The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lenovo K13 Note and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The OnePlus Nord N20 SE emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, more powerful chipset, and generally smoother performance. While the Lenovo K13 Note offers decent value, the Nord N20 SE's superior features justify its price.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 22 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 22 | Available. Released 2022, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Gray, Pearl Sakura | Blue Oasis, Celestial Black |
| Models | - | CPH2469 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Lenovo K13 Note
- Very affordable
- Decent display
- Large battery capacity
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Less refined software
OnePlus Nord N20 SE
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better performance (Helio G35)
- Generally smoother experience
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more expensive
- Helio G35 is older architecture
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, with FHD+ resolution. However, the Nord N20 SE may have a slightly better panel with improved color accuracy and brightness. The K13 Note's display is likely adequate but may lack the vibrancy of the Nord N20 SE.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary sensor around 48MP. However, OnePlus's image processing algorithms are generally superior, potentially resulting in better photos, especially in low light. The Nord N20 SE may also offer more camera features.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord N20 SE's Helio G35 chipset, despite being on a slightly older 12nm process, generally outperforms the Snapdragon 460 in real-world usage. The Nord N20 SE's CPU clock speeds are higher, contributing to a snappier feel. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Nord N20 SE.
Battery Life
The Nord N20 SE's 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the K13 Note's 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times and more convenient usage. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the Nord N20 SE's charging speed makes a huge difference.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo K13 Note? Users prioritizing a very budget-friendly option and are less concerned with performance or fast charging. Who should buy the OnePlus Nord N20 SE? Those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more capable chipset without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo K13 Note good for gaming?
The Lenovo K13 Note's Snapdragon 460 is adequate for basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding titles. The Nord N20 SE will handle games better.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
OnePlus generally offers better and more timely software updates than Lenovo, although both are budget brands.
