Realme 9 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Both the Realme 9 5G (India) and the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G target the competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both leverage Mediatek Dimensity chipsets, they diverge significantly in charging speed and processing power, creating a clear distinction for potential buyers. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which device offers the best value.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly smoother experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 900 chipset and 65W SuperVOOC charging significantly outperform the Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 and 18W charging, justifying the potential price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9 5G (India)	OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 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, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 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

Launch
Announced	2022, March 10	2022, February 17
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 14	Available. Released 2022, February 22

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back	-
Dimensions	162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 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
Weight	188 g (6.63 oz)	173 g (6.10 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm
Triple	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, 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, panorama	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm	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
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	No	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, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	65W wired
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Stargaze White, Meteor Black	Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue
Models	RMX3388	IV2201
Price	About 180 EUR	£ 99.00 / € 182.18
SAR	1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body)	-

Realme 9 5G (India)

More affordable price point
Decent performance for basic tasks
5G connectivity

Slow 18W charging
Less powerful processor compared to Nord CE 2 5G
Potentially lower camera quality

OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G

65W SuperVOOC fast charging
More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset
Improved image processing capabilities

Higher price compared to Realme 9 5G
May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging
Potential for software bloat (OnePlus)

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies elsewhere. While specific display specs are missing, the focus should be on the processing power impacting UI smoothness. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for mid-range LCDs.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset's ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Dimensity 810. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both phones to include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the Nord CE 2 5G is likely to deliver superior results. The presence of a larger main sensor (if present) on the Nord CE 2 5G would further solidify its camera advantage.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G holds a clear advantage in processing power thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 900. This chipset features Cortex-A78 cores, a step up from the Cortex-A76 cores in the Realme 9 5G’s Dimensity 810. The A78 architecture provides improved single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are built on a 6nm process, the architectural difference is significant. Users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light gaming will notice the difference. The Realme 9 5G will handle basic tasks adequately, but the Nord CE 2 5G offers a more future-proof experience.

Battery Life

The charging disparity is the most significant difference. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer, capable of fully charging the device in around 30-40 minutes. The Realme 9 5G’s 18W charging is considerably slower, requiring over 90 minutes for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Nord CE 2 5G mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up will greatly appreciate the Nord CE 2 5G’s charging speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 9 5G (India) if you need a functional 5G phone with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you prefer a noticeably faster charging experience, a more capable processor for multitasking and light gaming, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?

The Dimensity 810 can run Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G will provide a smoother experience with higher settings.

❓ How much faster is the 65W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Realme 9 5G in real-world use?

The Nord CE 2 5G can go from 0% to 100% in approximately 35-40 minutes, while the Realme 9 5G will take well over 90 minutes, often exceeding two hours. This means you can get a significant charge in a short amount of time with the Nord CE 2 5G, ideal for users on the go.

❓ Does the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?

The Dimensity 900 is generally efficient, and OnePlus has implemented thermal management solutions. While some warming is expected during intensive gaming, the Nord CE 2 5G is unlikely to experience significant overheating that leads to performance throttling, unlike some other phones in this price range.