The OnePlus One, a 2014 flagship that disrupted the market, is being revisited in a world dominated by budget smartphones like the HTC A103. This comparison isn't about raw specs; it's about understanding how a once-premium experience stacks up against a modern, ultra-affordable device. We'll dissect the core differences to determine which phone best suits your needs in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone, the OnePlus One remains surprisingly capable due to its superior Snapdragon 801 processor and proven 66-hour endurance rating. However, the HTC A103 offers a modern Android experience at a significantly lower price point, making it ideal for those on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 7, 17, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July | 2014, April. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 244 x 162.6 x 8.5 mm (9.61 x 6.40 x 0.33 in) | 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.02 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | CyanogenMod 13
Oxygen 2.1.4 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761B Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 4K@30fps, 4K(DCI)@24fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, dual mono speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 3100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Silk White, Sandstone Black |
| Models | - | A0001 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 66h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 799 (nominal), 1.961 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 74dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 80dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1230Basemark X: 13129 |
HTC A103
- Extremely affordable price point
- Modern Android operating system (likely)
- Energy-efficient 12nm chipset
- Weak performance due to Helio A22
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited camera capabilities
OnePlus One
- Powerful Snapdragon 801 processor
- Excellent battery life (66h endurance)
- Superior performance for older apps and games
- Old device with limited software support
- Potential battery degradation due to age
- May require finding replacement parts
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar contrast ratio of 799 (nominal) and 1.961 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the A103's display specifications are largely unknown beyond this, while the OnePlus One's display was considered excellent for its time. The lack of detailed display information for the A103 suggests a focus on cost reduction, likely resulting in a lower-quality panel compared to the OnePlus One's original offering.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking for both. Given the A103's budget nature, its camera is likely to be significantly inferior to the OnePlus One's. The OnePlus One, while not a camera champion even in its day, offered a respectable imaging experience for its time. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it's safe to assume the OnePlus One will produce better quality photos and videos.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The OnePlus One's Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801, with its quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU, significantly outperforms the HTC A103's Mediatek MT6761B Helio A22 (quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Snapdragon 801, built on a 28nm process, was a flagship chip in 2014, capable of handling demanding tasks. The Helio A22, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm node, is designed for entry-level devices and will struggle with anything beyond basic apps. This translates to a much smoother and faster user experience on the OnePlus One, especially when multitasking or running older, more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The OnePlus One boasts an impressive endurance rating of 66 hours, indicating excellent battery life for its time. The HTC A103 offers 10W wired charging, a slow standard by today's metrics. While the A103's battery capacity is unknown, the OnePlus One's superior efficiency and larger battery (likely) contribute to its significantly longer runtime. The 10W charging on the A103 will require considerably more time to reach a full charge compared to the OnePlus One, even considering its age.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A103 if you need a very affordable smartphone for basic communication, light social media, and occasional web browsing. Its modern Android build and low price are its key strengths. Buy the OnePlus One if you prioritize performance for older apps and games, value a longer-lasting battery, and don't mind a device that's several years old and may have limited software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the OnePlus One still secure in 2024, considering its age?
Security is a major concern. The OnePlus One has likely ceased receiving security updates, making it vulnerable to modern threats. Using it for sensitive data or online transactions is strongly discouraged. Consider a custom ROM with active security maintenance if you choose to use it.
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the HTC A103 struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Yes, the Helio A22 is a very basic processor. While it can run these apps, expect significant lag, slow loading times, and a generally frustrating experience, especially when multitasking or using features like filters and video recording.
❓ Can I expect to play modern mobile games on either of these phones?
Modern, graphically intensive games will be largely unplayable on the HTC A103. The OnePlus One might handle some older or less demanding titles at low settings, but don't expect a smooth gaming experience.
❓ What kind of storage options did the OnePlus One offer, and is it expandable?
The OnePlus One originally came in 16GB and 64GB storage options. Importantly, it features a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add up to 128GB of additional space. This is a significant advantage over many modern smartphones.
