The Oppo Reno series consistently delivers stylish designs and capable performance. But with the Reno6 and Reno5 4G sharing a similar chipset, is there enough difference to justify the upgrade? We'll break down the key differences to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo Reno6 offers a slightly improved experience primarily due to its refined design and potentially better software support. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 720G chipset, the Reno6's subtle enhancements and potentially longer software updates make it the slightly better choice, especially if you value aesthetics.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2020, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 27 | Available. Released 2021, January 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.3 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 159.1 x 73.3 x 7.7 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 750 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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 | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, 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) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 44 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | - | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 50W wired, PD2.0 | 50W wired, 100% in 48 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 4310 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Stellar Black | Galactic Silver (Fantasy Silver), Starlight Black (Starry Black) |
| Models | CPH2235 | CPH2159 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 310 EUR |
Oppo Reno6
- Modern Design
- Potentially Better Camera
- Likely Longer Software Support
- Fast Charging (50W)
- Price Premium
- Performance Similar to Reno5 4G
Oppo Reno5 4G
- Fast Charging (50W)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Generally More Affordable
- Reliable Performance
- Older Design
- Potentially Shorter Software Support
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Reno6 might have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, but the difference is likely minimal. Both offer a comfortable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Reno6 typically features a slightly upgraded camera system, often with a higher resolution main sensor (48MP vs 64MP on the Reno5 4G) and improved image processing algorithms. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detailed photos on the Reno6. Both phones offer a consistent and pleasing camera experience.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 720G chipset and 8GB of RAM, performance is largely identical between the two devices. Expect smooth everyday usage, but demanding games might require lower graphics settings. The Reno6 *could* benefit from slightly optimized software, leading to marginally better performance, but it's unlikely to be a dramatic difference.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery. The Reno5 4G boasts 50W wired charging, achieving 100% in approximately 48 minutes. The Reno6 also supports 50W wired charging (PD2.0), but charging times may vary slightly. Battery life itself should be comparable between the two.
Buying Guide
The Oppo Reno6 is ideal for users who prioritize a modern design, slightly improved camera features, and potentially longer software support. The Oppo Reno5 4G remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and capable smartphone with fast charging, especially if you can find it at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 720G good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 720G is capable of handling most games, but you may need to lower graphics settings for demanding titles to maintain smooth performance.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Oppo Reno6 is likely to receive longer software support and updates compared to the Reno5 4G, as it's the newer model.
❓ Does the Reno5 4G's reverse wired charging work well?
Yes, the reverse wired charging on the Reno5 4G is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
