Oppo Reno 10x Zoom: A US$550 handset that matches the camera quality of the Huawei P30 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S10, according to DxOMark

DxOMark is not the arbiter of camera performance, but it is a handy reference for when we are yet to put a device through its paces. While we have reviewed most of the smartphones released by major OEMs this year, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is one that has been given a reprieve for the time being. The handset shares many of its features with its stablemate, the OnePlus 7 Pro, including the Sony IMX586 that we reviewed earlier this year. However, it also includes a 5x optical zoom lens, something that the OnePlus 7 Pro and its successor lack.

But the Reno has a "10x Zoom" camera, right? Sadly, that name relates to the device's 10x hybrid zoom, although The Verge notes that the Reno can achieve a 60x digital zoom. DxOMark recognises this too and states that its 5x optical sensor is not as good as the equivalents in the Huawei P30 Pro or Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro Premium Edition.

It appears that the 130 mm ultra-wide sensor helps the Reno draw level with the P30 Pro overall in DxOMark's eyes, as the former falls short of the latter in all other areas. Apparently, the Reno has better telephoto and ultra-wide lenses than those in the OnePlus 7 Pro, too. The website only separates the Reno and OnePlus 7 Pro by two points overall, but the two should offer almost identical primary rear-facing camera experiences. The Reno also edges the Samsung Galaxy S10 in most areas, apparently.

Ultimately, all the smartphones mentioned above have versatile sets of cameras. However, DxOMark's Oppo Reno 10x Zoom review serves as a timely reminder that one need not spend close to, or beyond, US$1,000 for a smartphone with good cameras.

Buy Reno 10x Zoom now on Amazon