The OnePlus Nord series continues to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on key features. The Nord CE 2 5G and Nord CE 3 are the latest iterations, but which one reigns supreme? We're diving deep into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nord CE 3 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its faster Snapdragon 782G chipset, significantly improved 80W charging, and generally refined design. While the CE 2 5G offers good value, the CE 3's upgrades make it a worthwhile investment for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 17 | Not announced yet |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 22 | Rumored |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 80W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue | Black; other colors |
| Models | IV2201 | - |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 | - |
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- 65W fast charging
- Older chipset
- Less refined design
- Camera could be better
- Slightly smaller battery
OnePlus Nord CE 3
- Faster Snapdragon 782G chipset
- 80W SuperVOOC charging
- Larger battery
- Improved camera with OIS (expected)
- More modern design
- Slightly higher price
- Potential for software bugs (early release)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the Nord CE 3 may have slightly improved brightness and color accuracy, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Resolution is likely to be FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nord CE 2 5G features a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lens. The Nord CE 3 is expected to have a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. The CE 3's OIS should result in better low-light performance and more stable videos. Image processing improvements are also anticipated on the CE 3.
Performance
The Nord CE 3's Snapdragon 782G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Nord CE 2 5G's Dimensity 900. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the CE 3. The CE 2 5G is still capable for everyday tasks, but the CE 3 offers a more premium feel.
Battery Life
The Nord CE 2 5G has a 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charging. The Nord CE 3 boasts a 5000mAh battery and a significantly faster 80W SuperVOOC charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize 5G connectivity and don't need the absolute latest performance. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is ideal for users seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more modern design, justifying the slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nord CE 3 worth the upgrade from the Nord CE 2 5G?
Yes, if you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a more modern design. The Snapdragon 782G and 80W charging are significant upgrades.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two phones?
The Nord CE 3 is expected to have a better camera system, particularly in low light, thanks to its OIS and potentially improved image processing.
