OnePlus Nord N20 SE vs Nord N20 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a budget-friendly smartphone can be tough. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE and Nord N20 5G both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which Nord is the right fit for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nord N20 5G is the clear winner thanks to its superior chipset, 5G connectivity, and brighter display. While the N20 SE offers 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 SE OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - GlobalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM-
Launch
Announced2022, August 052022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 08Available. Released 2022, April 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)AMOLED
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1Android 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm16 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue Oasis, Celestial BlackBlue
ModelsCPH2469GN2200, CPH2459
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 120 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 SE

  • Faster charging (33W)
  • Potentially lower price

  • Weaker processor
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Less bright display

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • More powerful processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
  • 5G connectivity
  • Brighter display
  • Better overall performance

  • Potentially higher price
  • Charging speed similar to N20 SE

Display Comparison

The Nord N20 5G boasts a significantly brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, offering better visibility outdoors. It also claims an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent image quality. The N20 SE's display is adequate but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast. Both feature similar resolutions and refresh rates (likely 60Hz).

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 decent but lacks the processing power of its counterpart. Specific camera specs (ultrawide, macro) are likely similar.

Performance

Here's where the N20 5G truly shines. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset (6nm) is considerably more powerful than the N20 SE's Helio G35 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the N20 5G. The N20 SE's performance is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a large battery capacity (likely around 4500-5000mAh). The N20 SE has a slight edge in charging speed with 33W wired charging, reaching 50% in 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes. The N20 5G also has 33W charging. The endurance rating of 129h suggests excellent battery life for both devices, indicating they can easily last a full day or more on a single charge.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more affordable price point, who don't need 5G. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is perfect for those wanting a smoother experience, 5G connectivity, and a brighter, more vibrant display, even if it means a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus Nord N20 SE worth buying?
The N20 SE is a decent budget option if you prioritize fast charging and a lower price, and don't need 5G. However, the N20 5G offers a significantly better overall experience.
❓ Does the Nord N20 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Nord N20 5G is designed for 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.