The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The LG K61 and OnePlus Nord N100 represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The K61 relies on MediaTek’s Helio P35, while the Nord N100 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 460. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG K61’s 12nm Helio P35. The inclusion of 18W fast charging further sweetens the deal, making it a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | 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, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.5% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 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 | Yes | - |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DNLA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, White, Blue | Midnight Frost |
| Models | LMQ630EAW, LM-Q630EAW, LM-Q630 | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
LG K61
- Potentially lower initial cost
- May offer a slightly more compact form factor (speculation)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful processor (Helio P35)
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely inferior multitasking performance
OnePlus Nord N100
- More powerful and efficient processor (Snapdragon 460)
- Faster 18W charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly higher price point
- May have a larger footprint
- Software updates may be less frequent than other OnePlus devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The K61’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it’s unlikely to surpass the Nord N100 in brightness or color accuracy. The Nord N100’s display is adequate for everyday use, but neither phone will impress users accustomed to OLED or high refresh rate panels. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Snapdragon 460’s image signal processor (ISP) generally offers better image processing capabilities than the Helio P35’s. This could result in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction on the Nord N100. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors often produce low-quality images. Focusing on the main sensor performance is key, and the N100’s ISP gives it a slight edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) offers a clear architectural advantage over the LG K61’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The smaller 11nm node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores are more modern and efficient than the K61’s Cortex-A53 cores. This difference will be most noticeable during multitasking and when running demanding applications. The N100’s GPU will also provide a better gaming experience, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K61, but given its market segment, it’s likely around 4000mAh. The OnePlus Nord N100’s battery life will be influenced by its more efficient chipset. However, the N100’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The K61 likely supports standard 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. This faster charging capability makes the N100 more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K61 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more. The N100 is the better option for users who want a phone that feels responsive and can handle a wider range of applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a dedicated gaming phone, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers. The Helio P35 in the K61 will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the OnePlus Nord N100 compared to the LG K61?
The Nord N100’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times. While a precise 0-100% time for the K61 is unknown, it likely takes over 3 hours with its standard 10W charging. The Nord N100 can likely reach a full charge in around 2 hours, or even less depending on the charger used.
❓ Is the 4GB of RAM in both phones sufficient for multitasking?
4GB of RAM is the bare minimum for modern Android. The Nord N100’s Snapdragon 460 manages memory more efficiently, so it will handle multitasking slightly better than the K61’s Helio P35. However, heavy users may still experience occasional slowdowns.
