The TCL 20B and OnePlus Nord N20 SE represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The TCL 20B prioritizes a more established brand presence and potentially wider availability, while the Nord N20 SE focuses on faster charging and a slightly more powerful chipset. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, featuring a higher clock speed core cluster, offers a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 20B’s Helio P22. Crucially, the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it ideal for users who value convenience and quick power-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2022, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Violet | Blue Oasis, Celestial Black |
| Models | 6159K | CPH2469 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 190 EUR |
TCL 20B
- Potentially wider carrier compatibility due to TCL's established presence.
- Lower price point (likely, though varies by retailer).
- Reliable brand reputation for basic functionality.
- Slower processor (Helio P22) limits performance.
- Slower charging speed (18W) increases downtime.
- Likely less responsive user experience.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE
- Faster processor (Helio G35) provides a smoother experience.
- Significantly faster charging (33W) reduces downtime.
- Potentially better image processing due to the G35's ISP.
- OnePlus's budget line may have limited software update support.
- May be less readily available through all carriers.
- Potentially slightly higher price.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor OnePlus provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. We can infer that both likely employ LCD panels given the price point. The real difference lies in the processing power available to drive the display; the Nord N20 SE’s more capable GPU may result in slightly smoother animations, though this is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given the target market, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. It’s reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G35 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities than the P22, potentially resulting in marginally improved photo quality, but this is unlikely to be a significant differentiator. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software-based stabilization, which will be limited in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The TCL 20B uses the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz using only Cortex-A53 cores. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE, however, features the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35. While also an octa-core processor, the G35 boasts a heterogeneous core configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This higher clock speed on half of the cores provides a tangible performance advantage for the Nord N20 SE, particularly in tasks that benefit from single-core performance, like app loading and web browsing. While both use similar RAM configurations (likely LPDDR3 given the price), the G35’s improved CPU will be the limiting factor for multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the key differentiator here is charging speed. The TCL 20B supports 18W wired charging, while the OnePlus Nord N20 SE boasts 33W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes. This faster charging is a significant advantage for the Nord N20 SE, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed makes the Nord N20 SE the more practical choice for many.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20B if you prioritize a known brand with potentially broader carrier compatibility and are comfortable with slower performance and charging speeds. It’s a solid option for basic smartphone tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 SE if you value faster performance for casual gaming and streaming, and especially if you need a phone that charges quickly – its 33W charging is a significant advantage over the TCL 20B’s 18W.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N20 SE handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G35 in the Nord N20 SE is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the TCL 20B will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the OnePlus Nord N20 SE compared to the TCL 20B in a typical use case?
The 33W charging on the Nord N20 SE can add a significant amount of battery life in a short period. While the TCL 20B’s 18W charging will eventually fully charge the device, the Nord N20 SE can provide a substantial boost – enough for several hours of use – in just 30-40 minutes.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Helio P22 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Nord N20 SE’s Helio G35, with its higher-clocked cores, will result in snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience when browsing the web or using social media apps.
