OnePlus Nord 5 vs Huawei nova 7 SE: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 5 emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 provides a significant performance uplift, coupled with incredibly fast 80W charging. While the nova 7 SE offers 5G, the Nord 5’s overall package – performance, display, and charging – delivers a more compelling experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 7 SE | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75 x 8.6 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | Swift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.22 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Kirin 820 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 (6-core) | Adreno 735 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | LED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 70% in 30 min 5W reverse wired | 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green | Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands |
| Models | CDY-AN00, CDY-NX9B, CDY-TN00, CDY-AN20, CDL-AN50 | CPH2709 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | £ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (90 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Huawei nova 7 SE
- Faster 80W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers superior performance.
- Brighter display enhances outdoor visibility.
- Potentially higher price point.
- May lack the 5G band support of the nova 7 SE in certain regions.
OnePlus Nord 5
- Lower initial cost.
- Integrated 5G connectivity.
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Older Kirin 820 chipset offers lower performance.
- Slower 40W charging.
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1330 nits, compared to the nova 7 SE’s unspecified brightness. This higher peak brightness translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While the nova 7 SE’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the Nord 5’s brightness advantage is substantial. The Nord 5’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and readable experience, especially outdoors. We can assume the nova 7 SE uses an LCD panel, while the Nord 5 likely uses AMOLED.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Nord 5 suggest superior image processing algorithms and potentially better low-light performance. The Kirin 820 is capable, but the newer ISP within the Snapdragon chipset will likely deliver more refined images. We can assume both phones have a primary camera, but the Nord 5’s image signal processor will likely be more advanced.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 5’s Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Huawei nova 7 SE’s Kirin 820 (7nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside Cortex-A720 performance cores, offering significantly improved CPU and GPU performance. The Kirin 820’s octa-core configuration, while capable, is architecturally older and less efficient. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The Nord 5 will handle demanding tasks and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 5 excels in charging speed, supporting 80W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 54 minutes. It also supports 33W PPS and 18W PD. The Huawei nova 7 SE’s 40W charging, while respectable, is considerably slower, taking 30 minutes to reach 70%. The Nord 5’s battery endurance is rated at 49:12h, with an active use score of 13:47h, indicating excellent battery life. While the nova 7 SE’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nord 5’s combination of efficient chipset and fast charging provides a clear advantage. The Nord 5 also features bypass charging, allowing it to be powered directly when plugged in, reducing heat buildup.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 7 SE if you prioritize a lower initial cost and require 5G connectivity on a tighter budget, accepting compromises in processing power and charging speed. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you demand a smoother, faster experience, value rapid charging, and are willing to invest in a more modern chipset and brighter display. The Nord 5 is ideal for gamers and power users.