The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE nubia Music and OnePlus Nord N30 SE both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving that goal. The nubia Music prioritizes a dedicated audio experience, while the Nord N30 SE focuses on a more modern chipset and faster charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE is the better buy. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the ZTE nubia Music’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing downtime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 28 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes, dual jacks | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow; other colors | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | Z2353 | CPH2605 |
| Price | € 93.99 | About 510 EUR |
ZTE nubia Music
- Potential for longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Dedicated audio focus may appeal to audiophiles
- Likely lower price point
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Outdated 28nm chipset
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
- 33W fast charging (51% in 30 minutes)
- Improved overall user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially shorter battery life (depending on capacity)
- Camera quality likely only marginally better
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The nubia Music’s focus on audio suggests a potentially larger form factor, which *could* translate to a slightly larger display, but without specific specs, it’s speculative. Bezels are likely substantial on both. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the price point, prioritizing saturation over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature basic camera setups. The ZTE nubia Music’s audio focus likely means camera quality is a lower priority. The Nord N30 SE, being a more broadly focused device, *may* have a slightly more refined camera system, but don’t expect flagship-level performance. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE nubia Music’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 6020 features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, providing a noticeable boost in single-core performance for responsive app launches. The older Unisoc chip, with its four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz, will struggle with demanding tasks. The 7nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6020 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. This benefits gamers and users who frequently multitask.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds tell a clear story. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 51% charge in 30 minutes, is a massive advantage over the nubia Music’s sluggish 10W charging. This means significantly less downtime and a more convenient user experience. Even if the nubia Music has a slightly larger battery, the slower charging will negate much of that benefit. The efficiency gains of the Dimensity 6020 will also contribute to better real-world battery life on the Nord N30 SE.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Music if your primary use case revolves around audio playback and you prioritize a potentially longer battery life *despite* slower charging. This phone is for the audiophile on a strict budget. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value overall performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and quicker charging times – making it ideal for everyday users and casual gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the ZTE nubia Music sufficient for playing modern mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a very entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic games, it will struggle with graphically demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact, even at low settings. Expect significant frame drops and lag. The Nord N30 SE’s Dimensity 6020 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 10W charging on the ZTE nubia Music in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Nord N30 SE can gain over 50% charge in 30 minutes, while the nubia Music will barely reach 20% in the same timeframe. This translates to significantly less time tethered to a charger and more time using your phone. It's the difference between a quick top-up during a coffee break and leaving your phone plugged in overnight.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord N30 SE experience overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6020, built on a 7nm process, is relatively efficient. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the Nord N30 SE is less prone to significant throttling compared to the ZTE nubia Music, which uses an older, less efficient 28nm chipset. The larger process node on the nubia Music will generate more heat under load.
