The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y3, a long-standing budget option, faces a new challenger in the OnePlus Nord N30 SE. This comparison dissects the core differences – primarily in chipset and charging – to determine which device delivers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset and faster 33W charging offer a noticeably smoother experience and reduced downtime, justifying the likely price premium over the vivo Y3.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2019, October | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink blue, Jade Red | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | - | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 510 EUR |
vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB)
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset (depending on battery capacity).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Nord N30 SE.
- Slower charging speed.
- Likely to struggle with demanding apps and games.
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Dimensity 6020.
- Significantly faster 33W charging.
- Better thermal efficiency for sustained performance.
- Higher price compared to the vivo Y3.
- May have slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful chipset (depending on battery capacity).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the performance impact of the chipset on UI smoothness, which will be more noticeable than minor display differences. Expect both to utilize LCD panels, and the user experience will be dictated by the processor's ability to render the interface efficiently.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). The focus should be on the image processing capabilities of the respective chipsets, where the Dimensity 6020 likely holds an advantage due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a 7nm process, represents a substantial leap over the vivo Y3’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P35. The Dimensity 6020’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Y3’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Nord N30 SE. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 51% charge in 30 minutes, is a significant advantage over the vivo Y3’s 18W charging. This faster charging speed minimizes downtime and is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost. Even if the Y3 has a slightly larger battery, the N30 SE’s faster charging will likely result in less time tethered to a wall.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle moderately demanding apps and games without significant lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N30 SE handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the vivo Y3 will struggle with these titles, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the vivo Y3 in a typical use case?
The Nord N30 SE's 33W charging can add approximately 51% battery in 30 minutes, while the Y3's 18W charging will add considerably less – likely around 25-30% in the same timeframe. This means you can get back to using the Nord N30 SE much quicker after a partial discharge.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Dimensity 6020 will result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the Helio P35, even when performing basic tasks.
