Oppo A96 vs OnePlus Nord N20 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo A96 and OnePlus Nord N20 5G are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer 5G connectivity and a compelling feature set at an affordable price. But which one truly comes out on top?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G edges out the Oppo A96 thanks to its brighter display and slightly more refined software experience. While both share the same chipset, the Nord N20's strengths in display and user interface give it a slight advantage for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A96 (China) OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, January 122022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 12Available. Released 2022, April 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDR)AMOLED
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 12Android 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired33W wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, PinkBlue
ModelsPFUM10GN2200, CPH2459
PriceAbout 280 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)

Oppo A96 (China)

  • Fast 33W Charging
  • Reverse Wired Charging
  • Clean Design
  • Good Value

  • Average Display Brightness
  • Camera Performance Could Be Better
  • ColorOS Software

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • Brighter Display
  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Smooth OxygenOS Software
  • Slightly More Premium Feel

  • No Fast Charging Advantage
  • Camera Not Top-Tier
  • Design Less Distinctive

Display Comparison

Both phones feature 6.43-inch FHD+ displays, but the Nord N20 5G boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 647 nits (measured) compared to the A96. This makes the Nord N20 noticeably better for outdoor visibility. The Nord N20 also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, though this is a nominal value. The A96's display is perfectly adequate, but the Nord N20's is superior.

Camera Comparison

The Oppo A96 typically features a 48MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G has a 64MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the Nord N20's higher resolution main sensor *potentially* allows for more detailed images. Image processing and software features will ultimately determine the better camera experience. Both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions.

Performance

Powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and Octa-core CPU, both phones offer similar performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Expect smooth multitasking and responsive app loading. However, software optimization can play a role, and OnePlus' OxygenOS is generally considered more fluid than ColorOS.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery. The Nord N20 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 129 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The Oppo A96 supports 33W wired charging with PD, allowing for a 100% charge in approximately 63 minutes and includes reverse wired charging. While the A96's charging is faster, the Nord N20's battery efficiency is noteworthy.

Buying Guide

The Oppo A96 is a good choice for users prioritizing fast charging and a clean, minimalist design. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, smooth software, and a slightly more premium feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G generally offers better battery life due to its efficient power management, as indicated by its endurance rating.
❓ Is the Oppo A96 worth buying if I need fast charging?
Yes, the Oppo A96's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage if quick top-ups are important to you.