Oppo Reno8 Z vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The Oppo Reno8 Z and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a 5G experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The Reno8 Z prioritizes charging speed and a streamlined design, while the A53 5G focuses on a brighter display and Samsung’s established software ecosystem. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone best suits your needs.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and efficient performance, the Oppo Reno8 Z emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, coupled with 33W charging, offers a smoother daily experience and quicker top-ups than the A53 5G’s Exynos 1280 and 25W charging, despite the A53's brighter screen.

PHONES
Phone Names	Oppo Reno8 Z	Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V

Launch
Announced	2022, August 04	2022, March 17
Status	Available. Released 2022, August 04	Available. Released 2022, March 24

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, glass back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	159.9 x 73.2 x 7.7 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)	159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	181 g (6.38 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)
	RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress)	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Schott Xensation Up	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G68
OS	Android 12, ColorOS 12.1	Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	-

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad	-	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple	64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@30/120fps, EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	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, proximity, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired	25W wired
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Starlight Black, Dawnlight Gold	Black, White, Blue, Peach
Models	-	SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
Price	About 350 EUR	$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR	-	0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 113h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo Reno8 Z

Faster 33W charging with PD support
More power-efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
Reverse wired charging capability

Likely lower peak display brightness
Less established software ecosystem compared to Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Brighter 830 nit display for outdoor visibility
Samsung’s One UI software and long-term support
Potentially better image processing

Slower 25W charging
Exynos 1280 may throttle under sustained load

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 830 nits, making it more visible outdoors. While the Reno8 Z’s display specs aren’t provided, it’s likely lower in peak brightness. The A53’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks. However, without knowing the Reno8 Z’s panel type, a direct comparison is difficult. The A53’s larger screen size is also a factor for media consumption, though this comes at the cost of potentially lower pixel density.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. The A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s established image processing algorithms. Without sensor size details for either device, it’s difficult to assess image quality definitively. The Reno8 Z’s camera system is likely tuned for vibrant colors, a common Oppo trait. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A53 is largely inconsequential; its small sensor size limits its usefulness. Focusing on the main sensor and image processing is crucial, and Samsung’s experience in this area gives it a potential advantage, assuming comparable hardware.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G utilizes the Exynos 1280 (5nm), featuring a Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 2.4 GHz. The Oppo Reno8 Z, however, employs the Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). While the Exynos has a higher clock speed on its prime core, the Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process generally translates to better power efficiency. This means the Reno8 Z is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon’s Kryo 660 Gold cores, while clocked slightly lower at 2.2 GHz, are optimized for efficiency. The A53’s Cortex-A55 efficiency cores are clocked at 2.0 GHz. This difference in architecture and process node gives the Reno8 Z an edge in sustained performance and battery life.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified). However, the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Oppo Reno8 Z’s 33W wired charging, with PD support, can add 31% charge in 15 minutes and reach 100% in 63 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s 25W charging is slower, requiring more time to fully replenish the battery. The Reno8 Z also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A53, adding to its convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno8 Z if you need a phone that charges quickly, handles everyday tasks efficiently, and offers a sleek design. It’s ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery throughout the day. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a larger, brighter display for media consumption and value Samsung’s One UI software experience and long-term software support. It’s a better choice for users who prioritize screen visibility in direct sunlight and ecosystem integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during gaming?

The Exynos 1280, while capable, is known to exhibit some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The 5nm process helps, but it's not as efficient as the 6nm Snapdragon 695 in the Reno8 Z, meaning the A53 may experience frame drops or reduced performance over time during intensive games.

❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?

Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera on the A53 5G is largely a marketing feature. Its small sensor size and fixed focus result in images lacking detail and sharpness. It's generally better to use the main camera and crop in for close-up shots.

❓ Can the Oppo Reno8 Z handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings?

The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Reno8 Z is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium to high graphics settings. While it may not achieve consistently high frame rates on the absolute highest settings, the 6nm process and efficient CPU architecture help maintain stable performance.

❓ How does the software update policy differ between Oppo and Samsung for these devices?

Samsung generally offers longer software support for its A-series devices, typically including 3-4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. Oppo’s update policy is less consistent, often providing 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches. This makes the A53 5G a better choice for users who prioritize long-term software support.