Oneplus Nord Vs Samsung M31s Is The Nord Still Worth It In Current Year

When the OnePlus Nord launched in 2020, it disrupted the mid-range smartphone market with flagship-level features at a competitive price. The Samsung Galaxy M31s, released the same year, countered with long battery life and strong camera capabilities. Now, in 2024, both devices are several years old—but many users still rely on them or consider buying second-hand. So, is the OnePlus Nord still worth choosing over the M31s today? The answer depends on what you prioritize: raw performance and software experience, or endurance and camera versatility.

Performance and Software: Speed Meets Longevity

The OnePlus Nord runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and Android 10 (upgradable to OxygenOS 11, based on Android 11). At launch, this chipset delivered smooth multitasking, responsive app launches, and solid gaming performance for titles like PUBG Mobile on medium settings.

In contrast, the Samsung M31s uses the Exynos 9611, an older octa-core processor built on a 10nm process. While capable for everyday tasks, it lags behind the 765G in CPU efficiency and GPU performance. Users report occasional stutters when switching between apps or during extended use.

Tip: If you plan to use your phone for more than two years, prioritize devices with clean software and faster chipsets—like the Nord’s Snapdragon 765G—for better long-term usability.

Software support is another key differentiator. OnePlus provided two major OS updates and three years of security patches for the Nord, which ended in 2023. Samsung supported the M31s with two OS upgrades (up to Android 12) and four years of security updates, meaning it may have received patches into early 2024.

“Even mid-tier phones need consistent software updates to stay secure and functional beyond three years. The Nord offered better initial performance, but Samsung’s longer update cycle gives older models more staying power.” — Arjun Patel, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs Efficiency

The M31s holds a clear advantage in battery capacity with a massive 6,000mAh cell. In real-world usage, it consistently delivers two full days of moderate use. Even under heavy loads—streaming video, GPS navigation, social media—it lasts well into a second day.

The Nord, by comparison, has a 4,115mAh battery. It typically lasts a full day with mixed usage but struggles to reach 1.5 days even with light use. However, it supports Warp Charge 30T, delivering a 50% charge in around 30 minutes—something the M31s can’t match with its 25W charging.

Feature	OnePlus Nord	Samsung M31s
Battery Capacity	4,115 mAh	6,000 mAh
Charging Speed	30W (Warp Charge)	25W (Super Fast Charging)
Full Charge Time	~60 minutes	~80 minutes
Standby Drain (72 hrs)	Moderate	Low

If you travel often or forget to charge nightly, the M31s’ battery is a significant benefit. But if you value quick top-ups during short breaks, the Nord’s fast charging is more convenient.

Camera Comparison: Daylight Versatility vs Low-Light Refinement

The M31s features a quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. The high-resolution sensor captures fine detail in daylight, and Samsung’s processing enhances color vibrancy. However, low-light photos suffer from noise and inconsistent HDR handling.

The Nord includes a 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP monochrome lens. While the megapixel count is lower, OnePlus tuned its software for balanced exposure and natural skin tones. Its Nightscape mode outperforms the M31s in dim environments, producing cleaner images with better dynamic range.

• The Nord excels in portrait mode due to better edge detection and background blur accuracy.
• The M31s offers a superior ultrawide field of view (123° vs 105°), useful for landscapes and group shots.
• Selfie quality favors the Nord: its 32MP + 8MP dual front cameras deliver sharper, more detailed selfies even in indoor lighting.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography Test

Riya, a digital nomad using both phones interchangeably during a trip across Rajasthan, found the M31s better suited for daytime monument photography thanks to its wider lens and vibrant saturation. But in evening markets and dimly lit havelis, she switched to the Nord. “The M31s made night shots look grainy and over-smoothed,” she said. “The Nord kept details intact and colors more realistic.”

Durability and Build Quality: Design Philosophy Divergence

The Nord features a glass front and plastic back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Its slim profile (8mm) and curved edges make it comfortable to hold, though the glossy frame attracts scratches. It lacks official water resistance, so spills or rain require caution.

The M31s uses a plastic body with a faux-glass finish on the back. It feels sturdier in hand due to its size but is prone to smudges. Like the Nord, it has no IP rating, but users report surviving minor drops better due to its thicker frame.

Tip: Neither phone is water-resistant. Always use a protective case and avoid exposing either device to moisture, especially near beaches or kitchens.

Value in 2024: Should You Buy Either Today?

As of 2024, neither phone is available new through official channels. However, both are widely available in the refurbished or second-hand market, priced between $100–$150 depending on condition.

The Nord remains appealing for users who prioritize smooth UI interactions, clean software (OxygenOS was praised for minimal bloat), and faster app response times. Gamers or multitaskers will notice the difference in daily use.

The M31s continues to attract budget buyers focused on battery life and storage. With 128GB base storage (expandable up to 512GB), it suits media hoarders. Its larger screen (6.5” FHD+ Super AMOLED) also provides a richer viewing experience for videos and e-books.

Checklist: What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Nord or M31s

1. Test the battery health: Check if it drains unusually fast or doesn’t hold charge beyond 6 hours of screen-on time.
2. Verify software status: Ensure the phone is updated to the latest available version and boots without boot loops.
3. Inspect camera modules: Take sample photos in daylight and low light; look for foggy lenses or autofocus lag.
4. Check charging port: Try fast charging with a compatible adapter to confirm Warp Charge (Nord) or Super Fast Charging (M31s) works.
5. Examine physical condition: Look for deep scratches, cracks, or signs of water damage (especially near SIM tray).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus Nord run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Yes, for basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Chrome, and Instagram, the Nord performs adequately. However, newer versions of resource-heavy apps (e.g., TikTok with AR filters or Google Maps with Live View) may lag. Heavy multitasking or gaming will show noticeable slowdowns.

Which phone has better resale value now?

The Nord historically held slightly better resale value due to brand perception and software reputation. However, in 2024, both phones depreciate similarly in the used market—condition matters more than model.

Is either phone receiving security updates?

No. Both devices have reached end-of-support. The Nord stopped receiving updates in late 2023, and the M31s likely received its final patch in early 2024. Using either today means accepting potential security risks, especially if logging into banking or sensitive accounts.

Final Verdict: Is the Nord Still Worth It?

The OnePlus Nord was ahead of its time in 2020, offering near-flagship performance in a sleek design. Four years later, it still holds up better than the M31s in responsiveness and user experience, particularly for those who appreciate clean software and quick interactions. However, the M31s wins in battery longevity and media consumption comfort.

If you're choosing between the two today, go for the Nord if you want snappier performance and better low-light photos. Choose the M31s if you need all-day (and then some) battery life and prioritize screen quality for entertainment.

That said, consider whether investing in a phone from 2020 aligns with your needs. Newer budget options from brands like Pixel (A-series), Xiaomi (Redmi Note), or even Samsung’s own 2023 M-series offer better processors, updated software, and improved cameras at similar price points—even second-hand.

💬 Have experience with either phone in 2024? Share your thoughts on performance, battery degradation, or upgrade advice in the comments below.