Huawei nova Y72 vs. OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Detailed Comparison for Budget Shoppers

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Huawei nova Y72 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Y72 relies on Huawei’s Kirin chipset, while the N30 SE leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 6020. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency over the Huawei nova Y72’s older 14nm Kirin 710A. While the Y72 offers a slightly slower charging speed, the N30 SE’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova Y72 OnePlus Nord N30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, January 262024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2024, January 31
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.3 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207 g (7.30 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetKirin 710A (14 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G51 MP4Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12, EMUI 14, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging22.5W wired33W wired, 51% in 30 min
Type6000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenBlack Satin, Cyan
ModelsMGA-LX3CPH2605
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 510 EUR

Huawei nova Y72

  • Familiar Huawei Software (for existing users)
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reliable brand reputation

  • Older, less efficient Kirin 710A chipset
  • Slower 22.5W charging
  • Potential Google Mobile Services limitations

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6020
  • Faster 33W charging (51% in 30 min)
  • Cleaner Android experience with OxygenOS

  • OnePlus software updates can be inconsistent
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Y72

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The difference in chipset architecture won't directly affect the display panel itself, but a more responsive processor (N30 SE) will translate to a smoother user experience when navigating the interface.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Dimensity 6020 in the N30 SE will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 6020 can handle more complex algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. The Y72’s Kirin 710A, while capable, is an older generation chip and will struggle to match the N30 SE’s image quality.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is the clear winner in this category. The 7nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient than the Huawei nova Y72’s Kirin 710A (14nm). This translates to better performance per watt, meaning the N30 SE will likely sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods without thermal throttling. The Dimensity 6020’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also offers a more modern architecture than the Y72’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. Users who multitask heavily or enjoy mobile gaming will see a tangible benefit from the N30 SE’s superior processing power.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Huawei nova Y72’s 22.5W charging. OnePlus claims a 51% charge in 30 minutes, which is considerably faster. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 6020 in the N30 SE will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Y72. The faster charging speed means less downtime and more time using the device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova Y72 if you prioritize a familiar Huawei software experience and are comfortable with potential limitations regarding Google Mobile Services. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value raw performance, faster charging, and a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates. The N30 SE is the better option for gamers and power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Huawei nova Y72 support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
Huawei has faced restrictions on using Google Mobile Services. The nova Y72 likely ships with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. While many popular apps are available, some may require sideloading or alternative solutions.
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N30 SE handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the N30 SE is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Kirin 710A.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord N30 SE from 0%?
While OnePlus advertises 51% in 30 minutes, a full charge from 0% to 100% with the 33W charger is estimated to take around 60-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Kirin 710A and Dimensity 6020 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Dimensity 6020’s more modern architecture and higher clock speeds result in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience.