The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Honor X5b Plus aims to deliver essential features at an incredibly low price point, while the OnePlus Nord N30 SE attempts to bridge the gap between affordability and performance. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on where each phone excels and who will benefit most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6020 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Honor X5b Plus’ Helio G36, coupled with substantially faster 33W charging. While the X5b Plus is cheaper, the N30 SE provides a better overall 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 | LTE | 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 22 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 530 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | GFY-LX2P, GFY-LX2 | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 510 EUR |
Honor X5b Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for minimal smartphone use
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated Helio G36 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding apps
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Faster Dimensity 6020 processor
- 33W fast charging (51% in 30 min)
- Smoother user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget-focused device
- Likely lacks advanced camera features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut are missing. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the underlying processing power needed to drive more complex display technologies like high refresh rates, which neither phone offers. The absence of features like LTPO suggests neither is optimized for variable refresh rates and power saving.
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 absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The N30 SE’s processor advantage *could* translate to slightly better image processing capabilities, but the sensor size and lens aperture will be the primary determinants of image quality. We can expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Honor X5b Plus’ 12nm Mediatek Helio G36. The Dimensity 6020’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides significantly more processing power than the Helio G36’s 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the N30 SE are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. This translates to a noticeably smoother experience when multitasking or running demanding applications. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Honor X5b Plus is hampered by its slow 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, 10W charging will require a significant amount of time to fully replenish the battery. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE, with its 33W wired charging, offers a vastly superior charging experience, claiming a 51% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly. The difference in charging speed alone makes the N30 SE a more practical choice for many.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5b Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value a smoother user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or appreciate the convenience of fast charging. The N30 SE offers a more versatile and enjoyable experience for a modest price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G36 in the Honor X5b Plus sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While PUBG Mobile may be playable on the Honor X5b Plus, expect significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates. The Helio G36 is a budget chipset and will struggle with demanding games, leading to stuttering and a less enjoyable gaming experience. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Dimensity 6020 offers a much more capable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 10W charging on the Honor X5b Plus in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The N30 SE can gain a significant charge in a short amount of time – 51% in 30 minutes. The X5b Plus, with 10W charging, will take several hours to fully charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost. Expect a full charge on the X5b Plus to take upwards of 3-4 hours.
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N30 SE overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Dimensity 6020’s 7nm process is more efficient than the Helio G36’s 12nm process, meaning it generates less heat under load. While some warming is expected during intensive tasks, the N30 SE is less likely to experience significant throttling due to overheating compared to the X5b Plus.
