vivo S20 vs OnePlus Nord 2T: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo S20 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nord 2T’s 6nm Dimensity 1300, particularly in sustained workloads. While both offer excellent 80/90W charging and similar battery endurance, the S20’s newer architecture gives it a future-proof advantage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S20 | OnePlus Nord 2T |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 28 | 2022, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, May 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.4 x 74.2 x 7.2 mm (6.31 x 2.92 x 0.28 in) | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch/drop-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide), AF | - |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Auto HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K, 1080p | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 5 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 90W wired, PD Reverse wired | 80W wired, PD |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 6500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, White | Gray Shadow, Jade Fog |
| Models | V2429A | CPH2399, CPH2401 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | € 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -25.6 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9) GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo S20
- More powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
- Faster 90W wired charging
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 4nm process
- Less established software ecosystem compared to OnePlus
- Limited detailed display specifications
OnePlus Nord 2T
- Proven performance and reliability
- Bright 636 nit display
- Mature OxygenOS software experience
- Older Dimensity 1300 chipset
- Slower 80W wired charging
- Less efficient 6nm process
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays capable of delivering a vibrant visual experience, but detailed specifications are limited for the S20. The Nord 2T’s measured 636 nits of peak brightness is a strong starting point, suggesting good outdoor visibility. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but likely indicates a typical AMOLED panel. Without comparable data for the S20, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Nord 2T’s brightness is a known quantity. We expect the S20 to have a similar quality panel, but potentially with different color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are advertised as having capable photo and video capabilities, but specifics are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, focusing on the chipset’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) capabilities, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 likely offers more advanced image processing features and potentially better low-light performance. The Nord 2T’s camera system is well-regarded, but the S20’s newer ISP could provide an edge in dynamic range and detail. We’d need sample images to make a definitive judgment.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo S20’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the OnePlus Nord 2T’s Dimensity 1300 (6nm). The 4nm fabrication process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning the S20 is less likely to throttle under sustained load. While the Dimensity 1300 boasts a higher clock speed on its prime core (3.0 GHz vs 2.63 GHz), the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s newer Cortex-A715 architecture provides superior IPC (Instructions Per Clock). The S20’s CPU configuration (1x2.63 GHz A715, 3x2.4 GHz A715, 4x1.8 GHz A510) is optimized for both performance and efficiency, while the Nord 2T’s (1x3.0 GHz A78, 3x2.6 GHz A78, 4x2.0 GHz A55) relies on older core designs. This translates to a smoother experience in demanding games and applications on the S20.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life. However, the S20’s 90W wired charging (with PD) is faster than the Nord 2T’s 80W wired charging (also with PD). This means the S20 can replenish its battery from 0-100% more quickly, mitigating any potential differences in battery capacity. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 also contributes to improved power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S20 if you prioritize raw processing power for gaming or demanding applications and want a phone with a more modern chipset. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value a proven track record, a slightly more mature software experience, and are less concerned with having the absolute latest silicon. Both phones offer excellent value, but cater to slightly different priorities.