Nokia X10 vs OnePlus Nord N20 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance

The Nokia X10 and OnePlus Nord N20 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded budget 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Nokia X10’s Snapdragon 480. Coupled with faster 33W charging, the Nord N20 5G offers a smoother, more responsive experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia X10 OnePlus Nord N20 5G
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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 31, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub62, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 Splash protection-
Launch
Announced2021, April 082022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 07Available. Released 2022, April 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)AMOLED
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14Android 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single8 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 4470 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsForest, SnowBlue
ModelsTA-1350, TA-1332GN2200, CPH2459
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR EU0.51 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 129h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 316974 (v8), 380672 (v9) GeekBench: 1945 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Nokia X10

  • Potential for longer software support from Nokia.
  • Reliable 5G connectivity with Snapdragon 480.
  • Generally more affordable price point.

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset.
  • Slower 18W charging.
  • Display specifications are less impressive.

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset for smoother performance.
  • Faster 33W wired charging.
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.

  • OnePlus’s software update track record is less consistent than Nokia’s.
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Nokia X10.
  • Potential for more bloatware.

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 647 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Nokia X10. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Nord N20 5G’s superior brightness is a clear advantage. The Nokia X10’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel likely lacking features like high refresh rates found in some competitors.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications for the Nokia X10 are unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given its market positioning, it’s likely to feature a more modest camera setup. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s camera performance will likely benefit from the more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 695. While megapixel counts aren’t everything, the processing power of the chipset plays a crucial role in image quality, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume the Nord N20 5G will deliver more refined image processing and potentially better dynamic range.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G utilizes the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G, fabricated on a 6nm process. This is a more advanced node than the 8nm process used for the Nokia X10’s Snapdragon 480. The 695 features a Kryo 660 Gold/Silver CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.7 GHz) which offers a performance edge over the X10’s Kryo 460 (2x2.0 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 129 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Nokia X10’s 18W charging. This means the Nord N20 5G can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. A full charge from 0-100% will be considerably quicker on the OnePlus device, a crucial benefit for users who prioritize convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia X10 if you prioritize a brand known for software update commitment and are comfortable with a slightly less powerful processor. It’s a solid choice for basic smartphone tasks and reliable 5G connectivity. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 5G if you value performance, faster charging, and a brighter display. It’s ideal for users who enjoy occasional gaming, streaming, and demand a more responsive user interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord N20 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Nokia X10’s Snapdragon 480 will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between Nokia and OnePlus for these models?
Nokia traditionally offers a more consistent and longer-term software update commitment, typically promising several years of security patches and OS upgrades. OnePlus’s update policy has been less predictable in recent years, with some devices receiving fewer updates than initially promised. If long-term software support is a priority, the Nokia X10 is the safer bet.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 33W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is significant. 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N20 5G can add a substantial amount of battery life in just a short period – enough for several hours of use. 18W charging on the Nokia X10 is considerably slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly.