OnePlus Nord vs Xiaomi Poco F4: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The OnePlus Nord and Xiaomi Poco F4 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The Nord prioritizes a balanced package, while the Poco F4 aggressively targets performance with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Poco F4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a significant boost over the Nord’s Snapdragon 765G. However, the OnePlus Nord remains a strong contender, especially if found at a significantly lower price point, offering a solid all-around experience.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord Xiaomi Poco F4
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 7, 28, 78 SA/NSA - Europe1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 78 SA/NSA - India-
Launch
Announced2020, July 212022, June 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, August 04Available. Released 2022, June 27
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions158.3 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 2.89 x 0.32 in)163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.6 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, OxygenOS 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14.2 for POCO
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Dual32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.5, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesHDR-
Single-20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 70% in 30 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min
TypeLi-Po 4115 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue Marble, Gray Onyx (Gray Ash)Moonlight Silver, Night Black, Nebula Green
ModelsAC2001, AC200322021211RG, 22021211RI
Price€ 101.45 / £ 119.99₹ 16,999
Pricing
128GB 8GB RAM$ 299.00-
256GB 12GB RAM$ 329.99-
64GB 6GB RAMC$ 865.00-
RENEWED£ 172.00-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 100h Endurance rating 101h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.6 LUFS (Average) -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 315641 (v8) GeekBench: 7844 (v4.4), 1953 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 590961 (v8), 698586 (v9) GeekBench: 3190 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus Nord

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Clean and streamlined software experience
  • Good all-around battery life

  • Less powerful processor
  • Dimmer display compared to Poco F4
  • Slower charging speeds

Xiaomi Poco F4

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 870)
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • Much faster 67W charging

  • Potentially higher price
  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be more cluttered
  • May run slightly warmer under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Poco F4 immediately distinguishes itself with a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1003 nits compared to the Nord’s 756 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the brightness difference is a key advantage for the Poco F4. While neither specification details refresh rate, the brighter panel on the Poco F4 will be more enjoyable for media consumption and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, given the price points, it’s unlikely either features a groundbreaking camera system. The Poco F4’s advantage likely stems from its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Snapdragon 870, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the chipset advantage favors the Poco F4.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco F4’s Snapdragon 870 5G is a substantial upgrade over the Nord’s Snapdragon 765G. The 870 features a Kryo 585 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the Nord’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime. This architectural and clock speed difference results in noticeably faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Poco F4’s CPU configuration (1x3.2GHz + 3x2.42GHz + 4x1.80GHz) provides a more robust foundation for sustained workloads than the Nord’s (1x2.4GHz + 1x2.2GHz + 6x1.8GHz).

Battery Life

Both the OnePlus Nord and Xiaomi Poco F4 achieve an endurance rating of 100-101 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Poco F4’s 67W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support is significantly faster than the Nord’s 30W charging. The Poco F4 claims a 100% charge in 38 minutes, while the Nord takes 30 minutes to reach 70%. This faster charging is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Nord if you need a reliable daily driver with good battery life and a clean software experience, and are comfortable with slightly less demanding tasks. It’s ideal for users who value a balanced feature set over outright speed. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F4 if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and rapid charging. This phone is for users who want near-flagship performance without breaking the bank, and don't mind a potentially more customized software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F4 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Nord's Snapdragon 765G?
The Snapdragon 870 is a more powerful chip and will generate more heat under sustained load. While Xiaomi likely implements thermal management solutions, users can expect some degree of warming during prolonged gaming. The Nord’s 765G, being less powerful, will generally run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ How does the software experience differ between OnePlus' OxygenOS and Xiaomi's MIUI on these devices?
OnePlus’ OxygenOS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware and a focus on speed and fluidity. Xiaomi’s MIUI, while feature-rich, is often criticized for its more aggressive customization, pre-installed apps, and occasional advertisements. Users who prefer a simpler, faster interface will likely favor OxygenOS.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 30W and 67W truly significant in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. While 30W is adequate, 67W allows you to quickly top up your battery during short breaks. The Poco F4 can go from near-empty to a usable charge in a fraction of the time it takes the Nord, making it ideal for users with busy lifestyles.