Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 vs OnePlus Nord N100: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N100 is the better choice. While the Umidigi A9 Pro offers a slightly older but potentially more powerful CPU architecture, the Nord N100’s more efficient Snapdragon 460, coupled with its faster 18W charging, provides a smoother, more practical daily experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 | OnePlus Nord N100 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", AF 16 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 24 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Forest Green | Midnight Frost |
| Models | - | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing | ||
|---|---|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
Umidigi A9 Pro 2021
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance due to Cortex-A73 cores.
- May offer a slightly lower price point.
- Larger core count (8 cores vs 8 cores, but architecture matters)
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less efficient 12nm process node.
- Likely inferior GPU performance.
OnePlus Nord N100
- Faster 18W charging.
- More power-efficient 11nm Snapdragon 460.
- Likely smoother overall user experience.
- Better GPU performance for gaming.
- Potentially slightly lower peak CPU performance.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details are missing regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness. However, the focus here is on internal components. Assuming similar LCD panels, the user experience will likely be comparable, with neither offering vibrant colors or high peak brightness. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details regarding sensor sizes are unavailable, but given the price point, expect modest image quality. The focus should be on adequate performance in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; its limited resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) will result in subpar macro shots. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with OnePlus generally offering more refined algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi A9 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P60 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with four Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture, while older, is known for its decent single-core performance. Conversely, the OnePlus Nord N100 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm). While its Kryo 240 cores are clocked lower (1.8 GHz and 1.6 GHz), the 11nm process node offers improved power efficiency. This translates to potentially better sustained performance and less thermal throttling under load. The Snapdragon 460’s Adreno 610 GPU is also likely to outperform the Helio P60’s Mali-G72 MP3, offering a smoother gaming experience, even at lower settings. The Nord N100’s 4GB of RAM, combined with Qualcomm’s optimizations, will likely result in a more responsive user interface.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The Umidigi A9 Pro is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a significant amount of time. The OnePlus Nord N100, with its 18W charging, offers a considerably faster charging experience. This is a crucial advantage for users who prioritize convenience and quick top-ups. The more efficient Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100 will also contribute to better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for occasional demanding tasks and don't mind slower charging. Its Helio P60, with its Cortex-A73 cores, *might* offer a slight edge in specific benchmarks. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you value consistent performance, faster charging, and a more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of theoretical CPU power.