The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 takes the win thanks to its significantly faster processor (especially the Exynos version), better overall software support, and more modern design. While the Nord N20 SE boasts faster charging, the A14's performance and longevity make it the superior pick.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 05 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 08 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue Oasis, Celestial Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | CPH2469 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
OnePlus Nord N20 SE
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Clean Android Experience
- Affordable Price
- Slower Processor
- Lower Resolution Display
- Less Versatile Camera
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Faster Processor (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- Better Camera System
- Longer Software Support
- More Modern Design
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Potentially Less Clean UI (One UI)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the Galaxy A14 typically has a slightly higher resolution (FHD+ vs. HD+ on the N20 SE) resulting in a sharper image. The A14 also often has a more modern design with a flatter display, while the N20 SE retains a more curved aesthetic. Viewing angles and color accuracy are generally comparable, though Samsung's display tuning often provides slightly more vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. While both phones capture decent photos in good lighting, the A14 tends to produce more detailed and vibrant images. Low-light performance is also typically better on the A14. The N20 SE's camera is adequate but lacks the refinement of the A14.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A14 pulls ahead. The Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G35 in the Nord N20 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A14. The N20 SE can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord N20 SE shines here with its 33W fast charging, allowing it to reach 50% in just 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes. The Galaxy A14's 15W charging is considerably slower. However, both phones offer similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), so real-world battery life is often comparable, with the A14 potentially lasting slightly longer due to its more efficient processor.
Buying Guide
The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a clean Android experience on a tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother performance, longer software support, and a more polished overall experience, even if charging is slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, thanks to its more powerful processor, offers significantly better gaming performance than the OnePlus Nord N20 SE.
❓ How long will Samsung support the Galaxy A14 with software updates?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its Galaxy devices, including the A14, offering several years of security updates and potentially OS upgrades.
