The Honor X70i and OnePlus Nord N20 SE represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The X70i boasts a newer, more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, while the Nord N20 SE relies on the established, but less potent, Helio G35. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Honor X70i emerges as the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset offers a significant performance leap over the Nord N20 SE’s Helio G35, making it better suited for demanding tasks and ensuring smoother long-term usability. While the Nord N20 SE offers slightly faster charging, the X70i’s superior processing power justifies the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 25 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 30 | Available. Released 2022, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.6 x 7.3 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.29 in) | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178.5 g (6.31 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, compass, proximity (ultrasound) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Purple, Mint Green | Blue Oasis, Celestial Black |
| Models | ABR-AN00 | CPH2469 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Honor X70i
- Significantly more powerful processor (Dimensity 7025 Ultra)
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life
- Likely superior camera image processing
- Potential for smoother long-term performance
- Charging speed is only marginally faster than the N20 SE
- May be slightly more expensive than the N20 SE
OnePlus Nord N20 SE
- Faster charging time (0-100% in 69 minutes)
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and reliable for basic tasks
- Established OnePlus software experience
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio G35)
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Struggles with demanding applications and multitasking
- Limited future-proofing
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X70i’s positioning, it likely features a higher resolution panel than the N20 SE. The N20 SE, being an older model, may have wider bezels. Color accuracy is also likely to be better on the X70i, as Honor often prioritizes display quality in its mid-range and budget offerings. Without specific data, we can assume the X70i offers a more visually immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Without camera specifications, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the X70i will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The X70i is more likely to support advanced features like HDR video recording and more sophisticated computational photography techniques. The N20 SE’s camera system will likely be geared towards basic photography needs.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X70i’s Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the OnePlus Nord N20 SE’s 12nm Helio G35. The Dimensity 7025 Ultra features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A78 cores alongside A55s – compared to the Nord N20 SE’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration. This translates to a significant performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 6nm node also contributes to better power efficiency, meaning the X70i should offer longer battery life under load. The Helio G35 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord N20 SE boasts 33W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes. The Honor X70i offers 35W wired charging, which should be comparable, potentially slightly faster. However, the Dimensity 7025 Ultra’s superior power efficiency means the X70i is likely to deliver longer real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity. The N20 SE’s faster charging is a benefit, but the X70i’s efficiency mitigates the difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X70i if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and future software updates without significant slowdowns. Its more powerful processor and efficient design make it a better long-term investment. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 SE if you prioritize a simple, reliable experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value the slightly quicker charging speeds over raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in the OnePlus Nord N20 SE struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G35 is a budget chipset and will likely require significantly reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve playable performance in PUBG Mobile. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in crowded scenes. The Honor X70i’s Dimensity 7025 Ultra will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Honor X70i’s 35W charging offer a substantial advantage over the Nord N20 SE’s 33W charging?
The difference in charging wattage is minimal. While the X70i might charge slightly faster, the real benefit lies in its more power-efficient chipset. This means you’ll likely spend less time plugged into the wall overall, as the X70i will consume less power during typical usage.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Dimensity 7025 Ultra and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones will handle basic tasks adequately, the Dimensity 7025 Ultra will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be less laggy, and the phone will feel more fluid overall. The Helio G35 may exhibit occasional stutters and delays.
