OnePlus generated quite a buzz with its new Nord Series much before its initial release, especially after rumours indicating that they would be introducing a new series under $500. Though this wasn’t the first time that they had came up with a device at this price point, they launched the OnePlus X around 6 years ago. For the OnePlus Nord, they did manage to keep a lid on it.
Finally, after all the hype surrounding it, they launched the device via its OnePlus Nord AR app on 21st July 2020.
OnePlus Nord Pricing: 6 GB RAM+ 64 GB storage variant: Rs 24,999, 8 GB RAM+ 128 storage variant: Rs 27,999, 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant: Rs 29,999. It will be available on Amazon from 4th of August, 2020 onwards.
OnePlus Nord vs Redmi K20 Pro vs Realme X3
| OnePlus Nord | Redmi K20 Pro | Realme X3 | |
| Display | 6.44″ FHD+ Amoled with 90Hz refresh rate |
6.39″ FHD+ Super AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate |
6.6″ FHD+ IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate |
| PPI | 408 | 403 | 399 |
| Weight | 184gm | 191gm | 202gm |
| Connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Processor | Snapdragon 765G | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 855+ |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB |
| Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory Slot |
No | No | No |
| Primary Cameras | 48 MP Sony IMX586 + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens + 5 MP depth lens + 2 MP macro lens |
48 MP Sony IMX586 + 13 MP ultra-wide sensor + 8 MP telephoto lens |
64MP Samsung GW1 sensor + 12 MP telephoto lens + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens + 2 MP macro lens |
| Secondary Cameras | 32 MP Sony IMX616 + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens |
20 MP | 16 MP + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens |
| OIS | Yes | No | No |
| Android Version | 10 with Oxygen OS | 10 with MIUI | 10 with Realme OS |
| NFC | Yes | No | No |
| Fingerprint Scanner | In-Display | In-Display | Side-Mounted |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | No | Yes | No |
| Battery | 4115mAh | 4000mAh | 4200mAh |
| Adapter inbox | Warp Charge 30T | 18W, but supports 27W | 30W |
| Colours | Blue Marble, Grey Onyx | Flame red, Glacier blue, Carbon black, Pearl White |
Arctic White, Arctic Blue |
| Prices in India | 6/64 @ ₹24,9999/- 8/128 @ ₹27,999/- 12/256 @ ₹29,999/- |
6/128 @ ₹24,999/- 8/256 @ ₹29,999/- |
6/128 @ ₹24,999/- |
Display
OnePlus Nord has an edge over both of them with its right combination of 6.44″ FHD+ Amoled with 90Hz refresh rate. While the Redmi K20 Pro is not far with it having 6.39″ FHD+ Super AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Realme X3 has an edge with the 6.6″ FHD+ IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, missing out on the AMOLED display but retaining a superior refresh rate than the three.
OnePlus Nord and RedmiK20 Pro feature the in-display fingerprint scanner, while the Realme X3 offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Weight
OnePlus is lighter amongst the three of them weighing at 184gm, while the K20 Pro weighs at 191gm and the Realme X3 at 202gm. Having said that K20 Pro has a much better-built quality with the only one having a metallic frame around it, the rest of the two comes with plastic frame. All of them features a glass back offering a much better in-hand feel.
Connectivity
All of them supports GSM / HSPA / LTE. But OnePlus Nord is the only one out of the three supporting 5G connectivity out of the box.
Processor
Now, this is where things get interesting, OnePlus Nord though a very capable device in itself having Snapdragon 765G with Adreno 620, looses out in this part with the K20 Pro offering Snapdragon 855 which comes with Adreno 640, and Realme X3 offering Snapdragon 855+ with the Adreno 640 as well. Both K20 Pro and Realme X3 offer better flagship processors at a similar price point.
Storage
OnePlus comes with 6/8/12 GB RAM and 64/128/256 GB storage options. While the Redmi K20 Pro comes with 6/8 GB RAM. And the Realme X3 comes with 6/128 Variant. OnePlus Nord has an edge with the 12GB RAM variant. While you get only one variant with the Realme X3. Sadly Expandable slot isn’t available in either of them.
Cameras
OnePlus Nord features a quad-camera setup at the back having 48 MP Sony IMX586+ 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens+ 5 MP depth lens+ 2 MP macro lens and dual cameras on the front having 32 MP Sony IMX616+ 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
Redmi K20 Pro features a triple camera setup at the back having 48 MP Sony IMX586+ 13 MP ultra-wide sensor+ 8 MP telephoto lens and a single pop up camera for selfies having a 20MP sensor.
Realme X3, on the other hand, to features a quad-camera setup at the back having 64MP Samsung GW1 sensor+ 12 MP telephoto lens+ 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens+ 2 MP macro lens and dual cameras on the front having 16 MP
+ 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
OnePlus Nord misses out on the telephoto lens, whereas the Redmi K20 Pro misses out on the Macro Lens. Realme X3 seems to offer a better all-rounder solution. while OnePlus Nord being the only one offering OIS for better stability.
Software
OnePlus Nord comes with the Oxygen OS based on Android 10, the Redmi K20 Pro comes with MIUI based on Android 10, while the Realme X3 comes with Realme OS based on Android 10. Oxygen OS has an edge with the stock android feel and ad-free user experience over MIUI and Realme OS. But Redmi K20 Pro has an edge over custom ROM support with a plethora of ROMs available for it. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.
Battery
Each one of them offers a similar battery backup. Each supports fast charging. Realme X3 and OnePlus Nord offer 30W fast charging, whereas the K20 Pro supports 27W fast charging, but there’s a catch, it only comes with an 18W adapter, one needs to purchase the 27W adapter separately.
Conclusion
But despite the hype, OnePlus Nord doesn’t have anything new to offer. When you look at the overall specifications and price tag, the OnePlus Nord is a close call with the Redmi K20 Pro, which is almost a year old device and Realme X3. With each of them offering something better over the another on multiple times.
