Oppo Reno15 vs Galaxy A37: Camera, Battery, Support
The Oppo Reno15 and Samsung Galaxy A37 are two very different phones: the Reno15 is a recent mid-range device with a focus on camera and fast charging, while the Galaxy A37 is an older budget model. For camera quality, battery life, and software support, the Reno15 is the clear winner, but the A37 may still appeal to those on a very tight budget or who prefer a compact phone.
Background: Where Each Phone Sits
The Oppo Reno15 (released in late 2025) is part of Oppo’s Reno series, which has always emphasized camera and design. It sits above the budget A-series and competes with other mid-range phones like the Samsung Galaxy A56. The Galaxy A37 (released in 2016) was a budget phone from Samsung’s long-running Galaxy A line, aimed at first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a basic device. A decade separates them, so the comparison is really about whether an old budget phone can still be relevant against a modern mid-ranger.
Camera: Hardware and Real-World Results
The Reno15 has a 50MP main camera (f/1.8) with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom. It also has a 50MP front camera. The Galaxy A37 has a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front camera, with no ultrawide, no telephoto, and no OIS. In practice, the Reno15 produces sharper, more detailed photos in good light, and its night mode (which uses multi-frame processing) dramatically improves low-light shots. The A37 struggles in low light, producing soft, noisy images. Video: the Reno15 records 4K at 30fps, while the A37 tops out at 1080p. For anyone who cares about photography, the Reno15 is in a different league.
Battery and Charging: Capacity vs. Speed
The Reno15 packs a 5,600mAh battery and supports 80W wired charging (with the included charger). The Galaxy A37 has a 2,300mAh removable battery and supports only 10W charging. The Reno15 easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and often two days with light use. The A37, even when new, struggled to get through a full day, and its battery has likely degraded over time. Charging the Reno15 from 0 to 100% takes about 40 minutes; the A37 takes over two hours. The A37’s battery is removable, which is rare today, but that doesn’t offset the massive gap in endurance and charging speed.
Software Support: Updates and Security
The Reno15 ships with Android 15 and Oppo’s ColorOS 15. Oppo promises 5 years of security updates and 4 major Android updates for the Reno15 series (as of 2025). The Galaxy A37 shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received only one major update (to Android 7.0), with security patches ending years ago. Today, the A37 runs an outdated, vulnerable version of Android that no longer receives patches. The Reno15 will stay secure and get new features for years. If you care about security, the A37 is a risk.
How to Choose: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are choosing between these two as a new purchase, the Reno15 is the obvious choice unless budget is the only factor. Here is a quick guide:
- Choose the Reno15 if: you want a phone that takes great photos, lasts all day, charges fast, and will receive updates for years.
- Choose the Galaxy A37 only if: you need the absolute cheapest phone possible, or you specifically want a small, light phone with a removable battery and don’t care about performance, camera, or security.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the Galaxy A37’s removable battery makes it better long-term. In reality, you can’t easily buy a new battery for it, and the phone’s old software and weak processor make it frustrating to use today. Another issue: the A37 has only 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (expandable via microSD), which is not enough for modern apps. The Reno15 has 8GB/256GB or 12GB/512GB, so it handles multitasking and storage easily. Also, the A37 lacks a fingerprint sensor (only face unlock via the front camera), while the Reno15 has an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Reno15 is too expensive, consider the Samsung Galaxy A16 or A26 (2025 models) which offer better support than the A37 and decent cameras. If you want the best camera for the price, the Google Pixel 8a is a strong alternative. If you prefer a larger battery, the Motorola Moto G Power (2025) is worth a look. All of these are modern phones with at least 3 years of updates, which the A37 cannot offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy A37 still safe to use?
No, it is not recommended. It runs Android 7.0, which is over 8 years old and has many unpatched security vulnerabilities. Using it for banking or sensitive apps is risky.
Can the Galaxy A37’s battery be replaced?
Yes, the battery is removable, but finding a genuine replacement is difficult. Third-party batteries may be of poor quality and can pose a safety risk. The Reno15’s battery is not user-replaceable, but it is designed to last for years.
Does the Reno15 have a headphone jack?
No, the Reno15 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy A37 does have one. If you need a headphone jack, you’ll need a USB-C adapter for the Reno15.
Which phone has better selfie camera?
The Reno15’s 50MP front camera is far better than the A37’s 5MP. It produces sharper images, has autofocus, and supports 4K video recording.
Can the Galaxy A37 run modern apps like TikTok or WhatsApp?
It can run them, but they will be slow and may crash. The 2GB RAM and old processor are not sufficient for current versions of these apps. The Reno15 runs them smoothly.
Does the Reno15 support wireless charging?
No, the Reno15 does not support wireless charging. It uses 80W wired charging, which is faster than most wireless chargers anyway.
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