The Samsung Galaxy A Quantum and OnePlus Nord 2T represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The A Quantum prioritizes on-device security with its QRNG chipset, while the Nord 2T focuses on delivering a fast-charging experience and strong performance with the Dimensity 1300. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset offers a performance edge over the Exynos 980, and the blazing-fast 80W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the A Quantum’s QRNG is a unique feature, its benefits are niche compared to the Nord 2T’s broader appeal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 14. Released 2020, May 22 | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 980 (8 nm), QRNG security chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Sliver, Prism Cube Blue | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | SM-A716N, SM-A716SS, SM-A716S | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | € 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9)
GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A Quantum
- Unique QRNG security chipset for enhanced privacy.
- Samsung’s established software ecosystem.
- Potentially longer battery life due to optimized software.
- Older Exynos 980 chipset offers less performance.
- Slower 25W charging.
- Limited display specifications.
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1300 chipset.
- Blazing-fast 80W SuperVOOC charging.
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- Lacks the dedicated hardware security of the A Quantum.
- OxygenOS software may not appeal to all users.
- Potential for bloatware (depending on region).
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 636 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the A Quantum. While both are likely to utilize AMOLED panels (based on market segment), the Nord 2T’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The Nord 2T’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio, while a marketing term, suggests a typical AMOLED experience with deep blacks. The A Quantum’s display specs are less defined, making it difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles relative to the Nord 2T.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison challenging. However, the Nord 2T’s image processing is generally regarded as more refined, offering better dynamic range and color accuracy. The A Quantum’s camera system likely focuses on Samsung’s established image processing algorithms, but without specific details, it’s difficult to assess its strengths. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 1300 in the Nord 2T, fabricated on a 6nm process, demonstrably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum’s 8nm Exynos 980. The Dimensity 1300’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a significant uplift in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Exynos 980’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Nord 2T. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum and OnePlus Nord 2T achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging with PD support is a game-changer. This allows for a full charge in approximately 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the A Quantum’s 25W wired charging. While the A Quantum may have a slightly larger battery capacity (unspecified), the Nord 2T’s charging speed effectively mitigates any potential advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum if you prioritize hardware-level security and require a device with a dedicated QRNG for applications like secure key generation or blockchain interactions. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value fast charging, a more powerful processor for gaming and multitasking, and a generally smoother user experience. The Nord 2T is the better all-rounder for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the Galaxy A Quantum overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 980, being an 8nm chip, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Nord 2T’s 6nm Dimensity 1300. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles may experience frame drops or reduced performance after extended play. The Nord 2T’s more efficient chipset offers better sustained performance.
❓ What real-world applications benefit from the Galaxy A Quantum’s QRNG security chipset?
The QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generator) is primarily beneficial for applications requiring truly random number generation, such as secure key creation for encryption, blockchain transactions, and online gambling. For typical smartphone usage like social media or web browsing, the benefits are minimal.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord 2T from 0% to 100%?
The OnePlus Nord 2T’s 80W SuperVOOC charging can fully charge the device from 0% to 100% in approximately 30-35 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging smartphones in its class. The A Quantum’s 25W charging will take considerably longer.
❓ Is the OnePlus Nord 2T’s camera suitable for low-light photography?
While specific low-light performance data is unavailable, the Dimensity 1300’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) and OnePlus’s image processing algorithms generally deliver good results in low-light conditions. Expect decent detail and dynamic range, but it won’t compete with flagship-level camera performance.
