Google Pixel 6 vs. OnePlus Nord N30:
An In-Depth Comparison
With the fast-paced world of smartphones, finding the perfect device is a challenge in itself, especially when there are so many options available in various price ranges. Two popular choices for budget-conscious consumers are the Google Pixel 6 and the OnePlus Nord N30. Both phones bring impressive specs and features to the table, but they target slightly different audiences. We take a closer look at both of these phones to help you determine which one would better suit your needs.
Design and Build Quality>
Google Pixel 6>
The Google Pixel 6 boasts a very modern and distinctive design, especially the horizontal camera bar that stretches across the back of the device. The phone has a matte-finish Gorilla Glass at the back, giving it a premium look and minimizing fingerprints. It features a metal frame, with a sleek and minimalist design.
Measuring 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm, the Pixel 6 is slightly larger and heavier than the OnePlus Nord N30, weighing 207 grams. The device is available in Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam, and Kinda Coral, providing a fun and playful aesthetic.
The Pixel 6 also has IP68 certification in terms of dust and water resistance at up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, which is just perfect in terms of durability for everyday life.
OnePlus Nord N30>
OnePlus Nord N30 has a modern design, although not as bold as that of Pixel 6. It boasts a plastic back panel with a glossy finish, and the camera module is located on the top left, making it look more classic in comparison to the Pixel 6 with its distinctive look. The frame of the phone is also plastic, which certainly saves on the cost but doesn’t have that premium feel as one would expect if they were made out of metal or glass.
The Nord N30 measures at 161.1 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm and weighs 190 grams, which is slightly thinner and lighter than the Pixel 6, so it is easier to use with one hand. It comes in colors like Blue and Black.
Though Nord N30 doesn’t provide any type of IP rating, it still manages to perform reasonably well in everyday situations, but this certainly isn’t at the same level as the Pixel 6 when it comes to water and dust resistance.
Display>
Google Pixel 6>
The Google Pixel 6 comes with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, with Full HD+ resolution at 2400 x 1080 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of 411 ppi, providing sharp and vibrant colors. The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, though not as fast as some of the higher-end flagship devices, still provides smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 display is the HDR support, which brings a wider color range and deeper contrast to compatible content, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better durability against scratches and drops.
OnePlus Nord N30>
The OnePlus Nord N30 has a slightly larger 6.72 inches but employs an LCD panel and not the AMOLED. This means it boasts a Full HD+ resolution of up to 2412 by 1080 pixels, so a similar sharpness would be there as the Pixel 6 but the color accuracy and contrast will differ mainly. The LCD panel doesn’t produce the same vibrant, punchy colors or deep blacks as an AMOLED display, resulting in a less immersive viewing experience, especially in darker environments.
On the bright side, the Nord N30 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate that is noticeably smoother than the Pixel 6’s 90Hz display. This makes all the difference when gaming, scrolling through social media, and in general fluidity of interaction with the phone.
Performance and Software>
Google Pixel 6>
The Google Pixel 6 is powered by the custom-designed Google Tensor SoC, which is built specifically for Pixel devices. The chip delivers good performance in everyday tasks and even in intensive applications. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 6 offers smooth multitasking and fast app launches. The Tensor chip also focuses heavily on AI and machine learning, providing advanced features such as real-time language translation, live captions, and improved camera processing.
The Pixel 6 runs pure Android 12, giving the device a very clean, bloat-free software experience. Of course, owning a Pixel comes with the promise of faster updates. Google guarantees three years of OS updates and five years of security updates for your device to keep it up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
OnePlus Nord N30>
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset powers the OnePlus Nord N30. The processor is quite solid, as it’s in the mid-range category. When paired with 8GB of RAM, it easily manages common tasks such as browsing, messaging, and light gaming. But it doesn’t feel as powerful as the Google Tensor chip, particularly when dealing with AI-driven tasks and high-end applications.
The Nord N30 runs on OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13. OxygenOS is well-known for its fast and responsive interface, providing a near-stock Android experience with some added customization options. However, though OnePlus promises two years of software updates and three years of security updates, it’s not on the same level of support as the Pixel 6.
Camera Performance>
Google Pixel 6>
One of the significant attractions for this device is its camera. The Pixel 6 packs a dual camera system with a primary 50MP wide-angle sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. Using Google’s sophisticated computational photography, the Pixel 6 manages excellent images in poor light. Algorithms of night mode, HDR+, and real-time processing will get sharp and detailed true-to-life pictures most of the time in various light settings.
The 50MP primary camera captures impressive detail, with vibrant colors and great dynamic range. The ultrawide lens provides a broader perspective, though it doesn’t perform as well in low-light conditions. For selfies, the Pixel 6 uses an 8MP front-facing camera, which delivers great detail and color accuracy.
OnePlus Nord N30>
The OnePlus Nord N30 sports a triple-camera configuration:
a 50MP primary sensor, 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. While the former is good for taking sharp shots with reasonable dynamic range, it’s not quite at par with Pixel 6’s ability to take complex scenes, particularly in low-light conditions. Color distortion and noise creep into the ultrawide lens in low light, while the macro lens is a mere gimmick, bringing underwhelming results.
For selfies, the Nord N30 uses a 16MP front-facing camera that does a decent job in well-lit environments but struggles a bit in low light, lacking the sharpness and color accuracy that the Pixel 6 can achieve.
Battery Life>
Google Pixel 6>
The Google Pixel 6 features a 4600mAh battery, which allows full-day usage based on moderate to heavy use. This device supports fast charging at 30W. It can fill the device up to 50% in about half an hour, but it is not wireless-charging or reverse wireless-charging enabled, which could be a slight drawback for a few users.
OnePlus Nord N30>
Compared to the Pixel 6, the OnePlus Nord N30 has a longer-lasting battery capacity of 5000mAh, while its charging capabilities are somewhat better as it supports up to 50W fast charging. The Pixel 6’s maximum charging speed is only 30W, so users will get a full charge within about 45 minutes. Wireless charging is not supported.