The smartphone market is flooded with options under $200, but performance varies wildly. We pit the BLU Studio X10, a long-standing budget contender, against the newer OnePlus Nord N30 SE, which aims to deliver a more modern experience. This comparison focuses on where each phone excels and who will benefit most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset offers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the BLU Studio X10’s aging Mediatek MT6580. While the X10 may appeal to those on the absolute tightest budget, the N30 SE provides a far more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 05. Released 2020, August 05 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 146 x 73.5 x 9.3 mm (5.75 x 2.89 x 0.37 in) | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Red, Black, Blue | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | - | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 510 EUR |
BLU Studio X10
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely inferior camera quality
- No fast charging
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Efficient 7nm chipset
- 33W fast charging
- More future-proof
- Better image processing capabilities
- Higher price than the BLU Studio X10
- May not have the absolute longest standby time
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The N30 SE’s Dimensity 6020 will handle UI animations and scrolling far more smoothly. While neither spec sheet details resolution or refresh rate, the N30 SE’s superior chipset suggests a better overall visual experience, even if the panels themselves are similar. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The N30 SE’s more powerful chipset will likely enable better image processing, resulting in sharper images and improved low-light performance. The presence of a more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 6020 is a significant advantage. We can anticipate the BLU Studio X10’s camera to be adequate for basic snapshots, but lacking in detail and dynamic range compared to the N30 SE.
Performance
This is where the gulf between these phones becomes apparent. The BLU Studio X10’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This architecture dates back several years and struggles with modern multitasking. In contrast, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to a substantial performance uplift – expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and a more responsive overall experience on the N30 SE. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The BLU Studio X10’s battery capacity is unknown, but given its older chipset, it likely relies on a smaller battery to maintain a reasonable form factor. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. The ability to gain 51% charge in just 30 minutes is a game-changer for users who need a quick top-up. While the N30 SE’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 6020’s efficiency will likely result in comparable or better battery life than the X10, even with a similar capacity, and the faster charging significantly improves usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and basic smartphone functionality is sufficient – think calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you prioritize smoother performance for apps and games, faster charging, and a more modern chipset that will remain relevant for longer. The N30 SE is ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a responsive experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N30 SE be able to handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant step up from the BLU Studio X10 and will provide a much more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the MT6580 and Dimensity 6020 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. The difference is very noticeable. The Dimensity 6020’s octa-core architecture and 7nm process result in significantly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The BLU Studio X10 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord N30 SE support software updates and security patches?
OnePlus generally provides good software support for its Nord series devices. While the exact update schedule isn't guaranteed, you can expect to receive regular security patches and potentially one or two major Android version updates, offering a longer software lifespan than the BLU Studio X10.
