OPPO Reno 15 Pro Mini vs Pixel 8 vs Galaxy S24: The Compact Phone Battle Finally Gets Serious

For years, “flagship phone” has been synonymous with big screens and bulky bodies. But not everyone wants a 6.7-inch slab in their pocket. That’s why compact flagships like the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 have remained popular — and why the OPPO Reno 15 Pro Mini is such an interesting new entry.

OPPO isn’t just making a smaller phone here. It’s trying to prove that compact no longer means compromised — especially when it comes to cameras and battery life.

Display: Small Screens, Big Quality

All three phones sit in the sweet spot around 6.2–6.3 inches, which makes them easy to use one-handed without feeling outdated.

The Reno 15 Pro Mini immediately stands out with its 1.5K AMOLED panel and 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharper visuals than typical 1080p compact phones. Scrolling feels fluid, text looks crisp, and HDR content pops with ease.

The Galaxy S24 matches that smoothness with its Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz display, known for excellent brightness and color consistency. Samsung’s panel still feels like the most polished overall.

The Pixel 8, while visually pleasing, trails slightly here with a 90Hz display. It’s sharp and color-accurate, but once you get used to 120Hz, the difference is noticeable.

Display verdict:
Reno 15 Pro Mini and Galaxy S24 lead for smoothness; Pixel 8 is still good, but no longer best-in-class.

Performance: Power vs Optimization

Performance tells a different story for each phone.

The Reno 15 Pro Mini uses MediaTek’s flagship-class Dimensity 8450, which focuses on efficiency and sustained performance. Day-to-day use is fast, multitasking is smooth, and it handles gaming well without excessive heat — especially impressive for a compact device.

The Pixel 8 runs on Google’s Tensor G3, which isn’t about raw benchmark dominance. Instead, it excels at AI-driven tasks: photo processing, voice recognition, and smart features all feel instantaneous.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 delivers the most traditional flagship power, whether via Snapdragon or Exynos depending on region. It’s the most consistent choice for heavy gaming and long-term performance stability.

Performance verdict:
Samsung wins on raw balance, Pixel wins on AI intelligence, and OPPO delivers surprisingly strong efficiency for its size.

Cameras: Hardware vs Computational Magic

This is where the Reno 15 Pro Mini changes the conversation.

OPPO equips its compact phone with a 200MP main camera, paired with a real telephoto lens and ultra-wide camera — a setup rarely seen on small phones. The result is versatility: high-resolution photos, true optical zoom, and strong daylight detail that rivals much larger phones.

The Pixel 8, on the other hand, relies on fewer sensors but unmatched software. Google’s computational photography still dominates in portraits, night shots, and consistency. You don’t get extreme zoom hardware, but you do get reliable, beautiful images almost every time.

The Galaxy S24 sits comfortably in the middle. Its triple-camera system offers dependable performance across lighting conditions, solid zoom, and very good video — without leaning too far into hardware or software extremes.

Camera verdict:
Reno 15 Pro Mini wins on hardware versatility, Pixel 8 wins on AI photography, Galaxy S24 delivers the safest all-round camera experience.

Battery Life: A Clear Surprise Winner

Battery life is where the Reno 15 Pro Mini truly shocks.

Despite its compact size, OPPO packs in a massive ~6200mAh battery, paired with 80W fast charging. This means longer screen-on time than either competitor and dramatically shorter charging sessions.

Both the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 hover around the 4000mAh range. They’ll last a day with normal use, but neither can match OPPO’s endurance — and both charge noticeably slower.

Battery verdict:
Reno 15 Pro Mini wins outright. It’s not even close.

Software Experience: Three Different Philosophies

Software choice here comes down to personal preference.

The Pixel 8 offers the cleanest Android experience, fastest updates, and exclusive AI features. If you value simplicity and long-term software support, Pixel still sets the standard.

The Galaxy S24 leans into Samsung’s ecosystem. One UI is feature-rich, highly customizable, and integrates seamlessly with Galaxy watches, tablets, and laptops.

The Reno 15 Pro Mini runs ColorOS, which is fast, customizable, and packed with features. It may not be as minimal as Pixel or as ecosystem-focused as Samsung, but it offers flexibility power users often appreciate.

Software verdict:
Pixel for purity, Samsung for ecosystem, OPPO for customization.

Which Compact Phone Should You Buy?

The OPPO Reno 15 Pro Mini is the most ambitious compact phone of the three. Its camera hardware and battery capacity are almost unheard of in this size category.

The Galaxy S24 remains the safest choice — balanced, powerful, and supported by one of the strongest ecosystems in mobile tech.

The Pixel 8 is still the smartest phone in the room, prioritizing software intelligence and camera consistency over specs.

Choose the Reno 15 Pro Mini if you want the most hardware in the smallest body.
Choose the Galaxy S24 if you want a refined, do-everything compact flagship.
Choose the Pixel 8 if you value AI, clean software, and photography simplicity.