OnePlus Nord N20 5G vs Nord N20 SE: A Detailed Comparison

The OnePlus Nord series is known for offering excellent value, and the N20 5G and N20 SE are no exception. But with slightly different specs and target audiences, which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which Nord is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster chipset, 5G connectivity, and a brighter display. While the N20 SE boasts faster charging, the N20 5G's overall performance and future-proofing make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N20 5G OnePlus Nord N20 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2022, April 282022, August 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 28Available. Released 2022, August 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation Up-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 619PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 UFS 2.2eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlueBlue Oasis, Celestial Black
ModelsGN2200, CPH2459CPH2469
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 190 EUR
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)-

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • Faster Processor
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Brighter Display
  • Excellent Battery Life (129h Endurance)

  • Slower Charging than N20 SE
  • Potentially Higher Price

OnePlus Nord N20 SE

  • Faster Charging
  • Lower Price
  • Adequate Performance for Basic Tasks

  • Slower Processor
  • No 5G
  • Dimmer Display
  • Less Powerful Camera

Display Comparison

The Nord N20 5G features a brighter display at 647 nits compared to the N20 SE. Both likely use similar LCD panels, but the N20 5G's higher brightness provides better visibility in sunlight. Contrast ratio is likely similar, with the N20 5G's 'infinite' rating being a nominal marketing term.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar main camera setup (likely a 64MP primary sensor). However, the N20 5G's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The N20 SE's camera is adequate but not exceptional.

Performance

This is where the N20 5G shines. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is considerably more powerful than the N20 SE's Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the N20 5G. The N20 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

While both offer 33W charging, the N20 SE's charging times (50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min) are notably faster than the N20 5G. The N20 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 129h, suggesting excellent battery life despite the more power-hungry chipset.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is ideal for users who want a smooth, responsive experience, 5G connectivity, and a brighter display for comfortable viewing. The Nord N20 SE is a good option for those on a very tight budget who prioritize fast charging and don't need the latest performance or 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nord N20 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and 5G connectivity. The N20 5G offers a significantly better user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G has a higher endurance rating (129h), suggesting longer battery life despite the more powerful chipset.
❓ Can the Nord N20 SE handle gaming?
It can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles. The N20 5G is a better choice for gamers.