The vivo G2 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE occupy a fiercely competitive segment: the sub-$250 smartphone market. Both devices leverage the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, promising similar performance. However, key differences in charging speed and potentially other areas dictate which phone offers the better overall experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the superior choice. While both phones share the same processor, the Nord N30 SE’s 33W charging – capable of delivering 51% charge in just 30 minutes – significantly reduces downtime compared to the G2’s slower 15W charging. This convenience outweighs any other minor differences.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 19 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 19 | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Anti-stroboscopic sensor | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | V2318A | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 510 EUR |
vivo G2
- Potentially lower price point
- Reverse wired charging offers added versatility
- Mediatek Dimensity 6020 provides solid performance
- Significantly slower 15W charging
- Likely basic camera system
- Display specs are unknown, potentially lower quality
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- 33W fast charging (51% in 30 minutes)
- Potentially better software optimization
- Mediatek Dimensity 6020 provides solid performance
- May be slightly more expensive than the vivo G2
- Camera details are limited
- LCD display, lacking the vibrancy of OLED
Display Comparison
Both the vivo G2 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific display specs like resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, given OnePlus’s history with display calibration, the Nord N30 SE likely offers slightly more accurate color reproduction. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s challenging to assess image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing algorithms will play a significant role in differentiating the final image quality, and OnePlus generally offers more refined software processing.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, guaranteeing comparable CPU performance. The real-world impact will be similar for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. RAM configurations are not specified, but the performance will be heavily influenced by the amount of RAM and its speed (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR5). Thermal management will be crucial; the 7nm process helps, but sustained loads could lead to throttling, impacting gaming performance on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the critical difference lies in charging speed. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 51% in 30 minutes, is a substantial advantage over the vivo G2’s 15W charging. This faster charging significantly reduces downtime, making the Nord N30 SE more convenient for users who need to quickly replenish their battery. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed of the Nord N30 SE translates to a better user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo G2 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and aren't concerned with rapid charging. It's a solid option for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks and can tolerate longer charging times. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value convenience and faster charging. This phone is ideal for users who are frequently on the go and need to quickly top up their battery without being tethered to a charger for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 6020 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Both phones will experience some level of thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, potentially impacting performance over time.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the vivo G2 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 15W charging is considerably slower than the 33W charging on the Nord N30 SE. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, making it less ideal for users who need a quick power boost throughout the day. This is the biggest drawback of the vivo G2.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use (eMMC vs UFS)?
Storage type isn't specified. However, given the price point, it's likely both phones utilize UFS 2.2 storage, offering a reasonable balance between speed and cost. eMMC would result in noticeably slower app loading times and file transfers.
❓ Will either phone receive significant software update support?
Software update support is typically limited on phones in this price range. OnePlus generally provides slightly better software support than vivo, but don't expect major Android version updates beyond one or two generations.
