size is ideal for one-handed use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPhone SE (2022) too small for comfortable daily use?
The iPhone SE (2022)'s 4.7-inch display is undeniably compact. However, many users appreciate its one-handed usability. If you have larger hands or prefer consuming media on a larger screen, the Reno6 might be a better fit. Consider visiting a store to physically handle both devices before making a decision.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 720G in the Oppo Reno6 struggle with demanding mobile games?
While the Snapdragon 720G can handle many mobile games, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops in the most demanding titles. The A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) offers significantly more headroom for gaming, allowing for higher settings and smoother performance.
❓ How does the software experience differ between iOS and Android on these phones?
iOS is known for its simplicity, security, and consistent updates. Android, on the Reno6, offers greater customization and flexibility. The choice depends on your preference: iOS for a streamlined experience, or Android for more control.
❓ Does the Oppo Reno6's fast charging degrade the battery health faster?
While fast charging can theoretically contribute to faster battery degradation over the long term, Oppo employs battery protection technologies to mitigate this effect. However, the iPhone SE's slower charging is generally gentler on the battery.