Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G vs OnePlus Nord 5: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency. However, the Redmi K30 5G remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers who don't demand the absolute latest in mobile silicon.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 41, 78 Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 10. Released 2020, January 07 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | Swift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 735 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm 2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm, depth sensor | - |
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 57 min | 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Market-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Red, Purple, White | Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands |
| Models | M1912G7BE, M1912G7BC | CPH2709 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | £ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (90 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G
- More affordable price point
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Outdated chipset compared to the Nord 5
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely lower display brightness
OnePlus Nord 5
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
- Much faster 80W charging
- Brighter and potentially more efficient display
- Higher price tag
- May experience some thermal throttling under extreme load (though mitigated by 4nm process)
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1330 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Redmi K30 5G, making the Nord 5 far more usable in direct sunlight. While the K30 5G's display specs aren't provided, OnePlus's brightness level suggests a superior viewing experience outdoors. The Nord 5's display likely benefits from a more advanced panel technology, potentially including LTPO for variable refresh rate and improved efficiency, though this isn't confirmed in the data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests the Nord 5 will have a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and potentially faster processing of computational photography features. The Redmi K30 5G's ISP, while adequate, will be constrained by the 765G's capabilities. We can assume the Nord 5 will offer a more refined camera experience, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K30 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm), a capable mid-range processor. However, the OnePlus Nord 5 steps up to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm). This represents a generational leap, with the 8s Gen 3's Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz offering significantly higher single-core performance. The 4nm process node also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Nord 5's CPU configuration (1x3.0 GHz + 4x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) is architecturally superior to the K30 5G's (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz), translating to a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 5 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, with a measured 49:12h endurance and 13:47h active use score. While the Redmi K30 5G's battery capacity isn't specified, the Nord 5's performance is impressive. Crucially, the Nord 5's 80W wired charging (with PPS and PD support) is significantly faster than the K30 5G's 30W charging, achieving a full charge in just 54 minutes versus 57 minutes. The Nord 5 also offers 5W reverse wired charging and bypass charging, features absent in the K30 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G if you need a functional 5G phone on a tight budget and prioritize affordability over peak performance. It's ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially for demanding applications like gaming or video editing, and value faster charging and a brighter display.