Ulefone Note 14 vs OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Ulefone Note 14 aims to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, while the OnePlus Nord N30 SE attempts to bridge the gap between affordability and a more modern user experience. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6020 chipset provides a significantly more powerful and efficient experience than the Ulefone Note 14’s Helio A22, justifying the slight price premium. The 33W charging is a substantial benefit.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Note 14 OnePlus Nord N30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 eMMC 5.1-
Launch
Announced2022, September 292024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 29Available. Released 2024, January 31
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.8 x 76 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (64/4 model) 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (16/3 model) Depth camera50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-33W wired, 51% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Mint Green, Lavender PurpleBlack Satin, Cyan
Models-CPH2605
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 510 EUR

Ulefone Note 14

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Functional for basic tasks
  • Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely inferior display quality

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • Much faster and more responsive performance
  • 33W fast charging
  • Likely better software experience

  • Higher price than Ulefone Note 14
  • Camera performance likely still limited
  • Battery life may be shorter than Note 14 (depending on capacity)

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The Ulefone Note 14, given its price point, likely features lower brightness and narrower color gamut coverage. The N30 SE, benefiting from OnePlus’s brand reputation, likely has a slightly more refined display experience, though specifics like resolution and refresh rate are unknown. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, it’s safe to assume both phones feature modest camera systems. The Ulefone Note 14 likely relies on a simpler image processing pipeline. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE, while still budget-focused, likely benefits from OnePlus’s software optimizations, potentially delivering better dynamic range and color accuracy. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Ulefone Note 14’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process, is designed for extremely basic tasks. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s MediaTek Dimensity 6020, an octa-core chip fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, represents a substantial leap forward. The Dimensity 6020’s Cortex-A76 cores provide significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness, while the six Cortex-A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to a smoother, more enjoyable user experience on the N30 SE, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. This allows for a 51% charge in just 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. The Ulefone Note 14 likely supports slower charging speeds, meaning longer periods tethered to a power outlet. While a larger battery capacity on the Ulefone Note 14 could partially offset this, the convenience of faster charging is a compelling benefit for the N30 SE.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Note 14 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only require basic smartphone functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, faster charging, and a more refined software experience – even on a tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 in the OnePlus Nord N30 SE capable of playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship-level chip, the Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 7nm process and octa-core architecture provide sufficient power for casual gaming, though you may experience some frame drops during intense firefights. The Ulefone Note 14’s Helio A22 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How much of a difference will the 33W charging make on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to a standard 10W charger?
The 33W charging on the N30 SE is a game-changer. Reaching 51% charge in 30 minutes is a substantial time saving compared to a typical 10W charger, which could take over two hours to fully charge the battery. This is particularly useful for users who need a quick power boost throughout the day.
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 14 struggle with common apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Chrome?
The Ulefone Note 14’s Helio A22 processor is designed for basic tasks. While it *can* run apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Chrome, you may experience noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or browsing complex web pages. The experience won’t be as smooth or responsive as on the Nord N30 SE.