The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and Infinix Note 30 Pro represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The Nord CE 3 leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 782G, while the Note 30 Pro opts for MediaTek's Helio G99. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and a smoother overall experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 782G chipset offers a noticeable performance edge, particularly in demanding tasks. However, the Infinix Note 30 Pro counters with versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless, making it a strong contender for those valuing convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2023, May 22 |
| Status | Rumored | Available. Released 2023, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | - | 162.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| | - | IP53 |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | - | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 nits (peak) |
| | - | * the display diagonal size and resolution is unconfirmed |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | 108 MP, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8" |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | Sound by JBL
24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired | 68W wired, PD3.0, 80% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Magic Black, Variable Gold |
| Models | - | X678B |
OnePlus Nord CE 3
- Superior processing power with Snapdragon 782G
- Potentially better image processing
- Faster overall system responsiveness
- Lacks wireless charging
- No reverse wireless charging
Infinix Note 30 Pro
- Versatile charging options (wired, wireless, reverse wireless)
- Competitive price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient Helio G99
- Lower processing power compared to Snapdragon 782G
- Image processing may not be as refined
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a top-tier display, but both utilize 6nm chipsets which help with thermal management during extended use. Specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate, panel type) are missing, but considering the price bracket, both likely employ FHD+ panels. The key differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness, areas where OnePlus typically excels. Without concrete data, we can assume the Nord CE 3 will offer a slightly more refined visual experience, but the Note 30 Pro’s display will be adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests both phones will feature a primary camera around the 64MP mark. The Snapdragon 782G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Nord CE 3. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a crucial factor, but is currently unknown. We can expect the Infinix Note 30 Pro to lean towards vibrant, saturated colors, a common trait of MediaTek-powered devices, while the Nord CE 3 might aim for more natural color reproduction.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 3’s Snapdragon 782G, built on a 6nm process, features a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 2.7 GHz, alongside three additional Cortex-A78 cores. This configuration provides a significant advantage in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Infinix Note 30 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G99. The G99, while also 6nm, utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz and six A55 cores. The Snapdragon’s architectural advantage translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and better performance in graphically intensive games. The Nord CE 3 is the clear winner for users who demand responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 30 Pro distinguishes itself with a more versatile charging solution. While the Nord CE 3 offers a rapid 80W wired charging, the Note 30 Pro counters with 68W wired charging (claiming 80% in 30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who travel frequently or prefer the convenience of wireless charging. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the Note 30 Pro’s charging options provide a broader range of usability scenarios, potentially offsetting a slightly smaller battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 if you need a phone that handles multitasking and gaming with ease, and if you value a consistently responsive user interface. Buy the Infinix Note 30 Pro if you prioritize battery flexibility with wireless charging and reverse wireless capabilities, and if you're a user who frequently shares power with other devices or prefers a more adaptable charging ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 30 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact and similar graphically intensive games will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 782G in the Nord CE 3 will provide a more consistent and higher-fidelity gaming experience.
❓ How practical is the reverse wireless charging feature on the Infinix Note 30 Pro?
Reverse wireless charging is ideal for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It's not a replacement for a dedicated charger, as the charging speed is relatively slow (15W), but it's a convenient feature for on-the-go power sharing.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 likely to degrade the battery health faster than the 68W charging on the Infinix Note 30 Pro?
While faster charging *can* contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term, modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging management systems to mitigate this effect. The difference between 80W and 68W is unlikely to be significant in real-world usage.
