Oppo Reno6 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and guaranteed software updates, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. However, users who value significantly faster charging and a slightly more powerful chipset for demanding tasks will find the Oppo Reno6 more appealing.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo Reno6 | 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, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 27 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.3 x 7.8 mm (6.26 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 + 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 (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 750 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 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 | - |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 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 (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | - | 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 | 50W wired, PD2.0 | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Stellar Black | Mostly Black |
| Models | CPH2235 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 150 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 Reno6
- Significantly faster 50W charging
- Potentially better performance with Snapdragon 720G
- Sleek and modern design (based on brand aesthetic)
- Less detailed display specifications
- Uncertain camera performance compared to Pixel
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Excellent camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed Android updates directly from Google
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slower 18W charging
- Slightly less powerful chipset than Reno6
- Design may appear less premium to some
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 861 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors compared to the Reno6 (brightness data unavailable). While both utilize OLED panels offering infinite contrast ratios, the Pixel 5a 5G’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. The Reno6’s display specifications are less detailed, leaving questions about color accuracy and refresh rate unanswered. The Pixel 5a 5G’s display is optimized for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Google’s strength is its computational photography, and the Pixel 5a 5G leverages this with its camera software. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 5a 5G’s reputation for excellent image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, gives it a significant advantage. The Reno6 likely relies more on hardware specifications, but without detailed information, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities against Google’s software prowess. The Pixel 5a 5G’s consistent image quality and reliable performance make it the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo Reno6 features the Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8nm), while the Pixel 5a 5G utilizes the SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 765G, built on a smaller 7nm process, generally offers better efficiency and slightly improved CPU and GPU performance. The Pixel 5a 5G’s CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – provides a performance edge over the Reno6’s 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming performance on the Pixel 5a 5G.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Oppo Reno6’s 50W wired charging with PD2.0 support is significantly faster than the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W wired charging, also with PD2.0. This means the Reno6 can replenish its battery from 0-100% much quicker, a crucial benefit for users who frequently need to top up their device. While the Pixel 5a 5G offers respectable battery endurance, the Reno6’s charging speed provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno6 if you need blazing-fast 50W charging to minimize downtime and appreciate a more powerful chipset for occasional gaming or demanding applications. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a consistently excellent camera experience, guaranteed Android updates directly from Google, and prioritize long-term software support over raw processing power.