OnePlus Nord N30 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Verdict
OnePlus Nord N30 delivers exceptional value at $299, featuring a massive 6.72-inch 120Hz IPS LCD display, robust 5000mAh battery with 50W charging, and respectable 108MP main camera. Snapdragon 695 handles everyday tasks competently. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE commands premium pricing at $700 but justifies it with superior Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1300 nits vs 680), more versatile triple camera system including optical zoom, faster Snapdragon 888 processor, and wireless charging. S21 FE's IP68 rating outclasses Nord N30's IP54. Battery capacity favors Nord N30 (5000 vs 4500mAh), yet S21 FE's efficiency and wireless option provide convenience. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing screen size and battery longevity, Nord N30 excels. Those demanding superior imaging, processor performance, and premium build should invest in Galaxy S21 FE. Choose Nord N30 for value, S21 FE for capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 if…
- →108 MP main camera for high-resolution shots
- →50W charging is fast for the budget tier
- →5G connectivity at entry-level price
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
OnePlus Nord N30
Pros
- 108 MP main camera for high-resolution shots
- 50W charging is fast for the budget tier
- 5G connectivity at entry-level price
- Large 6.72-inch display
- Solid battery life from 5000 mAh
Cons
- IPS LCD can't match AMOLED contrast or color
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Depth sensor barely useful as ultrawide replacement
- Snapdragon 695 shows its limits in demanding apps
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | OnePlus Nord N30 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (OxygenOS 13.1) | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193 g | 177 g |
| Material | Plastic back and frame | Polycarbonate |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.75 | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 2 MP, f/2.4 (depth) | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 8 MP 3x optical |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 50W SuperVOOC wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.72 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 680 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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