OnePlus 8T vs Nokia X20 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 8T
OnePlus 8T
Oneplus
Nokia X20
Nokia X20
Nokia

General

Launch Date October 16, 2020 May 12, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 100.03 cm³ 122.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.48 "/g 3.03 "/g
Weight 188 g 220 g
Height 160.7 mm 168.9 mm
Width 74.1 mm 79.7 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Lunar Silver
  • Aquamarine Green
  • Cyberpunk 2077 Edition
  • 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 87 % 79.8 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 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 104.89 mAh/in² 100.47 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.99 mAh/cm³ 36.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 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 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 8TNokia X20Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mmOnePlus 8T is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Nokia X20 is bulkier.
Weight188g220gOnePlus 8T is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.55"6.67"Nokia X20 has slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both have similar sharpness.
PPI402395Nearly identical sharpness, negligible difference.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDOnePlus 8T: richer colors, better contrast, deeper blacks, more power-efficient for dark mode. Nokia X20: Potentially more accurate color representation.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzOnePlus 8T: Significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming.
Brightness1100 nits0 nitsOnePlus 8T: Much better visibility in direct sunlight. Nokia X20: Brightness is unlisted, so hard to say.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 865 5GSnapdragon 480 5GOnePlus 8T: Much faster performance, smoother multitasking, better gaming experience.
AnTuTu Score744,900323,425OnePlus 8T: Significantly better performance in demanding tasks.
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 619OnePlus 8T: Superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.764MP, f/1.79Nokia X20: Higher resolution for more detailed photos, especially when cropping. OnePlus 8T: Slightly better low-light performance due to wider aperture.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.432MP, f/2.0Nokia X20: Higher resolution selfies, better low light performance from wider aperture.
Wide Angle lens16MP, f/2.25MPOnePlus 8T: Wider shots with more detail.
Portrait mode (depth)N/A2MPNokia X20: Dedicated depth sensor for potentially better portrait mode with blurred backgrounds.
Macro lens5MP, f/2.42MPOnePlus 8T: Higher resolution macro shots for more detailed close-ups.
Black & white2MP, f/2.4N/AOnePlus 8T: Dedicated Black & White for artistic photos.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsOnePlus 8T: Higher quality video recording with more detail and smoother motion.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4470mAhBoth have similar battery life.
Charging65W18WOnePlus 8T: Much faster charging, significantly reducing charging time.
Software
OSAndroid 11 upgradable to 14Android 11 upgradable to 14Both get updated to Android 14.
Storage
Internal128/256GB128GBOnePlus 8T: Option for more internal storage for users with large media libraries.
RAM8/12GB6/8GBOnePlus 8T: Option for more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for expanding storage with a microSD card.
Audio
AudioDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers2 MicrophonesOnePlus 8T: Better audio quality for media consumption. Nokia X20: Potentially better voice recording due to dual microphones.
Security
Securitybasic fingerprint sensorside-mounted fingerprint sensorNokia X20: Placement can be more ergonomic for some users.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 8T: More resistant to scratches and impacts.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5OnePlus 8T: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bluetooth5.15.0OnePlus 8T: Slightly newer Bluetooth version with potential for minor improvements.
GPSMore systemsFewer systemsOnePlus 8T: More accurate location tracking.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 8T Advantages:

  • Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers a vastly superior processing power than the Snapdragon 480, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
  • Superior display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more vibrant and fluid visual experience compared to the Nokia X20's IPS LCD 60Hz display.
  • Much faster charging: 65W charging is dramatically faster than 18W, allowing for quick top-ups.
  • Better connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more GPS systems, offering faster Wi-Fi speeds and more accurate location tracking.
  • Better Audio: Comes with stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos for better audio immersion.
  • Wider and higher resolution wide-angle lens.

Practical Implications:

  • The OnePlus 8T is much better for demanding users who prioritize performance, gaming, and media consumption.
  • The superior display makes the OnePlus 8T a better choice for watching videos and browsing the web.
  • Faster charging is a huge convenience for users who are always on the go.

Nokia X20 Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution Front Camera: At 32MP, the front camera is significantly better.
  • Potentially better portrait mode: With the dedicated depth sensor, portrait mode will likely be better.

Practical Implications:

  • Nokia X20 better for people who take a lot of selfies and portrait mode shots.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Nokia X20 means sacrificing significant performance, display quality, and charging speed for...a potentially better portrait mode and selfie shots.
  • Choosing the OnePlus 8T means sacrificing a portrait mode.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 8T:

  • Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and anyone who values smooth performance, a great display, and fast charging.
  • Use Cases:
    • Playing demanding mobile games
    • Streaming high-resolution video content
    • Multitasking between several apps
    • Taking photos in various conditions
  • Price-to-Value: Good, especially if found at a discounted price compared to newer flagships.

Nokia X20:

  • Ideal User: People who take a lot of selfies and portrait mode shots.
  • Use Cases:
    • Taking high-resolution selfies and portrait mode shots
    • Basic smartphone tasks like browsing the web and checking email.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games, the OnePlus 8T is the clear choice.
  2. How important is display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or value vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, the OnePlus 8T's AMOLED display is superior.
  3. What are your camera priorities? If you need a high quality front facing camera, then the Nokia X20 may be a slightly better choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 8T for its superior performance and high refresh rate display.
  • Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: The Nokia X20 might be a better choice.
  • Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Consider both phones and see which one you can get for a better price.

Final Recommendation:

Given the specifications and my understanding of user needs, I would choose the OnePlus 8T.

Here's why:

While the Nokia X20 has higher resolution selfie camera, the OnePlus 8T offers a vastly superior overall experience. The performance difference between the Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 480 is significant, impacting everything from app loading times to gaming performance. The AMOLED 120Hz display on the OnePlus 8T is a massive upgrade in terms of color accuracy and brightness, for better user experience. Finally, the much faster 65W charging is a game-changer for convenience. While both get updates to Android 14, with everything else the OnePlus 8T provides, it is a much better phone.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.