Vivo has just released its latest premium midrange smartphone in China.
The Vivo S6 5G features a 5G-enabled Exynos 980 processor, making Vivo one of the few brands to utilize a chipset coming from Samsung.
Since it’s a “premium” midrange device, it has a relatively low price tag (when compared to flagship devices) but with acceptably high-end features.
But, it’s not the only midrange smartphone of its kind. We also have the OPPO Reno 3 5G. Unlike the one that we have in the Philippines and most markets, the Chinese model sports the latest Dimensity 1000L processor from MediaTek, which should also deliver exemplary performance.
Now, here in our Vivo S6 5G versus OPPO Reno 3 5G specifications and features comparison, we’ll see which between these devices is right for you. Let’s begin!
Just for reference, we’ve also included the specs of the Reno 3 (4G only) in there. This is the unit that we’ll have here in the Philippines and more markets.
| OPPO Reno 3 5G | Vivo S6 5G | |
| Operating System | Android 10.0 ColorOS 7 | Android 10 Pie Funtouch OS 10 |
| SIM | Dual Sim Dual Standby | Dual Sim Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~411 ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.44-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 2400 × 1080 pixel resolution ~409ppi HDR 10 2.5D curved glass |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1000L octa-core processor (5G) MediaTek Helio P90 octa-core processor (4G only) | 2.2GHz Exynos 980 octa-core |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6G/8GB |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP9 | Mali-G76 MP5 |
| Storage | 128GB non-expandable (5G) expandable via microSD (4G only) | 128GB/256GB non-expandable |
| Front camera | 32-megapixel (5G) 44-megapixel (4G only) | 32-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 5G model: 64-megapixel (f/1.8, OIS) 8-megapixel (f/2.2, ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (mono) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF OIS LED flash 4G model: 48-megapixel (f/1.8) 13-megapixel (telephoto, 2x optical zoom) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (mono) PDAF LED flash | 48-megapixel (f/1.79) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) EIS LED flash |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual-band Bluetooth GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS NFC USB-Type C | 4G LTE 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.1 GPS, A-GPS, BDS, GLONASS USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 74.3 x 8mm | 161.2 x 74.7 x 8.7mm |
| Weight | 181g | 181g |
| Colors | White Black Starry Night Blue Sunrise | Danube Swan Lake Jazz Black |
| Battery | 4,025mAh 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0 | 4,500mAh 18W fast charging |
| Price | 8GB/128GB: CNY3,399 (~Php24,774.00) 12GB/128GB: CNY3,699 (~Php26,961.00) | 6GB/128GB: CNY 2,698 (~Php19,300) 8GB/256GB: CNY 2,998 (~Php21,500) |
Both OPPO and Vivo have created a couple of killer smartphones in their latest releases. However, it appears that the table above gives the win to the OPPO Reno 3 5G.
Its biggest win is in the processor used. The Redmi 3 5G boasts the latest MediaTek Dimensity 1000L chipset. This processor got an average score of about 390,000 in AnTuTu benchmark. You can also get it with up to 12GB of RAM to give you a real flagship-like experience.
On the other hand, the Exynos 980 processor on the Vivo S6 5G, only averages around 325,000. It also maxes out to 8GB, which is still enough to provide a seamless experience.
The Reno 3 5G model has also a better set of cameras. It comes with an optically stabilized 64-megapixel primary shooter, while the S6 5G settles for a 48-megapixel camera with no OIS.
Related
- OPPO Reno 3 vs Reno 3 Pro: What’s the difference?
- OPPO Reno 3 Pro vs Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro: Specs Comparison
You should get better images on the OPPO device, especially in low-light and when shooting in handheld. All that is thanks to the OIS and its pixel-packed sensor.
Although, the two share the same 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 2-megapixel depth sensor. To Vivo’s credit, the 2-megapixel macro camera can give more flexibility than the 2-megapixel mono of the former.
The selfie cameras are also the same. But if you’re getting the Reno 3 in some countries, the 4G-only model will come with a 44-megapixel front shooter, making the first one to have it, to compensate for the missing 5G connectivity. It takes really sharp selfies, as we found out in our hands-on review.
In fairness, the Vivo S6 5G does come with some features that are better than the Reno 3 5G. For one, its AMOLED screen has HDR 10 support. Both devices have identical 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screens. For the price, it would have been nice to see fast refresh rates on these devices — at least 90Hz.
In addition, the Vivo S6 5G also has a bigger 4,500mAh battery, versus the 4,025mAh on the Reno 3 5G.
But the OPPO Reno 3 Pro 5G takes back the win with its 30W VOOC Flash charge 4.0. That puts the 18W fast charging of the Vivo S6 5G to shame.
Bottom line is, the OPPO Reno 3 5G takes the win with its more powerful processor, better camera, and fast charging feature. However, you need to spend a bit more on it. So if budget is an issue, settling with the Vivo S6 5G and its 5G-enabled processor is not a terrible idea, either.