OnePlus Nord N200 5G vs. Nord N100: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance

OnePlus’s Nord N series aims to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point. The Nord N200 5G and N100 represent two generations of this approach, but significant internal differences exist. This comparison dissects the key specifications – particularly the chipsets – to determine which phone provides the best experience for the money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and future-proofing compared to the N100’s Snapdragon 460. While both offer 18W charging, the N200’s improved processing power justifies the slight price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N200 5G OnePlus Nord N100
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
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 Cat13 400/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 2, 25, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Canada1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA
Launch
Announced2021, June 212020, October 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 25Available. Released 2020, November 11
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame
Dimensions163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)164.9 x 75.1 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 610
OSAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1-
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.18 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes-
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue QuantumMidnight Frost
ModelsDE2118, DE2117BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 80 EUR
Pricing
64GB 4GB RAM-$ 125.00
RENEWED-$ 129.00

OnePlus Nord N200 5G

  • Faster Snapdragon 480 5G chipset
  • More efficient 8nm process
  • Improved image processing capabilities

  • Potentially higher price point
  • Limited detailed specifications available

OnePlus Nord N100

  • Extremely affordable ($125 for 64GB/4GB)
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • 18W fast charging

  • Older Snapdragon 460 chipset
  • Less efficient 11nm process
  • Lower performance overall

Display Comparison

Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but generally, phones in this price bracket feature 6.49-6.52 inch FHD+ LCD panels. The N200 5G likely benefits from the newer chipset’s improved image signal processor (ISP) for slightly better color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be similar, typical of budget devices. Without refresh rate data, it's safe to assume both operate at 60Hz.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are absent, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor. The N200 5G’s Snapdragon 480 ISP likely provides superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The N100, while functional, will likely struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nord N200 5G’s Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) is a clear upgrade over the N100’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The 8nm process translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. The N200’s CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 – offers a performance advantage over the N100’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240. This means faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and improved responsiveness in demanding applications. The N200 also benefits from a more modern GPU, enhancing gaming performance.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-2.5 hours for a full charge. Without battery capacity data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the Snapdragon 480’s improved power efficiency in the N200 5G could translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 8nm process is key here, reducing power draw during typical usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord N200 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience, especially when utilizing 5G networks. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you are on an extremely tight budget and primarily need basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and are willing to accept compromises in performance. The N100’s $125 price point (64GB/4GB) is its strongest asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the N200 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 480 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially during intense firefights. The N100’s Snapdragon 460 will struggle more with consistent performance in this title.
❓ Does the N200 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 480 5G does support carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for potentially faster download and upload speeds, provided your carrier supports it. The Snapdragon 460 has limited carrier aggregation support, resulting in slower 5G performance in compatible areas.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The N200 5G’s Snapdragon 480 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and scrolling through social media feeds. The N100 can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.