Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G and the Nokia G100. These two phones are vying for attention in the competitive mid-range market, and while they share some similarities, key differences set them apart. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly taller, wider and thicker, making it a touch bulkier. |
| Weight | 195g | 195.1g | Both are virtually the same weight, feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.59" | 6.52" | Negligible size difference; both offer an immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 720x1600 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has much sharper visuals; great for media consumption and text readability. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 269 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s higher PPI results in sharper, crisper images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same panel technology; consistent colors and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s chipset is more powerful and power-efficient; quicker app loads, better multitasking and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 406,221 | 201,615 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G provides far better raw performance, translating to smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G can handle more demanding graphics tasks, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.7 | 13MP, f/2.0 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G captures more detailed, brighter photos in various lighting scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G excels in selfie quality, better for social media and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia G100 has a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes, missing on Nord. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both produce similar portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Nord can take close up detailed photos |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer decent video for social media; nothing too fancy. |
| Features | CDAF | Night Mode | Nord includes CDAF for faster focus while Nokia includes night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, both should last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G charges much faster, less time tethered to a power outlet. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Nord may receive future updates while Nokia's is unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, MiMO | 802.11ac, Dual-band, | Both support fast wi-fi, Nord supports MIMO technology for enhanced performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, Aptx, LDAC, AAC | 5.0, LE | Nord offers a more advanced Bluetooth version and codec support for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Nord has greater location precision and faster lock-on, helpful for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both are dual-sim, allowing for flexibility with multiple plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 32GB or 128 GB | Both have 128GB variants, but Nord only comes in 128 GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers more RAM for smoother multitasking, especially for the 8GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage options available for both phones |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | 2 microphones | Nord has noise cancelation on the microphone for clearer calls while Nokia has two mics. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Same fingerprint sensor tech on both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia has a stronger glass screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Nord includes a compass while Nokia includes a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G offers a significant performance leap over the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia G100.
- Enhanced Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution panel make the viewing experience noticeably better.
- Better Camera: The 64MP main camera and 16MP selfie camera provide higher image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 15W charging on the Nokia G100.
- More RAM Options: 6GB or 8GB RAM options mean smoother multitasking, particularly for the 8GB variant.
- Better Connectivity Newer Bluetooth and GPS technology
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior display technology and performance, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption.
Nokia G100:
- Strengths:
- Wide Angle Lens: The inclusion of the wide-angle lens on the main camera is useful.
- Screen Protection: Inclusion of Gorilla Glass 3 for better screen protection.
- Extra Sensor: Inclusion of barometer sensor.
- Clean Android: Nokia is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience, preferred by some users.
- Competitive Advantages:
- A wide-angle camera lens makes it suited for different types of photography.
- Has a stronger screen protection, good for durability.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: Lacks a wide angle lens and expandable storage.
- Nokia G100: Suffers from weaker performance, a lower resolution display, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate better performance and smoother display.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and 120Hz refresh rate are great for mobile gaming.
- Social Media Users: The superior front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls.
- Users Seeking Value: Offers an enhanced user experience at a competitive price.
- Users wanting future-proof technology The better connectivity technology is great for future use.
Nokia G100 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers a decent experience at a lower price point.
- Users Seeking Durability: Offers better screen protection.
- Fans of Simple Android: Those who prefer a stock Android experience.
- Casual Users: Suitable for basic daily tasks.
- Users that want a wide-angle lens: Inclusion of wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- How important is performance to you? If you want a phone that can handle demanding apps, gaming, and heavy multitasking, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize display quality? For a smoother and sharper display, the 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution on the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G make a significant difference.
- Do you frequently need a wide angle lens? If you find yourself taking lots of wide shots then the Nokia G100 might be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Media Enthusiast - Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G for its superior performance and 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User on a Budget - The Nokia G100 may be a suitable choice with basic functionality and a lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler - The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is a better option, due to better GPS features
- Scenario 4: Photographer - The Nokia G100 may be a better choice with its wide angle lens option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely opt for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. While the Nokia G100 has its merits, the sheer performance difference is hard to overlook. The Nord's 120Hz display, significantly more powerful processor, better camera, and faster charging make for a much more enjoyable daily user experience. As someone who appreciates a responsive and fluid device, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the clear winner for me. Yes, the wide angle lens of the Nokia G100 is great and the screen protection is also a plus but overall the OnePlus is a better choice for the vast majority of use cases.
