Both the Realme Narzo 50 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G target the competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market, but they take different approaches. The Narzo 50 prioritizes affordability, while the Nord CE 2 5G aims for a balance of performance and convenience. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Narzo 50’s Helio G96. The significantly faster 65W charging also dramatically improves usability. However, the Narzo 50 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 24 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 03 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 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 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, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 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 | 33W wired | 65W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Speed Blue, Speed Black | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | RMX3286 | IV2201 |
| Price | About 610 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
Realme Narzo 50
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially lower power efficiency
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster and more efficient chipset
- Significantly faster 65W charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Higher price tag
- May not offer a dramatically different experience for very basic users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies elsewhere. Both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the underlying performance that drives the UI and apps displayed on them.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Helio G96. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone prioritizes advanced stabilization.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) offers a significant advantage over the Realme Narzo 50’s Helio G96 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. The CPU architecture also favors the Nord CE 2 5G; its Cortex-A78 cores (2x2.4 GHz) are more powerful than the Narzo 50’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.05 GHz). This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. While both phones feature 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, the superior CPU and process node of the Dimensity 900 will be felt in real-world usage.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 50 features 33W wired charging, while the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G doubles that with 65W wired charging. This is a substantial difference. 65W charging can significantly reduce downtime, potentially topping up the battery from 0-100% in under 40 minutes, while the Narzo 50 will likely take over an hour. While battery capacity isn't specified, the efficiency gains of the Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G may offset any capacity differences, providing comparable real-world battery life despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50 if you need a functional 5G smartphone at the absolute lowest price point and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you prioritize smoother performance, faster charging, and a more refined user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G96 in the Narzo 50 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G96 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and less powerful CPU cores compared to the Dimensity 900 mean it will generate more heat and potentially experience throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 65W charging on the Nord CE 2 5G compared to the 33W charging on the Narzo 50 in a real-world scenario?
Expect the Nord CE 2 5G to go from 0-100% in approximately 35-40 minutes, while the Narzo 50 will likely take over an hour and 15 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups when you're short on time.
❓ Does the Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G offer any advantages for video recording?
Yes, the Dimensity 900's improved ISP supports better video stabilization and dynamic range, resulting in higher-quality video recordings, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It also supports more advanced video codecs.
