Huawei nova Y90 vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: A Detailed Mid-Range Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680 in the Huawei nova Y90, particularly in demanding tasks. The significantly faster 65W charging also makes a substantial difference in daily usability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova Y90 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 23 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 27 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | EMUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 50% in 30 min | 65W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | CTR-LX2, CTR-LX1, CTR-LX3 | IV2201 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
Huawei nova Y90
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset for good battery life.
- 40W fast charging provides decent top-up speeds.
- Potentially strong Huawei ecosystem integration.
- Snapdragon 680 is less powerful than the Dimensity 900.
- Limited 5G support (4G only).
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset.
- Blazing-fast 65W SuperVOOC charging.
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds.
- Dimensity 900 may run slightly warmer under sustained load.
- OxygenOS software experience may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display, but details are lacking to make a direct comparison. Both utilize 6nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on efficiency rather than pushing display resolutions to the max. We can assume both are FHD+ panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests 60Hz is standard, impacting smoothness during scrolling and gaming. Bezels are likely comparable, with both manufacturers aiming for a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a precise camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will rely on a primary sensor paired with supporting lenses (likely depth and macro). The aperture and sensor size of the main sensor will be the critical factor. Image processing will also differ; Huawei typically emphasizes vibrant, sometimes oversaturated colors, while OnePlus aims for a more natural look. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which can introduce artifacts in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 900, featuring 2x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Huawei nova Y90’s Snapdragon 680. The Cortex-A78 cores are demonstrably more powerful than the Snapdragon’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 900’s more advanced core design provides a clear performance lead. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games compared to the Nord CE 2 5G.
Battery Life
The charging speed is a standout differentiator. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer, capable of replenishing the battery from 0-100% in a remarkably short time. The Huawei nova Y90’s 40W charging is respectable, claiming a 50% charge in 30 minutes, but falls significantly behind. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Nord CE 2 5G mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering greater convenience for users who frequently top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y90 if you prioritize a consistently stable, if less powerful, experience and are heavily invested in the Huawei ecosystem. Its 40W charging is respectable, and the Snapdragon 680 is efficient. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you value performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast 65W SuperVOOC charging. It’s the better choice for users who push their phones harder.