OnePlus Nord N200 5G vs. Nord N20 5G: A Deep Dive into OnePlus' Budget 5G Lineup

OnePlus’ Nord N series aims to deliver 5G connectivity and a smooth user experience at an accessible price point. The Nord N200 5G and Nord N20 5G represent two distinct approaches within this strategy. The N200 5G prioritized affordability, while the N20 5G introduced a brighter display and faster charging. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which model best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the N200 5G’s Snapdragon 480, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While both phones offer comparable battery endurance, the N20 5G’s brighter display and faster charging justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N200 5G OnePlus Nord N20 5G
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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - USA2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 25, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Canada-
Launch
Announced2021, June 212022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 25Available. Released 2022, April 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11Android 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.116 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.116 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue QuantumBlue
ModelsDE2118, DE2117GN2200, CPH2459
PriceAbout 170 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 N200 5G

  • More affordable price point
  • Acceptable battery life for basic use
  • 5G connectivity

  • Slower Snapdragon 480 processor
  • Slower 18W charging
  • Likely less vibrant display

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • Faster Snapdragon 695 processor
  • Significantly faster 33W charging
  • Brighter and more enjoyable display

  • Higher price compared to N200 5G
  • Battery life is comparable, not superior
  • May be slightly heavier due to larger charging components

Display Comparison

The Nord N20 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 647 nits compared to an unspecified brightness for the N200 5G. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. While neither phone features high refresh rates, the N20 5G’s increased brightness provides a more enjoyable viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. The N200 5G’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more cost-optimized panel.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors are unavailable for both devices. However, the focus should be on the primary sensor capabilities. While both likely feature similar secondary sensors (often 2MP macro/depth), the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 695 of the N20 5G will offer superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The N200 5G’s ISP, tied to the older Snapdragon 480, will likely produce less refined images, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nord N200 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, built on an 8nm process, with an octa-core CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460). The Nord N20 5G steps up to the Snapdragon 695 5G, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver). The 6nm process and higher clock speeds of the 695 translate to improved performance and thermal efficiency, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. The N20 5G will handle demanding applications with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both the Nord N200 5G and N20 5G achieve an endurance rating of 129 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The N200 5G is limited to 18W wired charging, while the N20 5G supports 33W wired charging. This faster charging capability significantly reduces the time required to replenish the battery, offering a more convenient user experience. While both phones will likely last a full day on a single charge with moderate use, the N20 5G’s faster charging is a clear advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord N200 5G if you prioritize absolute affordability and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. It’s ideal for basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 5G if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a more vibrant display. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy streaming video, playing mobile games, and multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord N20 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 480 in the N200 5G?
While both chipsets can experience thermal throttling, the Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process is more efficient, meaning it’s likely to generate less heat under sustained load. This translates to potentially longer gaming sessions with less performance degradation on the Nord N20 5G, though the overall thermal design of the phone also plays a role.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Nord N20 5G in real-world usage compared to the 18W charging on the N200 5G?
The 33W charging on the N20 5G can realistically reduce charging times by approximately 30-45 minutes for a full 0-100% charge. While exact times vary based on usage, the N200 5G will take significantly longer to fully recharge, making the N20 5G more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 480 and 695 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both chips can handle basic tasks, the Snapdragon 695 in the N20 5G provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, switching between apps, and loading web pages. The N200 5G may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering during heavier usage.