OPPO Reno8 T 5G: Better but can it hold up in the competition?
I know most of you have been looking for a midrange smartphone that can let you connect to 5G. There’s a lot of 5G-enabled devices in the market right now, and it is easy to narrow things down especially if you’ve been following the contents of local content creators.
Just recently, I posted a video about the OPPO Reno8 T 5G. In my video, I mentioned the things that I liked and didn’t like about the phone, and I wanted to be as thorough as possible. Most of your comments in the video are valid and understandable, and some of you may be surprised to know that we both almost share the same sentiments about the Reno8 T 5G.
As an incremental 5G upgrade of the recently launched Reno8 T, the 5G version is packed with improved specs especially in the display, connection, battery, and camera departments. Are these subtle upgrades enough to make its PhP23,999 price really worth it? My heart and mind are conflicted, and allow me to tell you why.
Display and Design
One of the biggest differences is the size of the display, which also affects the overall size of the device. It has a 6.7-inch display compared to the Reno8 T’s 6.4-inch. Both are AMOLED, but the 5G version is slightly curved on both sides. This gives it a subtle premium feel and since it’s a curved AMOLED, thereby giving some rights for it to be more expensive than its non-5G variant.
Another improvement in the 5G version is its 120Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the 90Hz refresh rate of the Reno8 T. This refresh rate is crucial as it affects the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the device. The Reno8 T’s high price tag made the 90Hz refresh rate one of its major weaknesses, so it’s a relief that the 5G version has a higher refresh rate that puts it on par with other flagship devices. However, it’s important to note that the 5G version is not considered a flagship device. Nonetheless, it’s great to see OPPO taking steps to include some flagship features in this device.
Hardware Specs & Performance
Despite being priced higher than some of its competitors, the OPPO Reno8 T 5G is a device worth considering, especially when it comes to performance. The phone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, which delivers fast and smooth performance when multitasking and running demanding apps. It can even handle gaming with ease, running games like Tower of Fantasy and Kart Rider Drift at medium settings with relatively good frame rates.
It’s important to note that the Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range processor, so while it may not match the performance of flagship processors, it still offers impressive performance for its price point. This makes the Reno8 T 5G a good option for those who want a powerful device without breaking the bank on a flagship model.
However, it’s true that the Reno8 T 5G is relatively expensive compared to some other devices on the market with similar specs. So, if you’re on a budget, there may be more affordable options to consider. But if you’re willing to invest in a device that offers top-notch performance and features, the Reno8 T 5G is definitely worth a look.
Benchmark
Antutu Benchmark
Antutu Benchmark is a widely used software application that measures the performance of a mobile device, including its processor, graphics, memory, and storage. It runs a series of tests and generates a score that represents the device’s overall performance. This score is based on various factors, such as CPU and GPU performance, RAM and storage speeds, and the device’s ability to handle multi-tasking and intensive applications. Antutu Benchmark is commonly used by tech enthusiasts, smartphone manufacturers, and reviewers to compare the performance of different mobile devices and provide an objective evaluation of their performance capabilities.
Geekbench 4
Geekbench 4 is a cross-platform benchmarking tool that measures the performance of a device’s CPU and GPU. It provides a standardized set of tests that allow for easy comparison of devices across different operating systems, architectures, and generations. The benchmark measures the single-core and multi-core performance of a CPU, as well as the performance of the device’s GPU, memory, and storage subsystems.
PCMark Work 2.0
PCMark Work 2.0 for mobile is a benchmarking tool that measures the performance of mobile devices in a range of common tasks, such as web browsing, video playback, and document editing. The benchmark produces a score that reflects how well a device performs in each task and an overall score that reflects its performance across all tasks.
PCMark Work 2.0 for mobile aims to provide a more realistic measure of mobile device performance than some other benchmarks, as it focuses on real-world tasks rather than synthetic tests. This means that the benchmark is designed to be more representative of the performance users can expect from a device in everyday use.
The benchmark runs a series of tests that simulate typical workloads, such as browsing the web, writing emails, and running productivity applications. The results are then compiled into a score that reflects how well the device performs in each test.
Camera Performance
If you were a fan of the cameras on the Reno8 T, particularly the 100MP camera, then you might consider the 5G version an upgrade in terms of specifications. However, to be honest, most of the photos I took were just okay and my expectations were not fully met, especially in terms of low-light portrait shots. The edges of my hair in one of the photos I took looked muddy, and the software had difficulty detecting edges in dark environments.
But despite this, low-light portrait shots are the only area where the camera falls short. The rest of the camera’s performance is quite satisfactory, particularly in good lighting conditions.
The microscope feature was overhyped during the launch, and I thought that it was utterly unnecessary. But, I’ve grown to love it as it opens creators to bring their audience to the “almost-quantumania”. It’s impressive, but most people might find this still unnecessary.
Regarding video, this phone can shoot up to 1080P using both the front and rear cameras. It does not have OIS, which is a bummer, but there seems to be EIS kicking in up to 1080P. Unfortunately, this is among the phones that costs more than PhP20,000 that doesn’t have the combination of EIS and OIS.
Battery Performance
Reno8 T 5G sports a slightly lower capacity battery compared to the Reno8 T. It has 4800mAh battery. It now comes with a 67W SuperVOOC charger that the phone is compatible with. Its battery juice from 100% to 20% lasted for about 11 hours based on my test with 60% brightness and medium overall usage. I would say that its battery performance is decent, but definitely the best in its price point.
Verdict
The OPPO Reno8 T 5G is a midrange smartphone that offers some improvements compared to its non-5G variant, such as a larger display, higher refresh rate, and better performance. It is equipped with a mid-range processor, the Snapdragon 695, which offers impressive performance for its price point, but is relatively expensive compared to some other devices on the market with similar specs.
The camera performance is decent, but not exceptional. There are a few quirks and issues that need to be fixed, especially in non-well-lit environments.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
