Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Reno5 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-07 | 2024-04-14 | Asus is significantly newer, meaning newer tech and longer software support. |
| Size | 159.1 × 73.4 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus is noticeably larger, which may affect one-handed use but provides a larger display. |
| Weight | 172g | 224g | Oppo is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and pocket-friendly. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | Asus offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical resolution so sharpness is similar, but higher ppi on Oppo may show slightly crisper content. |
| PPI | 409 | 388 | Oppo provides slightly crisper images due to higher pixel density on a smaller screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology means similar color vibrancy and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Asus provides much smoother animations and scrolling, which is beneficial for gaming and general navigation. |
| Brightness | 750 nits | 2500 nits | Asus is significantly brighter, offering vastly superior outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 765G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus chipset is vastly more powerful, offering significantly faster app loading, better multitasking and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 325,000 | 1,532,000 | Asus has massively superior overall performance with much better gaming and multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a significantly more powerful GPU, essential for high-end gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5500mAh | Asus provides significantly longer battery life for extended use without needing a recharge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both offer the same fast charging speeds, minimizing time plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Dual-Cell | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wired | Asus offers wireless charging for added convenience, while Oppo offers unique reverse charging features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.7 (1/1.7") | 50MP f/1.9 (1/1.56") | Oppo has slightly higher resolution. Asus has a larger sensor size and larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.5 | Both have the same resolution, however Oppo has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP f/2.4 | Asus provides additional zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP f/2.2 | Asus offers a wider field of view for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Oppo has a dedicated macro lens, which can be useful for close-up photography |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Oppo has ultrawide and macro all in one lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus can record higher quality video with higher resolution. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS, Gimbal | Asus offers better stabilization for smoother video recordings. |
| DXOMARK Score | 125 | Only Asus has a camera score. | |
| Camera Features | Multiple | Multiple | Asus has OIS, Gimbal, and 8K video, while Oppo has dedicated macro lens and ultrawide camera, and ultra stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Asus has a newer OS with better features, security, and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus has much faster and more modern Wi-Fi capabilities for higher speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Asus has a newer version, offering slightly better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple + Dual-Band | Asus offers more precise GPS location with dual-band support and more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Asus offers more storage capacity for storing more media, apps and files. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12/16GB | Asus has more RAM, enhancing multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, so choosing storage option is very important. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Asus offers better audio quality due to Hi-Res certification and enhanced noise cancelling mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3+ | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Multiple | Multiple + Hall | Asus has more sensors and additional Hall sensor for more advanced capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its lower weight and smaller size.
- Macro Lens and Ultrawide Lens: Offers macro and ultrawide lenses for specific photography needs not found on the Asus.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density: Sharper display for users who prefer higher pixel density on a smaller screen.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Top-tier processor delivers a much smoother and faster experience, especially in gaming and demanding applications.
- Much Brighter Display: Dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate making the phone more responsive.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life to get through a full day without needing a recharge.
- Superior Camera System: Telephoto lens for zoom, wider aperture and bigger sensor on standard lens, and much better stabilization with OIS and Gimbal.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of recording in up to 8K.
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent version of Android and longer support for system updates.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports much faster Wi-Fi and newer Bluetooth.
- Wireless Charging: Added convenience of wireless charging.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-res audio and noise-cancelling microphone.
Trade-offs:
- Oppo: Compromises on performance, display quality, and battery life for a lighter and more compact design.
- Asus: Compromises on size and weight for better display, performance, battery, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Reno5 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and compact design.
- Users who value macro and ultrawide lens photography and do not need high-end performance.
- Budget-conscious users seeking a balanced mid-range smartphone experience.
Use Cases:
- Casual everyday use, social media, browsing.
- Users who do not play graphically intensive games.
- Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone and lighter weight.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who demand high-end performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who want the best possible display experience with a high refresh rate and brightness.
- Users who prioritize long battery life.
- Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Users who need modern connectivity standards.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, professional photography, video recording.
- Heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Power users who need the best performance, display, and battery life.
- Users who want a flagship experience and all the bells and whistles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Portability or Performance? If you value a compact, lightweight phone, the Oppo is the better choice. If you want a powerhouse, the Asus wins.
- How important are advanced camera features? If you want a zoom lens and better stabilization for videos, the Asus is the way to go.
- How crucial is battery life and display quality for your daily use? If long battery life and top-tier display quality is important, the Asus is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you need a standard smartphone for everyday use without stressing the budget, the Oppo is a decent option.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Media Enthusiast: For power users and gamers that demand the best display and performance, the Asus is the only real choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused User: If a versatile camera system is important, the Asus, with its telephoto lens and better stabilization, is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While the Oppo Reno5 5G has its merits in being more compact and affordable, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's overall package is significantly more compelling. The substantially superior processor, much brighter display, high refresh rate, significantly larger battery, and more versatile camera system with telephoto lens make it a powerhouse that caters to modern usage patterns. For me, the trade-off in size and weight is acceptable for the significant performance improvements and the much better all around experience it provides. I prioritize performance, display, and camera quality, and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra excels in all these areas.
