Motorola Moto G24 vs OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Motorola Moto G24 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The G24 focuses on affordability, while the N30 SE prioritizes faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the better buy. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Moto G24’s Helio G85, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the G24 is cheaper, the N30 SE’s advantages justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G24 OnePlus Nord N30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, January 182024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, February 06Available. Released 2024, January 31
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 537 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired33W wired, 51% in 30 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Charcoal, Ice Green, Blueberry, Pink LavenderBlack Satin, Cyan
ModelsXT2423-1CPH2605
Price£ 74.99 / € 101.62About 510 EUR

Motorola Moto G24

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Reliable for basic tasks
  • Motorola's clean software experience

  • Outdated Helio G85 chipset
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Likely limited performance in demanding apps

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • More powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset
  • Significantly faster 33W charging
  • Improved thermal efficiency

  • Slightly higher price
  • May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones
  • OxygenOS can be feature-heavy for some users

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s ability to drive the UI smoothly. The real difference lies elsewhere.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will feature modest camera systems. The focus should be on image processing capabilities, which are tied to the chipset. The Dimensity 6020’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality will be limited.

Performance

The core differentiator is the chipset. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Motorola Moto G24’s Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 6020 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G85’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both have 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the Dimensity 6020’s superior architecture provides a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The Moto G24’s 15W charging is a significant drawback compared to the Nord N30 SE’s 33W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the N30 SE – claiming 51% charge in 30 minutes – drastically reduces downtime. This is a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day. The efficiency gains of the Dimensity 6020 may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G24 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize basic functionality over performance. It’s a solid choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value faster performance for social media, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a more responsive and modern smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Nord N30 SE handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Helio G85 in the Moto G24 will struggle with higher settings and may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Nord N30 SE compared to the Moto G24’s 15W charging in real-world use?
The Nord N30 SE’s 33W charging can add approximately 51% battery in 30 minutes, while the Moto G24’s 15W charging will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to achieve a similar charge level. This makes a significant difference for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G24 a good option for someone upgrading from a very old smartphone?
Yes, the Moto G24 is a suitable upgrade for users coming from older devices. It offers a modern smartphone experience with essential features, but it's important to understand its limitations in terms of performance and charging speed.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord N30 SE support software updates for an extended period?
OnePlus typically provides at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches for its Nord N series devices. This is a better software support commitment than Motorola generally offers, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for longer.