Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL Ion X and OnePlus Nord N200 5G are both contenders, offering affordability and a decent user experience. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 480 5G chipset offers significantly better performance and 5G connectivity, while the faster charging and generally more refined software experience solidify its advantage over the TCL Ion X.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 25, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 26 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 26 | Available. Released 2021, June 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 163.1 x 74.9 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android, TCL UI | Android 11, OxygenOS 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF | 16 MP, f/2.1 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.1 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue Quantum |
| Models | - | DE2118, DE2117 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
TCL Ion X
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life (estimated)
- Large display (estimated)
- Weak performance
- Low-resolution display (estimated)
- Slow charging
- Basic camera system (estimated)
OnePlus Nord N200 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Smooth performance
- Good battery life
- Fast charging
- Better camera
- May lack some premium features
- Design is somewhat basic
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G boasts a 6.49-inch 1080 x 2400 pixel display, offering a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the TCL Ion X's likely lower resolution display (estimated 6.53-inch, 720 x 1600 pixels). The Nord N200 5G's display also likely has better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G features a triple camera system (13MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) which, while not flagship-level, is generally better than the TCL Ion X's likely single or dual camera setup. Expect better image quality, especially in low light, from the Nord N200 5G.
Performance
Here's where the Nord N200 5G truly shines. The Snapdragon 480 5G is a much more powerful chipset than the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better overall user experience on the Nord N200 5G. Gaming performance will also be significantly improved.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G has a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. While the TCL Ion X likely has a similar capacity, the Nord N200 5G's more efficient chipset contributes to longer usage times. The Nord N200 5G also supports 18W fast charging, a significant advantage over the Ion X's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL Ion X is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is ideal for those wanting 5G connectivity, smoother performance, and a more modern Android experience, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Ion X worth buying?
The TCL Ion X is only worth considering if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. Otherwise, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G offers significantly better value.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord N200 5G support 5G?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G is a 5G smartphone, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
