The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lenovo K14 Plus and the Nokia X30. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia X30 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, significantly faster charging, brighter display, and longer software support outweigh the Lenovo K14 Plus's potential price advantage. The X30 offers a more premium and future-proof experience.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 15 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm (6.26 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T700 | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 - 128GB
UFS 3.0 - 256GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06" |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Cloudy Blue, Ice White |
| Models | - | TA-1450, TA-1443 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 399.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 94h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 403732 (v9)
GeekBench: 1920 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo K14 Plus
- Likely more affordable
- Decent basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Lower quality display
- Less powerful camera
- Limited software support
Nokia X30
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Better camera
- Longer software support (Nokia's promise)
- 5G Connectivity
- Likely more expensive
- May lack some features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
The Nokia X30 boasts a significantly brighter display at 746 nits, offering better visibility outdoors. While the K14 Plus likely has a decent display, it lacks the measured brightness data to compete. The X30's 'infinite' contrast ratio suggests excellent image quality, though this is a nominal value. The X30 wins here.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo/Video' capabilities, but the Nokia X30 is expected to deliver superior image quality thanks to the Snapdragon 695's image signal processor (ISP). The K14 Plus's camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but the X30 should offer more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance.
Performance
The Nokia X30's Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G is a substantial upgrade over the Lenovo K14 Plus's Unisoc T700. The Snapdragon offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and improved gaming. The K14 Plus will feel sluggish in comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an impressive endurance rating of 94 hours. However, the Nokia X30's 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the K14 Plus's slow 10W charging. The X30 will charge much faster, making it more convenient for daily use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo K14 Plus? Those prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the Nokia X30? Users seeking a smoother performance, better camera, faster charging, and a more reliable long-term software experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo K14 Plus worth buying?
It's a viable option if you're on a very tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. However, be prepared for compromises in performance and features.
❓ How long will Nokia X30 software updates be supported?
Nokia promises 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security updates for the X30, which is excellent for a budget phone.
