The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Nokia 3 V and OnePlus Nord N100 aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, with the Nord N100 prioritizing processing power and faster charging, while the Nokia 3 V focuses on a more streamlined, potentially longer-supported software experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Nokia 3 V’s quad-core Snapdragon 429. The 18W charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly higher price.
| 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 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 13 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 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, August 20. Released 2019, August 23 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.36 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 |
| Weight | 188.6 g (6.67 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Android One | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Midnight Frost |
| Models | - | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
Nokia 3 V
- Potentially longer software support from Nokia.
- Simpler, less cluttered Android experience.
- Lower price point (potentially).
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
OnePlus Nord N100
- Faster Snapdragon 460 processor.
- 18W fast charging.
- 64GB storage option available.
- OxygenOS can be more resource intensive than stock Android.
- Potentially less frequent software updates compared to Nokia.
- Slightly higher price.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, specifics like resolution and brightness are missing. The key difference lies in processing power, which indirectly impacts display responsiveness. The Nord N100’s more powerful chipset will likely translate to smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panel itself is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, given the price point.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Nokia 3 V likely relies on software processing to enhance image quality, while the Nord N100’s slightly more powerful chipset could offer faster image processing. The presence of a 64GB storage option on the N100 is beneficial for storing photos and videos, a consideration given the limited internal storage common in this price range. We can expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord N100’s Snapdragon 460 is the clear winner here. Its octa-core CPU (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) offers significantly more processing power than the Nokia 3 V’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Snapdragon 460’s 11nm process node is also more efficient than the 429’s 12nm node, potentially leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nord N100. The 4GB of RAM on the N100 (as per the provided price point) further enhances its multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the OnePlus Nord N100’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Nokia 3 V’s 10W charging. This means the Nord N100 can be topped up much faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Nokia 3 V might offer slightly longer overall battery life, the convenience of faster charging on the Nord N100 is a compelling benefit for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3 V if you prioritize a simple, uncluttered Android experience and value a brand known for software updates, even if those updates are less frequent. You'll be content with basic tasks and light usage. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming with greater ease, and if faster charging is a must-have feature. It’s the better option for users who demand more from their budget device.
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 significantly more capable than the Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3 V for gaming.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Nokia 3 V and the OnePlus Nord N100?
The Nokia 3 V typically runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a clean and uncluttered experience. OnePlus’s OxygenOS, while still relatively clean, includes additional features and customizations. OxygenOS can be more resource-intensive, potentially impacting performance on a lower-end chipset like the 460, but it also offers more flexibility.
❓ Is the 64GB storage on the Nord N100 enough, or should I consider a microSD card?
64GB is sufficient for basic usage, but if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or install many apps, a microSD card is highly recommended. Both phones likely support microSD card expansion, providing a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity.
