Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Reno5 5G vs. OnePlus 9RT 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-07 | 2021-10-19 | OnePlus 9RT is newer by about 9 months, potentially benefiting from more recent software and hardware optimizations. |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm | 162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm | OnePlus 9RT is slightly larger and thicker, which may feel less ergonomic for some users. |
| Weight | 172g | 198.5g | Oppo Reno5 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.62" | OnePlus 9RT has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones have the same resolution, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| PPI | 409 | 397 | Both phones offer very similar pixel density, so perceived sharpness is nearly identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9RT provides smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 750 nits | 0 nits | Oppo Reno5 5G is likely much easier to view in bright outdoor conditions. The 0 nits for the OnePlus 9RT 5G appears to be a data entry error. Brightness for the 9RT is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 765G | Snapdragon 888 | OnePlus 9RT offers significantly faster performance, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 325,000 | 881,700 | OnePlus 9RT has substantially better performance, resulting in a more responsive and smoother user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 660 | OnePlus 9RT's GPU delivers superior graphics performance, making it better for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh | OnePlus 9RT has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in a marginal increase in battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both phones have equally fast charging capabilities, quickly replenishing the battery. |
| Features | Reverse charging, dual-cell | 2x battery cells | Oppo Reno5 5G has the added benefit of reverse charging, while both have a dual-cell battery design for faster charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Oppo Reno5 has higher resolution, while OnePlus 9RT has a larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Oppo Reno5 5G has a much higher resolution front-facing camera for detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" | OnePlus 9RT offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both devices offer comparable macro capabilities |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Oppo Reno5 5G can take both wide angle and macro shots using this camera |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | OnePlus 9RT offers 4K recording at 60fps, providing more flexibility for smoother video capture. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | OnePlus 9RT offers superior video stabilisation for shake free videos. |
| Features | Quad camera, Ultra Stable Video, CDAF | Triple camera, OIS, RAW | Oppo Reno5 5G has a quad-camera system with more software stabilization features, while the OnePlus 9RT offers superior hardware stabilization via OIS, and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus 9RT will receive a newer Android version, ensuring longer software support and feature updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | OnePlus 9RT provides a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi experience, particularly on newer networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9RT has a newer Bluetooth version, which can improve battery and connectivity, in some scenarios. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | More systems and frequencies | OnePlus 9RT has more precise and reliable location tracking, thanks to the support of dual-frequency GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones can use two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones have similar storage options, meaning that storage will not be a deciding factor for either. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both phones offer 8 or 12GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage; users need to choose sufficient internal storage at the time of purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | OnePlus 9RT has additional noise-cancellation microphone, offering clearer calls in noisy environments. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint scanners for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ | Unknown | Oppo Reno5 5G has known screen protection with Gorilla Glass, while the screen protection of the OnePlus 9RT is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Gravity | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Oppo Reno5 5G includes a gravity sensor in addition to standard sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Ergonomic Design: The Oppo Reno5 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry in a pocket or bag.
- Potentially Brighter Display: The 750 nit brightness will lead to better outdoor readability compared to the unknown value of the 9RT
- Ultra Stable Video: Oppo Reno5 5G includes this software feature for smooth video capture.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to charge other devices, useful in emergencies or for smaller devices like earbuds.
- Gravity Sensor Includes this motion sensor
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera captures much more detailed self portraits.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera This camera provides both wide angle and macro shots
OnePlus 9RT 5G Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a dramatically better user experience, with faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- 120Hz Display: Smoother animations and scrolling for a more fluid visual experience.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor on the main camera leads to improved low light performance.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: The wide-angle lens enables better landscape and group shots, which the Oppo Reno5 5G lacks.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps to reduce blur in photos and videos caused by hand movements.
- 4K at 60fps video: This allows for more flexibility and a smoother video output.
- RAW Photo Capture Allows for more editing flexibility.
- Newer Software Version: The OnePlus 9RT ships with a newer Android version and will receive a newer Android update, guaranteeing long term feature support and security patches.
- Faster Wifi Standard Offers faster speeds and more reliable connectivity on more modern networks.
- Dual Frequency GPS: Improved location accuracy with more precise positioning.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers clearer calls in noisy environments.
Trade-offs:
- The Oppo Reno5 5G sacrifices performance and camera versatility for a lighter design and reverse charging capabilities.
- The OnePlus 9RT 5G is heavier, and may not have as bright of a display but delivers substantially more power, advanced camera features and better long term support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Reno5 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Who prioritize comfort and ease of use over raw power.
- Users with Auxiliary Devices: Who appreciate the convenience of reverse charging for devices like headphones or smartwatches.
- Budget Conscious Buyers: Seeking a balance of features without needing the absolute best performance.
- Selfie-Enthusiasts: Who prioritize front-facing camera resolution.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and light productivity tasks.
- Listening to music or podcasts on the go.
- Occasional photography and video.
- Charging other smaller devices on the move.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and those who use power-intensive apps.
- Photography/Videography Lovers: Who value high-quality images and videos with advanced camera features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who want the latest features, faster performance, and longer software support.
- Users who take advantage of the latest wifi standards.
- Users who require GPS accuracy for tasks such as running or mapping.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming with high graphical settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Professional photography or videography.
- Heavy multitasking and app usage.
- Users who require reliable and accurate location services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? (Gaming, heavy app usage, responsiveness)
- Is camera quality and features your top priority? (Main camera, video features, versatile lens options)
- How much do you value portability and ergonomics? (Weight, size, comfort)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If your primary use is social media, browsing, and light tasks, and you prefer a lightweight phone, the Oppo Reno5 5G is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: If you are a gamer, content creator, or need a phone that handles resource-intensive apps and tasks, the OnePlus 9RT is a much better fit, although may be heavier.
- Scenario 3: If camera versatility, OIS and the best long-term support matter to you, but you also want the best performance, the OnePlus 9RT is the clear choice, sacrificing only the very lightweight design and reverse charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9RT 5G.
While the Oppo Reno5 5G's lighter design and reverse charging are appealing, the OnePlus 9RT 5G's advantages in performance, camera capabilities, and software support are more significant for my needs. As a user who values smooth performance, excellent photo/video capabilities and long-term software support, the OnePlus 9RT is the stronger choice. The larger display with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances the user experience, and the more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset ensures a more responsive and future-proof device. I also consider optical image stabilization, a dedicated wide-angle lens, and 4K 60fps video recording to be crucial for a versatile camera setup, which the 9RT offers. Also, the upgraded software support guarantees longer feature and security updates.
Even though the Oppo Reno5 5G is lighter, I would rather have a device that offers much better performance and camera features.
