vivo S1 Prime vs Oppo Reno 5G: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The vivo S1 Prime and Oppo Reno 5G represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The S1 Prime aims for affordability, while the Reno 5G, despite its age, offers a significant performance boost thanks to its flagship-tier chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and future-proofing, the Oppo Reno 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 offers a substantial leap in processing power over the S1 Prime’s Snapdragon 665. However, if budget is the primary concern and basic tasks are your focus, the S1 Prime remains a viable option.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S1 Prime Oppo Reno 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global
5G bands-78 NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, August 12. Released 2020, August 122019, April. Released 2019, May
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)162 x 77.2 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190.2 g (6.70 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDAMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/3.0, 130mm (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µmMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired20W wired
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNebula Blue, Jade BlackOcean Green, Jet Black
ModelsV1937CPH1921
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 880 EUR

vivo S1 Prime

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
  • Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the Reno 5G
  • Less capable camera system
  • May struggle with demanding games and applications

Oppo Reno 5G

  • Much faster performance thanks to the Snapdragon 855
  • Superior camera capabilities
  • Faster charging speeds (20W vs 18W)

  • Higher price compared to the S1 Prime
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
  • Older device, may receive fewer software updates

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the S1 Prime's positioning, it likely features an LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Reno 5G, being a slightly higher-tier device, may have an AMOLED display, offering superior contrast and color accuracy. The Reno 5G's age also suggests a potential for a higher peak brightness, improving visibility in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting design trends of their respective release periods.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Reno 5G, being a more premium device, likely incorporates a larger main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The Snapdragon 855’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more advanced, enabling better dynamic range and low-light performance. The S1 Prime likely relies on software processing to compensate for its less capable hardware. The inclusion of 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device is largely marketing fluff and shouldn't heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno 5G’s Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the vivo S1 Prime’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 855 features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, compared to the S1 Prime’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold core. This translates to a noticeable difference in app loading times, multitasking smoothness, and gaming performance. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling under sustained load. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the 855’s superior architecture will leverage it more effectively.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 855’s 7nm process offers better power efficiency than the Snapdragon 665’s 11nm process. The Oppo Reno 5G also supports 20W wired charging, slightly faster than the S1 Prime’s 18W charging. This means the Reno 5G can potentially achieve a full charge in a shorter timeframe, even if the battery capacity is similar. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Reno 5G’s more efficient chipset gives it an advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S1 Prime if you need a highly affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery life over raw performance. Buy the Oppo Reno 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially when multitasking, gaming, or using demanding applications. It’s the better choice for users who want a phone that will remain capable for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo S1 Prime struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a budget-oriented chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty, even at lower graphics settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential lag. The Oppo Reno 5G’s Snapdragon 855 is far better equipped for mobile gaming.
❓ Does the Oppo Reno 5G's age mean it will stop receiving software updates soon?
As an older device, the Oppo Reno 5G is nearing the end of its official software support lifecycle. While it likely still receives security patches, major Android version updates are less probable. However, the core functionality and performance remain excellent, and custom ROMs are an option for advanced users.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Oppo Reno 5G a significant advantage over the vivo S1 Prime's 18W charging?
While not a massive difference, the 20W charging on the Reno 5G will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a slightly faster 0-100% charge compared to the S1 Prime, which can be convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.