Why you can trust TechRadar
Verdict
The Oppo Reno 2 is an unusual prospect, as it’s so close to the Reno 10x Zoom in many ways that it’s hard to recommend this phone as a different device. The Reno 2 may have an extra camera, but it’s arguably not the most useful snapper, and the handset misses out on the 10x Zoom’s fantastic zoom, and has a weaker processor.
However the Oppo Reno 2’s price is an important factor – its lower price tag compared to the Reno 10x Zoom means it may be the better choice for those don’t need the best chipset in the world.
It’s no more novel in terms of design and features than the Oppo Reno and Reno 10x Zoom – but that’s okay, because those are all decent handsets in their own right. However, if you’ve not been sold on the Oppo Reno series before, this handset isn’t going to do enough to swing you.
Who's it for?
The Oppo Reno 2 is for fans of mid-range smartphone photography who don’t mind paying a bit extra for a device that’s stylish in design and competitive in terms of software.
Should I buy it?
Jf smartphone photography is your thing, but you don’t want to break the bank, the Oppo Reno 2 is a decent device with a respectable camera array for capturing a wide range of subjects. If you see yourself needing a lot of processing power, though, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
First reviewed: October 2019
Competition
Don't think the Oppo Reno 2 or Reno 2Z are for you? Here are some alternatives that you may like.
Oppo Reno 10x Zoom
The Oppo Reno 2 is a very similar device to the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, but while the Oppo Reno 2 has an extra camera, and an extra 2MP monochrome snapper for enhanced portrait shots, the Reno 10x Zoom has a better processor. While those extra features aren’t likely to swing things in favor of the Reno 2, its lower price might.
Read our in-depth Oppo Reno 10x Zoom review
OnePlus 7T Pro
Oppo and OnePlus share ownership, and their devices have a lot in common. The OnePlus 7T Pro also has a pop-up selfie camera, but in many ways it’s a more premium device, with a better chipset and higher-quality screen. However, it’s also similar in a lot of ways, so the Oppo Reno 2’s lower price tag may make it the more tempting device for many.
Read our in-depth OnePlus 7T Pro review
Honor 20 Pro
If you want four cameras on your smartphone, but you don’t want to break the bank, the Honor 20 might be the phone for you. It doesn’t have a pop-up front camera, using a corner ‘punch-hole’ design instead, and the screen isn’t quite as good, but it does have an improved processor and a more one-handed-friendly design, and offers slightly faster charging.
Read our in-depth Honor 20 Pro review
Tom Bedford was deputy phones editor on TechRadar until late 2022, having worked his way up from staff writer. Though he specialized in phones and tablets, he also took on other tech like electric scooters, smartwatches, fitness, mobile gaming and more. He is based in London, UK and now works for the entertainment site What To Watch.
He graduated in American Literature and Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. Prior to working on TechRadar, he freelanced in tech, gaming and entertainment, and also spent many years working as a mixologist.
Looking for a gaming gift for the holidays? These big deals on the best PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch games of 2024 could be winners
ExpressVPN launches new one-of-a-kind Dedicated IP service
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have reportedly appeared for sale online, but I've seen Bigfoot photos that are more believable