The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The LG Q52 and OnePlus Nord N100 represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The Q52 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 your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord N100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the LG Q52’s older Helio P35, despite both featuring similar core counts. The N100’s 18W charging is also a significant advantage.
| 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 | LTE | 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, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 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 |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 10 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
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 | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 3.1 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | Midnight Frost |
| Models | LM-Q520N | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
LG Q52
- Potentially more mature software experience (LG)
- May offer a slightly more refined user interface
- Likely similar battery capacity to the N100
- Older, less efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Slower charging speeds (likely 10W)
- Potentially limited software update support
OnePlus Nord N100
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Better potential for future software updates
- OnePlus’s OxygenOS can be polarizing
- Build quality may feel less premium than some competitors
- Limited internal storage (64GB)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified display specs (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the newer chipset in the Nord N100 *could* indicate a slightly more advanced display controller, potentially leading to better color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 460 is generally more advanced than MediaTek’s equivalent in the Helio P35, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features and won’t significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) has a clear architectural advantage over the LG Q52’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores are more efficient and offer better sustained performance. The 11nm process node allows for better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged use. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience on the N100, particularly for users who engage in light gaming or frequently switch between apps. The Q52’s older Cortex-A53 cores will struggle comparatively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the LG Q52, but given its market segment, it’s likely around 4000mAh, similar to the Nord N100. However, the Nord N100’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Q52 likely supports standard 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. This means the N100 can quickly top up its battery, offering more convenience for users on the go. The Snapdragon 460’s improved efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you prioritize a potentially more mature software experience from LG (though updates are a concern) and are comfortable with a slightly less responsive processor for basic tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a chipset that’s more likely to receive future software optimizations, even if it means sacrificing some brand recognition.
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 gaming powerhouse, but it’s capable of providing a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ How reliable is software support for the LG Q52, given LG's exit from the smartphone market?
Software support for the LG Q52 is a significant concern. While LG initially promised updates, their departure from the smartphone market casts doubt on long-term security patches and OS upgrades. The Nord N100, backed by OnePlus, is likely to receive more consistent software support.
❓ Is the 64GB of storage on the OnePlus Nord N100 enough, and can it be expanded?
64GB is relatively limited in 2024. However, the Nord N100 *does* support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB of additional storage. This mitigates the storage concern for users who consume a lot of media or download many apps.
