The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A5x and OnePlus Nord N100 represent distinct approaches to value: Oppo prioritizes processing power and charging speed, while OnePlus focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A5x is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100, and the 45W charging is a game-changer. However, the Nord N100 remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 23 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 25 | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15, ColorOS 15 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 33W PPS, 13.5W PD, 50% in 37 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tranquil Lake Green, Laser White | Midnight Frost |
| Models | - | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | ₹ 11,499 | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
Oppo A5x
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- Ultra-fast 45W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- More responsive user experience
- Likely a higher price point
- No specified battery capacity
OnePlus Nord N100
- Lowest possible price point ($125 for 64GB/4GB)
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward software experience
- Widely available
- Slow 18W charging
- Underpowered Snapdragon 460 processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Potentially poor gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor OnePlus provide display specifications beyond the basic existence of a display. Given the price point, expect 60Hz LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color gamut coverage. Without further data, it's safe to assume display quality is comparable and not a major differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price bracket, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth or macro lenses of limited utility. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely heavily on software processing. The A5x’s processor advantage *could* translate to better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in slightly improved dynamic range and noise reduction. However, without knowing sensor sizes and apertures, this remains speculative. We can assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A5x’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, significantly outperforms the OnePlus Nord N100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The Dimensity 6300’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, provides a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Snapdragon 460’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 6nm node also implies better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Nord N100 will be adequate for basic tasks, but the A5x is the clear winner for anything beyond light usage.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging capabilities are a major differentiator. The Oppo A5x’s 45W wired charging, supporting 33W PPS and 13.5W PD, is significantly faster than the Nord N100’s 18W charging. Oppo claims a 50% charge in 37 minutes, a substantial advantage over the Nord N100. This faster charging mitigates the impact of potentially smaller battery capacity on the A5x, offering more convenient top-ups throughout the day. The Nord N100 will require longer charging times, making it less ideal for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5x if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and faster charging for minimal downtime. This is ideal for users who stream video, play mobile games, or rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if your primary needs are basic communication, light social media use, and you prioritize the absolute lowest possible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100 struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
The Snapdragon 460 is a basic processor. While it can handle these apps, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The Oppo A5x’s Dimensity 6300 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Oppo A5x with the 45W charger?
Oppo claims 50% charge in 37 minutes. A full 0-100% charge is likely to take around 60-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is still significantly faster than the Nord N100’s 18W charging, which could take over 2 hours for a full charge.
❓ Is the 64GB of storage on the Nord N100 enough, and can it be expanded?
64GB is relatively limited, especially with modern app sizes. However, the Nord N100 *does* support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage as needed. This is a crucial feature for budget-conscious users.
❓ Can either of these phones handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Nord N100 will likely struggle with these games, requiring low graphics settings and potentially experiencing frame rate drops. The Oppo A5x, with its more powerful Dimensity 6300, will offer a better gaming experience, but still may require some graphics adjustments for optimal performance.
