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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerOnePlus Nord N30 5G vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Key specs: Display: 6.72" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz. In real-world use, the Nord N30's 50W fast charging means you can go from 0 to 100 in under an hour, while the iPhone SE's 20W charging takes much longer. If you're looking for a budget phone with impressive specs, the Nord N30 is definitely worth considering in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.72" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 2018 mAh
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G
★4.4
(1,496)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.72"Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital ZoomWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
5,000mAhWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
No (Not supported)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: OnePlus Nord N30 5G vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
★4.4(1,496)Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,496)Amazon | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM) | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.72" | 4.7" |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits (HBM) | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 550 nits (Typical) / 680 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital Zoom | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 6x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | 50W SUPERVOOC (Charger included) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | No official IP rating | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Stereo speakers (200% Ultra Volume Mode), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Rating:★4.4(1,496)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM)
Storage:128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.72"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz)
Peak Brightness:550 nits (Typical) / 680 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital Zoom
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 6x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:16MP, f/2.4
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:50W SUPERVOOC (Charger included)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (200% Ultra Volume Mode), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Fastest charging in the US budget segment (50W wired)
- • Large 120Hz display is smooth and responsive
- • Base model comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (high for this tier)
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion
- • 108MP main camera provides decent 3x lossless zoom in good light
✗ Cons:
- • No ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors)
- • LCD panel lacks the contrast of OLED competitors (e.g., Galaxy A15 5G)
- • Video recording capped at 1080p/30fps (Chipset limitation)
- • Software support (1 OS update) is very short compared to Samsung (4 years)
- • No official IP rating for water resistance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone SE if you prefer a compact design and need a reliable iOS experience - it's lighter at 5.09oz versus 6.88oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the OnePlus Nord N30 5G if: you want a large display for gaming, need long battery life for travel, or value fast charging. (6.72" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact device, want to enter the iPhone ecosystem at a lower price, or like using Touch ID for security. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
OnePlus Nord N30 5G excels if you value fastest charging in the us budget segment (50w wired). Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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