OnePlus 6T vs. Nord N200 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus 6T represented a high point for OnePlus, delivering flagship performance at a competitive price. Now, years later, the Nord N200 5G aims to recapture some of that value. This comparison examines whether the newer 5G connectivity and modern features of the N200 5G outweigh the older 6T’s more powerful chipset and refined experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 6T remains the superior choice. While the Nord N200 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 845 in the 6T provides significantly better overall performance and a more responsive user experience. The 6T’s endurance rating is also identical, negating the N200’s 5G advantage for many.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N200 5G OnePlus 6T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - Europe, North America
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - USA-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 2, 25, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Canada-
Launch
Announced2021, June 212018, October 29. Released 2018, November 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 25Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm (6.20 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.41 inches, 100.9 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOptic AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 630
OSAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, OxygenOS 11.1.1.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
Dual-16 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS 20 MP (16 MP effective), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm, PDAF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1-
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.116 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired20W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 3700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlue QuantumThunder Purple, Mirror Black, Midnight Black
ModelsDE2118, DE2117A6010, A6013
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 430 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -93.8dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 90h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.138 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 67dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 84dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 293994 (v7) GeekBench: 8977 (v4.4) GFXBench: 31fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus Nord N200 5G

  • 5G Connectivity: Offers access to faster mobile data networks.
  • Newer Software: Likely to receive more software updates and security patches.
  • More Affordable: Generally available at a lower price point.

  • Inferior Performance: Snapdragon 480 significantly slower than the 845.
  • Potentially Lower Build Quality: Typically uses more plastic in construction.
  • Less Refined User Experience: Software may be less polished than on the 6T.

OnePlus 6T

  • Superior Performance: Snapdragon 845 delivers a much smoother and faster experience.
  • Potentially Better Camera: Likely benefits from a more advanced ISP and image processing.
  • Solid Build Quality: Typically features a glass and metal construction.

  • No 5G Connectivity: Limited to 4G LTE networks.
  • Older Software: May have reached the end of its software update cycle.
  • Battery Aging: Battery capacity may have degraded over time.

Display Comparison

Both devices share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio and a sunlight contrast ratio of 4.138, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the N200 5G’s display specifications are not detailed enough to assess its color accuracy or peak brightness. The 6T, being an older flagship, likely benefits from better color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness, contributing to a more vibrant viewing experience. The absence of refresh rate information for the N200 5G suggests it likely operates at the standard 60Hz, while the 6T’s display, while also 60Hz, was considered excellent for its time.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are lacking. The 6T, as a former flagship, likely featured a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 845, leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the 6T’s overall processing power likely provides an edge in image processing and video stabilization. The N200 5G’s camera is likely geared towards casual use, while the 6T aimed for a more premium photographic experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 6T’s Snapdragon 845, built on a 10nm process, features a Kryo 385 CPU configuration with higher clock speeds (2.8 GHz Gold cores) compared to the Nord N200 5G’s Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). This translates to a substantial performance advantage for the 6T in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. While the 480 5G’s 8nm process is more efficient, the architectural superiority and higher clock speeds of the 845 outweigh this benefit. The N200 5G’s CPU, while octa-core, operates at lower frequencies, resulting in slower single-core and multi-core performance.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both devices boast an endurance rating of 90 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life despite the difference in chipsets. The N200 5G charges at 18W, while the 6T supports 20W wired charging. This means the 6T will likely charge slightly faster, but the difference is minimal. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 480 5G should theoretically offer better power efficiency, but the 6T’s larger battery (spec not provided, but typical for the time) and optimized software likely compensate for the less efficient chipset.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord N200 5G if you absolutely require 5G connectivity on a tight budget and prioritize a newer device with potential for longer software support. Buy the OnePlus 6T if you value performance, a smoother user experience, and don't heavily rely on the latest cellular technology. The 6T is ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and longevity over cutting-edge features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nord N200 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is an entry-level 5G chipset. While it can run these games, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. The Snapdragon 845 in the 6T offers a much smoother gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ Is the battery on the OnePlus 6T likely to still hold a decent charge after several years of use?
Battery health degrades over time with any smartphone. However, the 6T’s initial battery capacity was likely larger than the N200 5G’s, and its efficient software optimization may have contributed to slower degradation. Expect some reduction in capacity, but it should still provide a full day of moderate use.
❓ Does the Nord N200 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers?
5G support and carrier compatibility can vary. It's crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure the Nord N200 5G is fully compatible with their network, including VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) for optimal call quality and coverage.