OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G vs Nord CE 5G: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nord CE 2 5G boasts significantly faster charging and a more powerful processor, making it ideal for performance-focused users. However, the Nord CE 5G offers excellent battery life and a slightly more refined software experience, appealing to those prioritizing longevity and smooth daily use.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 17 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 22 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 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) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | IV2201 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 | About 250 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 117h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -29.9 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 318672 (v8) | 391770 (v9) GeekBench: 1812 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster Processor
- 65W Fast Charging
- Slightly Brighter Display
- More Detailed Photos (in good light)
- Slightly Less Battery Life
- Software can feel less refined
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Slightly More Polished Camera Software
- Generally More Affordable
- Smooth 90Hz AMOLED Display
- Slower Charging
- Less Powerful Processor
- Lower Peak Brightness
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Nord CE 2 5G achieves a slightly higher peak brightness (around 672 nits measured) compared to the Nord CE 5G's 607 nits, resulting in better outdoor visibility. The CE 5G's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal value and doesn't translate to a significant visual difference.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a triple-camera setup. The Nord CE 2 5G generally captures slightly more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable. Video recording capabilities are similar on both devices, supporting up to 4K resolution. The CE 5G's camera software is considered slightly more polished.
Performance
The Nord CE 2 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Nord CE 5G's Snapdragon 750G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the CE 2 5G. The CE 5G is still capable for everyday tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Nord CE 5G shines in this category. While both offer decent battery life, the CE 5G consistently delivers exceptional endurance, often exceeding 117 hours (as per OnePlus's endurance rating). The Nord CE 2 5G's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive. The CE 2 5G's 65W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for a full charge in around 30-40 minutes, significantly faster than the CE 5G's 30W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G? Gamers, power users, and anyone who values fast charging and a snappy processor. Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G? Users prioritizing long battery life, a more streamlined software experience, and a slightly more budget-friendly price point.