The Oppo A94 and OnePlus Nord N10 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 smartphone market. Both devices offer 5G connectivity and 30W fast charging, but diverge significantly in their core processing power and overall design philosophy. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G emerges as the better choice. While both phones share a 99-hour endurance rating and 30W charging, the Snapdragon 690’s 8nm process provides a more efficient and future-proof platform than the Oppo A94’s older 12nm Helio P95, offering better sustained performance and 5G capabilities.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 28, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1024/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2020, November 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 163 x 74.7 x 9 mm (6.42 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~406 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.49 inches, 101.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 619L |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple | Midnight Ice |
| Models | CPH2203 | BE2029, BE2025, BE2026, BE2028 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 99h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 279579 (v8)
GeekBench: 1848 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A94
- Potentially smoother performance in basic tasks due to higher CPU clock speeds.
- 30W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Older 12nm chipset leads to lower power efficiency and potential throttling.
- Lacks detailed display specifications for accurate comparison.
- Uncertain camera performance due to missing specifications.
OnePlus Nord N10 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 690 5G chipset for better battery life and sustained performance.
- Brighter display with a higher contrast ratio for improved visibility.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- CPU clock speeds are slightly lower than the Oppo A94.
- Camera performance details are lacking.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A94.
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord N10 5G boasts a display with a measured peak brightness of 440 nits and a 1447:1 contrast ratio, providing a more vibrant and visible experience, especially outdoors. While the Oppo A94’s display specifications are not provided, the Nord N10 5G’s higher brightness is a clear advantage. The contrast ratio on the Nord N10 5G also suggests deeper blacks and more dynamic visuals. The lack of detailed display specs for the A94 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Nord N10 5G holds a measurable lead.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Without sensor size, aperture information, or image processing details, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given OnePlus’s history of prioritizing camera performance, it’s reasonable to assume the Nord N10 5G likely offers a more refined camera experience, potentially with better low-light performance and dynamic range. The absence of details on the A94’s camera system makes it difficult to assess its capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N10 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm), while the Oppo A94 features the MediaTek Helio P95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 690, built on a smaller 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Helio P95’s 12nm node. This translates to less throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The CPU configurations – Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) versus Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) – show the Snapdragon 690 prioritizing efficiency with its Kryo cores, while the Helio P95 aims for higher clock speeds on its A75 cores. However, the architectural advantages of the Snapdragon 690 and its 5G modem are significant.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A94 and OnePlus Nord N10 5G achieve an endurance rating of 99 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. Both also support 30W wired charging, promising relatively quick top-ups. The Snapdragon 690’s 8nm process in the Nord N10 5G contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any minor differences in battery capacity (which is not specified for either device). The similar endurance ratings suggest that real-world usage will be comparable, despite the chipset differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A94 if you prioritize a potentially smoother experience in everyday tasks and are less concerned with demanding gaming or long-term software support. Buy the OnePlus Nord N10 5G if you value 5G connectivity, a more modern chipset architecture for better efficiency, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility. The Nord N10 5G is the better pick for users who anticipate using 5G networks frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 690 in the Nord N10 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 690 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The 8nm process helps mitigate throttling, but it's not a flagship-level gaming chip. Expect medium settings for a balanced experience.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the Oppo A94 and the OnePlus Nord N10 5G?
The OnePlus Nord N10 5G has a dedicated 5G modem integrated into the Snapdragon 690 chipset, offering native 5G support. The Oppo A94’s 5G capabilities are not explicitly stated, but given the Helio P95’s age, it may rely on a less efficient or limited 5G implementation. The Nord N10 5G will likely provide faster and more reliable 5G connectivity.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a major concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, it's difficult to assess the true camera capabilities. However, OnePlus generally prioritizes camera quality, suggesting the Nord N10 5G may have an edge.
