The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Honor X5c and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The X5c relies on the established Helio G81, while the N30 SE introduces the newer, more efficient Dimensity 6020. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the superior choice. Its Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor X5c’s 12nm Helio G81. Crucially, the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it the more practical option for daily use.
| 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 | 2025, October 05 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 05 | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | · 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF - LATAM only
· 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) - MEA, SEA, AF, Eurasia
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 | FM radio | 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 | 15W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Midnight Black, Tidal Blue, Meteor Silver | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | - | CPH2605 |
| Price | - | About 510 EUR |
Honor X5c
- Potentially lower price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Established Mediatek Helio G81 platform.
- Slower processor compared to the Dimensity 6020.
- Significantly slower 15W charging.
- Less efficient 12nm manufacturing process.
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset.
- Significantly faster 33W charging.
- More responsive user experience.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potential for software bloat (typical of OnePlus).
- Camera performance likely similar to the X5c without further specs.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut are missing. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the internal components driving the experience. We can assume both will offer a 60Hz refresh rate, prioritizing battery life over smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The quality will largely depend on sensor size and image processing algorithms, which are unknown. Given the price point, expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely more for marketing than practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a clear upgrade over the Honor X5c’s Helio G81 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. The Dimensity 6020’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also offers a clock speed advantage over the X5c’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This means faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the OnePlus. While both use Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the Dimensity 6020’s superior architecture will still provide an edge.
Battery Life
The Honor X5c’s 15W charging is a significant drawback compared to the OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W charging. The N30 SE claims a 51% charge in 30 minutes, a substantial time saving. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the N30 SE mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the OnePlus’s faster charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5c if your primary need is a functional, basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value faster performance for apps and occasional gaming, and you want the convenience of significantly quicker charging speeds – a benefit for users who are constantly on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the OnePlus Nord N30 SE handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play on medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Helio G81 in the Honor X5c will struggle with higher settings and may exhibit noticeable frame drops during intense gameplay.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 15W charging on the Honor X5c?
The 33W charging on the N30 SE is significantly faster. OnePlus claims 51% charge in 30 minutes. The X5c’s 15W charging will take considerably longer – likely over 90 minutes to reach a full charge from a low battery level.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G81 and Dimensity 6020 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Dimensity 6020 will result in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and quicker multitasking. While the Helio G81 is adequate for basic tasks, the Dimensity 6020 provides a more responsive and fluid user experience.
