OnePlus 8 vs Nokia X20 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 8
OnePlus 8
Oneplus
Nokia X20
Nokia X20
Nokia

General

Launch Date April 21, 2020 May 12, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 93.43 cm³ 122.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.64 "/g 3.03 "/g
Weight 180 g 220 g
Height 160.2 mm 168.9 mm
Width 72.9 mm 79.7 mm
Thickness 8 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Glacial Green
  • Onyx Black
  • Interstellar Glow
  • Polar Silver
  • Midnight Sun
  • Nordic Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.7 % 79.8 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.23 mAh/in² 100.47 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.02 mAh/cm³ 36.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 4470 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 650 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 8Nokia X20Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm, 180g168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm, 220gThe OnePlus 8 is significantly smaller and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Nokia X20's larger size might offer a better grip for some users.
BuildGorilla Glass 5Unknown screen protectionThe OnePlus 8 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The Nokia X20's screen durability is uncertain.
Display
Size6.55"6.67"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical resolution resulting in similar sharpness.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDThe OnePlus 8's AMOLED display provides significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. This results in a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzThe OnePlus 8's 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user interface.
Brightness1100 nits0 nits (Unspecified, likely an error)The OnePlus 8's high brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility. We cannot assess the Nokia X20's outdoor visibility due to missing brightness data.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 865 5GSnapdragon 480 5GThe OnePlus 8's Snapdragon 865 significantly outperforms the Nokia X20's Snapdragon 480. This translates to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the OnePlus 8.
RAM8GB/12GB6GB/8GBThe OnePlus 8 offers a higher RAM configuration (12GB), allowing for more apps to run in the background without performance slowdown.
Storage128GB/256GB128GBThe OnePlus 8 offers a higher storage option (256GB) for users who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.7564MP, f/1.79While the Nokia X20 has a higher resolution, the OnePlus 8's wider aperture might perform better in low-light conditions. Image quality depends on various factors beyond resolution and aperture, which cannot be assessed with the given data.
VideoUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsThe OnePlus 8 can record higher resolution videos (4K) with better stabilization (OIS).
Battery
Capacity4300mAh4470mAhMarginally larger battery in the Nokia X20, but real-world battery life depends on various factors including software optimization.
Charging30W18WThe OnePlus 8 charges significantly faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 8 Advantages:

  • Significantly faster performance: The Snapdragon 865 and higher RAM options provide a vastly superior user experience for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior Display: AMOLED technology with 90Hz refresh rate offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and smoother visuals.
  • Faster Charging: 30W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Higher resolution video recording with OIS: Results in smoother, more stable videos.
  • Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry.

Nokia X20 Advantages:

  • Potentially longer battery life: Slightly larger battery capacity, though real-world performance is unknown.
  • Higher resolution main camera: May offer more detail in well-lit conditions, though overall image quality is uncertain.
  • More recent Android version at launch: Although both phones have received updates since their release, the software experience might differ.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 8: Users who prioritize performance, a premium display, fast charging, and a smoother user experience. Ideal for:

  • Gaming: The powerful hardware ensures smooth gameplay.
  • Media consumption: The vibrant AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience.
  • Power users: Demanding tasks and multitasking are handled with ease.

Nokia X20: Users who prioritize battery life and potentially a longer software update cycle (unconfirmed). Might be suitable for:

  • Basic users: Primarily using the phone for calling, texting, and light browsing.
  • Budget-conscious buyers: Assuming the Nokia X20 is priced lower.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The OnePlus 8 was likely more expensive at launch.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming, media consumption, or basic tasks?
  3. How important is performance and display quality?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Prioritize Performance and Display: OnePlus 8
  • Tight Budget and Basic Usage: Nokia X20 (assuming lower price)

My Choice: OnePlus 8

The OnePlus 8 is the clear winner for me. The significantly superior performance, higher quality display with 90Hz, faster charging, and more compact design are major advantages. While the Nokia X20 might offer slightly longer battery life and a higher resolution main camera sensor, these potential benefits are outweighed by the OnePlus 8's strengths. The difference in chipset and display technology alone makes the OnePlus 8 a much more enjoyable device to use in the long run. I am willing to compromise on a slightly smaller battery and potentially a marginally worse main camera for the overall significantly better user experience offered by the OnePlus 8.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.