Umidigi G5 vs OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G5 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The G5 focuses on affordability, while the N30 SE prioritizes faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Umidigi G5’s Unisoc T606. The 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing recharge times compared to the G5’s slow 10W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi G5 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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
Launch
Announced20232024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2023Available. Released 2024, January 31
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired, 51% in 30 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite Black, Jade Green, Lavender Purple, Pearl White, Space GrayBlack Satin, Cyan
Models-CPH2605
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 510 EUR

Umidigi G5

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset (depending on battery capacity)

  • Slow 10W charging
  • Unisoc T606 chipset offers limited performance
  • Likely lower quality display compared to N30 SE

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • Faster Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
  • 33W fast charging (51% in 30 minutes)
  • More responsive user experience

  • Slightly higher price than the Umidigi G5
  • May experience more heat under heavy load (though 7nm process helps)
  • Camera performance likely only marginally better

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Umidigi G5, it’s likely an LCD panel given its price point. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE is also expected to feature an LCD panel. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and brightness, with OnePlus generally offering better calibration. However, without detailed specs, it's difficult to definitively state a winner. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price segment.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature modest camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the N30 SE’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be limited. The primary sensor size and aperture will be the most critical factors, but these are currently unknown. Expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a clear upgrade over the Umidigi G5’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. The Dimensity 6020’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) are also architecturally superior to the G5’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x1.6 GHz), resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This will be noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and gaming.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the charging speed is a major point of divergence. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 51% charge in 30 minutes, is a substantial advantage. The Umidigi G5’s 10W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably longer to reach a full charge. This difference impacts daily usability, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi G5 if your primary need is an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for those on a very tight budget. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you prioritize smoother performance for multitasking, occasional gaming, and significantly faster charging. The N30 SE is ideal for users who want a more responsive and convenient experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the Nord N30 SE powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s a significant step up from the Umidigi G5’s Unisoc T606 and will provide a playable experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 10W charging on the Umidigi G5 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The N30 SE can gain over 50% charge in 30 minutes, while the G5 will likely take over 3 hours to reach a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the N30 SE during a short break, whereas the G5 requires overnight charging for a full battery.
❓ Does the Umidigi G5 support software updates, and for how long?
Umidigi’s software update track record is less consistent than OnePlus. Expect fewer updates and a shorter support lifespan compared to the Nord N30 SE, which benefits from OnePlus’s more established software support system.