vivo Y30 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y30 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing faster charging and potentially slightly smoother performance in sustained tasks, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695, built on a 6nm process, offers a slight edge in efficiency. However, the vivo Y30 5G remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y30 5G OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, July 252022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 25Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, BlueBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
ModelsV2160CPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 230 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

vivo Y30 5G

  • Lowest possible price for 5G connectivity
  • Functional and reliable performance for basic tasks
  • MediaTek Dimensity 700 is a proven chipset

  • Extremely slow 10W charging
  • Less efficient 7nm chipset compared to Snapdragon 695
  • Likely limited software update support

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • Significantly faster 33W charging
  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
  • Potentially better sustained performance and gaming
  • OnePlus's OxygenOS offers a cleaner software experience

  • Slightly higher price point
  • May still lack advanced camera features
  • No guarantee of long-term software support

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: processing efficiency. While display specs aren't provided, the focus here is on the chipsets powering the visuals. The Snapdragon 695's 6nm process allows for more efficient display driving, potentially leading to slightly better battery life during video playback compared to the vivo's Dimensity 700 on a 7nm node.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and supporting lenses. The Snapdragon 695's ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Dimensity 700's, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The 6nm process also aids in more efficient image processing. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, where the Snapdragon's ISP could provide an advantage.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm), while the vivo Y30 5G uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). While both CPUs have a similar core configuration (2x2.2 GHz + 6x lower clock speed), the Snapdragon 695 benefits from a more modern and efficient manufacturing process. This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance, particularly noticeable during prolonged gaming sessions. The Snapdragon's Kryo 660 Gold cores are also architecturally more advanced than the Cortex-A76 in the Dimensity 700. Users engaging in graphically intensive tasks will likely see a smoother experience on the OnePlus.

Battery Life

The battery capacity isn't specified, but the charging wattage is a significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's 33W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the vivo Y30 5G's sluggish 10W charging. This means the OnePlus can go from 0-100% in significantly less time, minimizing downtime. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the faster charging can effectively provide more usable time throughout the day. The Snapdragon 695's efficiency also contributes to better battery life during typical usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y30 5G if you need a functional 5G smartphone at the absolute lowest possible price point and aren't concerned with rapid charging or demanding gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prioritize faster charging speeds, a potentially more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a little extra for those benefits. The OnePlus also benefits from a more established software ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 6nm process helps with thermal throttling, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. The Dimensity 700 in the vivo Y30 5G will struggle more with higher settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, with its 33W charging, will likely reach 100% in around 60-75 minutes. The vivo Y30 5G's 10W charging will take upwards of 3-4 hours to fully charge, making it impractical for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ Does either phone support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. Neither manufacturer explicitly advertises VoWiFi support for these models, so it's best to check with your carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
❓ What kind of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
While not specified, both phones likely use UFS 2.2 storage. Expandability via microSD card is common in this price segment, but it's crucial to verify with the retailer or manufacturer as it's not always guaranteed.