The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Lenovo A8 2020 and OnePlus Nord N100 represent two distinct approaches to delivering affordable Android experiences. The Lenovo relies on MediaTek’s Helio P22, while the OnePlus opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 460. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Lenovo A8 2020’s 12nm Helio P22. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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 / HSPA / 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 | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 15 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 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 (max 2 at a time) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~87.2% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Midnight Frost |
| Models | L10041 | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
Lenovo A8 2020
- Potentially lower price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- May offer slightly longer battery life due to potentially larger capacity (inferred).
- Slower processor (Helio P22).
- Slower charging (10W).
- Likely less responsive user experience.
OnePlus Nord N100
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 460).
- Faster charging (18W).
- More efficient chipset (11nm process).
- Available for around $125.
- Slightly higher price.
- May have a smaller battery capacity (inferred).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of refresh rate specifications suggests standard 60Hz panels. The real difference will likely come down to color calibration and brightness, areas where OnePlus typically performs slightly better. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting the budget nature of the devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software processing. The OnePlus Nord N100’s potential for better image processing, stemming from Qualcomm’s ISP (Image Signal Processor), could yield slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The Lenovo A8 2020 will likely struggle more in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 in the OnePlus Nord N100 represents a clear architectural advantage over the MediaTek Helio P22 in the Lenovo A8 2020. The 11nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 460 is more efficient than the Helio P22’s 12nm process, leading to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo cores, split into 1.8GHz and 1.6GHz clusters, offer a more refined performance profile than the Helio P22’s uniform 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the OnePlus.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the OnePlus Nord N100’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Lenovo A8 2020’s 10W charging will take considerably longer to replenish the battery. Even if the Lenovo has a slightly larger battery capacity, the faster charging of the OnePlus will result in less downtime. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A8 2020 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the OnePlus Nord N100 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect playable frame rates with reduced graphics quality. The Helio P22 in the Lenovo A8 2020 will struggle significantly with demanding games.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the OnePlus Nord N100 compared to the Lenovo A8 2020?
The OnePlus Nord N100’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times aren’t available, expect the Nord N100 to charge at least 50% faster than the Lenovo A8 2020, which is limited to 10W.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 460 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 460 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when navigating the user interface, launching apps, and multitasking. The Helio P22 may exhibit lag and stuttering, especially with multiple apps open.
