vivo S20 vs Oppo Reno 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon Generations

The smartphone landscape is littered with choices, and navigating the mid-range segment requires careful consideration. We pit the newer vivo S20, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, against the older but still capable Oppo Reno 5G, featuring the Snapdragon 855. This comparison isn't about raw power alone; it's about understanding how architectural advancements and charging speeds translate into real-world benefits for the user.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo S20 emerges as the better choice. While the Snapdragon 855 in the Oppo Reno 5G still holds its own, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's superior efficiency, coupled with the S20's blazing-fast 90W charging, provides a more modern and convenient experience. The Reno 5G remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S20 Oppo Reno 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA78 NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2024, November 282019, April. Released 2019, May
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, December 06Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.4 x 74.2 x 7.2 mm (6.31 x 2.92 x 0.28 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
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch/drop-resistant glassCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 720Adreno 640
OSAndroid 15, OriginOS 5Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
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)
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash, HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AFMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K, 1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 55.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging90W wired, PD Reverse wired20W wired
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6500 mAhLi-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGray, Gold, WhiteOcean Green, Jet Black
ModelsV2429ACPH1921
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 880 EUR

vivo S20

  • Significantly faster 90W charging
  • More efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor
  • Likely benefits from newer camera algorithms

  • Potentially higher price point
  • Specific battery capacity unknown

Oppo Reno 5G

  • Lower price point
  • Capable Snapdragon 855 processor
  • Established brand reputation

  • Slow 20W charging
  • Less efficient Snapdragon 855 processor
  • Older chipset architecture

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the S20's positioning, it likely features an AMOLED panel with a high refresh rate. The Reno 5G also likely uses AMOLED. However, the key difference lies in the underlying processors' ability to drive these displays efficiently. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's newer architecture should result in less strain on the battery when using high refresh rates. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of phones in this price bracket. Color accuracy will depend on calibration, but both brands generally offer decent color profiles.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will likely offer improved image processing capabilities compared to the 855. This means better dynamic range, noise reduction, and potentially more accurate colors in the S20. The S20 likely benefits from newer computational photography algorithms. The absence of details on sensor sizes prevents a definitive statement, but a newer phone generally implies a more advanced camera system.

Performance

The core of this comparison lies in the chipsets. The vivo S20's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant leap in efficiency over the Oppo Reno 5G's Snapdragon 855 (7nm). While the 855 boasts higher clock speeds (2.84 GHz vs 2.63 GHz peak), the 7 Gen 3's newer Cortex-A715 cores and smaller process node deliver better performance-per-watt. This translates to cooler operation and less throttling during sustained workloads. The S20's CPU configuration (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) is optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the 855's Kryo 485 cores are older generation. Gamers will find the S20 more consistent in longer sessions.

Battery Life

The battery capacity of both phones is unknown. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The vivo S20's 90W wired charging is a massive advantage, allowing for a full charge in under 40 minutes. The Oppo Reno 5G's 20W charging is comparatively slow, requiring significantly longer to reach 100%. Even with a larger battery, the Reno 5G's slower charging will be a drawback for users who frequently need to top up their devices. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's efficiency also contributes to better overall battery life in the S20.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S20 if you prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a more efficient processor for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its 90W charging is a game-changer for minimizing downtime. Buy the Oppo Reno 5G if you're seeking a capable phone at a significantly lower price point and are willing to compromise on charging speed and long-term efficiency. It's a solid option for users who don't demand the latest features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo S20 offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the Snapdragon 855 in the Oppo Reno 5G?
Yes, while the Snapdragon 855 is still a capable chip, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's newer architecture and improved thermal efficiency lead to more consistent frame rates and less throttling during extended gaming sessions. The S20 will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, especially with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the 90W charging on the vivo S20 compared to the 20W charging on the Oppo Reno 5G?
The difference is substantial. The vivo S20 can charge from 0-100% in approximately 35-45 minutes, while the Oppo Reno 5G will take well over 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge. This makes the S20 ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Will I notice a difference in everyday tasks like browsing and social media between these two phones?
While both phones will handle everyday tasks smoothly, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo S20 will feel more responsive and efficient. App launch times will be quicker, and multitasking will be smoother, thanks to the newer processor and optimized memory management.