Oppo Reno6 5G vs. Huawei nova Y90: A Practical Showdown
Let's break down these two mid-range contenders to see which one deserves your hard-earned cash. While they share some similarities, their differences reveal distinct philosophies about what makes a great smartphone experience.
Specifications Breakdown: The Hard Facts
Design & Build
| Feature | Oppo Reno6 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 156.8 × 72.1 × 7.6 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Reno6 is more compact and pocket-friendly |
| Weight | 182g | 195g | Reno6 feels noticeably lighter in hand |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Reno6 better protected against drops/scratches |
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Huawei's placement may be more convenient |
My take: The Reno6 wins on portability and durability. That 13g weight difference is surprisingly noticeable during prolonged use, and Gorilla Glass 5 gives it an edge in protection.
Display
| Feature | Oppo Reno6 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" IPS LCD | AMOLED = better contrast; IPS = larger canvas |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (409 PPI) | 1080x2388 (391 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness in daily use |
| Brightness | 1100 nits (peak) | Unknown (likely lower) | Reno6 far superior in sunlight visibility |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling |
Key insight: While the nova Y90's screen is larger, the Reno6's AMOLED panel with exceptional brightness makes it the better display overall unless you prioritize size above all else.
Performance
| Feature | Oppo Reno6 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Dimensity 900 (6nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Reno6 has significantly better performance |
| Antutu Score | 815,200 | 249,000 | Reno6 is over 3x more powerful |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Reno6 better for gaming/media creation |
| RAM Options | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | More future-proof multitasking on Reno6 |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | Reno6 offers higher capacity option |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Future network compatibility advantage |
The big picture: This isn't close. The Reno6's Dimensity 900 demolishes the nova Y90's Snapdragon 680 in every metric. If performance matters at all, the choice is clear.
Camera System
| Feature | Oppo Reno6 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX766 (1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 50MP (0.7µm) | Reno6 captures more light, better detail |
| Ultra-wide | 16MP Sony IMX481 | None | Reno6 wins for landscapes/group shots |
| Telephoto | 13MP 2x optical zoom | None | Reno6 offers true optical zoom |
| Macro | 2MP | None | Gimmicky on both sides |
| Selfie | 32MP Sony IMX615 | 8MP | Reno6 far superior for video calls/selfies |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 240fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Reno6 is vastly more capable |
| Stabilization | OIS + EIS | EIS only | Smoother videos on Reno6 |
Photography verdict: The Reno6 isn't just better—it's in a different league with its complete camera system featuring premium Sony sensors and optical stabilization.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Oppo Reno6 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | nova Y90 lasts longer on paper |
| Charging Speed | 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 | 40W | Reno6 charges from 0-100% in ~30 mins |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer | Similar battery chemistry |
Practical take: The nova Y90's larger battery gives it an endurance edge, but the Reno6's blazing-fast charging means you can top up quickly when needed. Your preference depends on whether you value total runtime or quick refuels.
Key Insights: Beyond the Spec Sheet
Oppo Reno6 5G Wins At:
- Performance: That massive Antutu gap translates to buttery smooth operation even years later
- Camera versatility: From ultra-wide to telephoto, it's a proper photography tool
- Display quality: AMOLED's perfect blacks and outdoor visibility are game-changers
- Future-proofing: 5G support and powerful hardware will age better
Huawei nova Y90 Counters With:
- Screen size: The 6.7" display is better for media consumption
- Battery life: 500mAh extra capacity means more screen-on time
- Newer design: Slightly more modern aesthetic (though thicker)
The trade-off: You're choosing between a powerhouse with premium features (Reno6) versus a bigger-screened phone with better battery but weaker internals (nova Y90).
Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Ideal Oppo Reno6 5G Users:
- Mobile gamers who need smooth frame rates
- Photography enthusiasts wanting versatile shooting options
- Power users who multitask heavily between apps
- Those who value fast charging over max battery capacity
Ideal Huawei nova Y90 Users:
- Casual users prioritizing screen size over quality
- Battery life warriors who charge once a day
- People who don't need advanced cameras or performance
- Users in areas without 5G infrastructure
3 Questions to Decide:
Do you care about camera quality or performance?
→ Yes: Reno6 | No: nova Y90Is having a bigger screen your top priority?
→ Yes: nova Y90 | No: Reno6Do you frequently find yourself needing to charge during the day?
→ Yes: Reno6 (for fast charging) | No: nova Y90 (for capacity)
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student on a budget who games: Reno6 - that performance matters
- Netflix binger who hates charging: nova Y90 - bigger screen + battery
- Travel photographer: Reno6 - superior camera system
- Business user: Reno6 - faster performance for productivity
The Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
Hands down, the Oppo Reno6 5G. Here's why:
While the Huawei nova Y90 has a larger screen and battery, the Reno6 outperforms it in nearly every meaningful way that impacts daily use. The Dimensity 900 chipset is exponentially more powerful, the AMOLED display looks significantly better (especially outdoors), and the camera system is legitimately premium with its Sony sensors and optical zoom.
The 65W charging is transformative—being able to go from empty to full during breakfast is a quality-of-life upgrade I wouldn't want to give up. Meanwhile, the nova Y90's lack of 5G and weaker processor make it feel like a step backward in 2024.
Yes, you'll charge the Reno6 slightly more often, but when you do, it'll be lightning fast. And when you're taking photos, playing games, or just scrolling through apps, everything feels premium and responsive. That's worth the trade-off of marginally less battery capacity to me.
Unless you absolutely need the largest possible screen on a tight budget, the Reno6 5G is the clear winner that will serve you better for years to come.
