The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the HTC A102 and OnePlus Nord N100 aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N100 offers a slightly better overall experience. While the HTC A102’s Helio G85 has a theoretical CPU performance edge, the Snapdragon 460’s more efficient 11nm process and the Nord N100’s $125 price point (with 4GB RAM) make it the more compelling value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 13 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 257.9 x 162.5 x 7.9 mm (10.15 x 6.40 x 0.31 in) | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 533 g (1.18 lb) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Midnight Frost |
| Models | - | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
HTC A102
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance with the Helio G85
- May offer a slightly lower price point depending on retailer
- HTC brand recognition for some users
- Less efficient 12nm process may lead to shorter battery life
- Missing display details suggest a potentially lower-quality screen
- Uncertain software update support from HTC
OnePlus Nord N100
- More efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset for better battery life
- Lower price of $125 for the 64GB/4GB RAM model
- Qualcomm’s optimized software and ISP
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance compared to the A102
- Basic camera system
- OnePlus’s software update policy can be inconsistent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are missing for the HTC A102, suggesting a standard LCD. The OnePlus Nord N100 also utilizes an LCD. The key difference lies in the underlying chipsets; the Snapdragon 460’s ISP likely handles display calibration, potentially offering slightly more accurate colors. However, without detailed display specs for the A102, a definitive winner is difficult to declare. Both will likely offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards the basic side. Both are expected to feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. Without specific sensor details for the HTC A102, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Snapdragon 460’s ISP is known for decent image processing, but the Nord N100’s camera system is unlikely to excel in low-light conditions. The focus should be on the primary sensor; any 2MP macro or depth sensors are unlikely to provide significant value. Image quality will be adequate for social media sharing, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The performance battle centers around the Mediatek Helio G85 in the HTC A102 versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 in the OnePlus Nord N100. The Helio G85 utilizes a 12nm process and features a Cortex-A75 based dual-core setup for peak performance, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. The Snapdragon 460, built on a more efficient 11nm process, employs four Kryo 240 cores at 1.8GHz and four at 1.6GHz. While the A102’s CPU architecture *suggests* a potential advantage in single-core tasks, the Snapdragon 460’s process node and Qualcomm’s optimization typically translate to smoother overall system responsiveness and better sustained performance under load. The 4GB of RAM in the base N100 model is standard for this price point, and likely matched in the A102, meaning multitasking will be similar, but the Snapdragon’s efficiency will be noticeable during prolonged use.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is unknown for the A102, but the Snapdragon 460’s efficiency gives the Nord N100 an advantage in real-world battery life. The 11nm process consumes less power, allowing the N100 to potentially last longer on a single charge, even with a similar battery capacity. Users prioritizing all-day battery life will likely find the Nord N100 more reliable.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A102 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for basic multitasking and light gaming, and are willing to potentially sacrifice some battery life and efficiency. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you value a more balanced experience with better power efficiency, a lower price, and a generally smoother user interface, even if it means slightly less peak CPU power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 460 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Helio G85 in the A102 might offer slightly better peak performance, but the Snapdragon 460’s thermal management could lead to more consistent gameplay over longer sessions.
❓ How reliable is software support for the HTC A102, given HTC’s past track record?
HTC’s software update history has been inconsistent. While they have improved in recent years, the A102 is a budget device, meaning it may receive fewer software updates and security patches compared to the Nord N100. This is a significant consideration for long-term security and feature enhancements.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord N100 support fast charging beyond the 18W specification?
No, the OnePlus Nord N100 officially supports only 18W wired charging. While it *might* charge slightly faster with a higher-wattage charger, it won't utilize protocols like Warp Charge found on more expensive OnePlus models. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
