The Realme Narzo 30 and OnePlus Nord CE 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a smooth user experience, they diverge in their core hardware choices, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and efficient power management, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 750G, built on an 8nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in sustained performance and efficiency over the Narzo 30’s Helio G95, despite similar charging speeds.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 18 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 20 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 580 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 65 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Blue, Racing Silver | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | RMX2156 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 460 EUR | 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) |
Realme Narzo 30
- Potentially lower price point
- Strong CPU performance for basic tasks
- Fast charging (100% in 65 mins)
- Less efficient chipset (12nm)
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Limited camera information
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- More efficient chipset (8nm)
- Faster initial charging (70% in 30 mins)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Standard 60Hz display
- Camera performance relies heavily on software
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 607 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the Narzo 30 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their price points, the Nord CE 5G’s higher brightness and 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggest a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The absence of refresh rate information for both devices suggests a standard 60Hz panel, which is typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of OnePlus typically prioritizes image processing and software optimization, potentially leading to more consistent and pleasing results with the Nord CE 5G. The Narzo 30 may rely more on hardware, but without specific details, it’s hard to assess its capabilities. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 30 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G, however, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G is a key advantage, offering superior thermal efficiency and allowing for sustained performance under load. While the Nord CE 5G’s CPU clocks slightly higher (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570), the architectural improvements and process node give it the edge in real-world performance, especially during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 30W wired charging, but their charging speeds differ slightly. The Narzo 30 reaches 100% in 65 minutes, while the Nord CE 5G achieves 70% in 30 minutes. This suggests a faster initial charging curve for the Nord CE 5G. Both devices share an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite potential differences in battery capacity (data unavailable for Narzo 30). The Snapdragon 750G’s efficiency could contribute to slightly longer real-world usage on the Nord CE 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 30 if you prioritize maximizing raw CPU performance for tasks like light gaming and everyday multitasking on a tighter budget. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you value a more balanced experience with better sustained performance, potentially longer battery life due to the more efficient chipset, and a generally smoother software experience typical of OnePlus devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G95 in the Narzo 30 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G95 can handle PUBG and Call of Duty, you may experience frame drops and thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, especially at higher graphics settings. The 12nm process node isn't as efficient as the Snapdragon 750G, leading to increased heat generation.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 750G's 5G modem compare to the Helio G95's 5G capabilities?
The Snapdragon 750G integrates a more advanced 5G modem, offering potentially faster and more reliable 5G connectivity. Qualcomm's modems are generally known for their wider band support and improved signal processing, leading to a better 5G experience.
❓ Is the 70% charge in 30 minutes on the Nord CE 5G sufficient for a typical day's use?
Yes, reaching 70% charge in 30 minutes on the Nord CE 5G is generally enough to provide a full day's power for moderate users. This quick top-up is convenient for those who need a fast boost before heading out.
❓ Given the similar endurance ratings, should I prioritize charging speed over battery capacity?
If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your phone, the Nord CE 5G's faster initial charging speed is a significant advantage. However, if you prefer a longer-lasting charge and don't mind slower charging, the Narzo 30 might suffice, assuming comparable battery capacities.
