OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nord CE 2 5G: Which Mid-Range OnePlus is the Right Choice?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the better buy. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift, and the significantly faster 65W charging is a game-changer. While the Nord CE 5G boasts slightly better endurance, the CE 2’s advantages outweigh this.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 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, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 |
| 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 10 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 11 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide) 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 | 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/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min | 65W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | EB2101, EB2103 | IV2201 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
| 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 5G
- Longer battery endurance (117h rating)
- Potentially slightly cooler operation due to 8nm process
- Established Snapdragon platform
- Slower charging speed (30W)
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 750G)
- Likely less efficient CPU architecture
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster charging speed (65W)
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 900)
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- Mediatek chipset may have less software support (historically)
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but the Nord CE 5G is confirmed to reach 607 nits of peak brightness. This suggests a reasonably viewable experience outdoors, though it’s unlikely to compete with flagship-level displays. Given OnePlus’s typical display quality, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels with infinite (nominal) contrast ratios. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both are limited to 60Hz, a common trade-off in this price segment. Without further data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner; however, the higher peak brightness of the Nord CE 5G gives it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
The provided data only indicates both phones feature photo and video capabilities. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful camera comparison is impossible. However, given the market positioning, we can expect both to rely on similar primary sensors, likely around 64MP. The absence of any mention of optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither device features it. The usefulness of a 2MP macro camera, often found in this segment, is questionable due to its limited resolution and image quality. Therefore, without further specifications, the camera performance remains largely unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nord CE 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. The Nord CE 2 5G, however, steps up to the Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) with an octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Dimensity 900’s 6nm fabrication process is more efficient than the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process, leading to improved thermal management and sustained performance. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Dimensity 900 also offer a performance advantage over the Kryo 570 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Nord CE 2 5G.
Battery Life
The Nord CE 5G boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the Nord CE 2 5G compensates for any potential battery capacity difference with its significantly faster 65W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes. The Nord CE 5G’s 30W charging is considerably slower. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor, allowing users to quickly replenish their battery when needed. While the Nord CE 5G may last slightly longer on a single charge, the Nord CE 2 5G’s rapid charging mitigates any concerns about battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prioritize maximum battery endurance and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid choice for users who heavily rely on their phone throughout the day and don’t want to be tethered to a charger. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly rapid 65W SuperVOOC charging. This is the better option for power users and those who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up.