Realme V13 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Realme V13 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 5G occupy a similar price bracket, targeting users seeking affordable 5G connectivity. However, they diverge in chipset choice and charging capabilities, creating a clear distinction in performance and convenience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly brighter display, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the better choice. Its 30W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the 607 nits peak brightness offers improved visibility. However, the Realme V13 5G remains a compelling option for those seeking a potentially more efficient chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme V13 5G OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2021, March 312021, June 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 02Available. Released 2021, June 11
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)170 g (6.00 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nitsFluid AMOLED, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired30W wired, 70% in 30 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, GrayBlue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray
Models-EB2101, EB2103
PriceAbout 210 EURAbout 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 V13 5G

  • Potentially more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
  • Competitive 5G connectivity
  • Affordable price point

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less detailed display specifications
  • Potentially less refined image processing

OnePlus Nord CE 5G

  • Faster 30W charging with 70% in 30 minutes
  • Brighter 607 nits display
  • More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset

  • Similar battery endurance to Realme V13 5G
  • Camera details are limited
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to the unstated brightness of the Realme V13 5G. While both feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher peak brightness of the Nord CE 5G translates to better outdoor visibility. The Realme V13 5G’s display specifications are less detailed, making a direct comparison of color accuracy and panel technology difficult, but given the price point, it likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, given OnePlus’s history, the Nord CE 5G likely benefits from more refined image processing algorithms. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on digital stabilization, potentially resulting in less stable video recording. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme V13 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Snapdragon 750G, built on an 8nm process, generally offers better power efficiency than the 7nm Dimensity 700, potentially leading to improved sustained performance. Both CPUs feature a similar core configuration – octa-core with 2x2.2 GHz performance cores and 6x lower-clocked efficiency cores – but Qualcomm’s Kryo 570 cores are architecturally more advanced than MediaTek’s Cortex-A76/A55 combination. This translates to a slight edge for the Nord CE 5G in demanding tasks and gaming.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the Realme V13 5G’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes. The Realme V13 5G’s 18W charging is considerably slower, requiring significantly more time to fully replenish the battery. This difference in charging speed directly impacts user convenience and minimizes downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme V13 5G if you prioritize chipset efficiency and are comfortable with slower 18W charging. This phone suits users who value long-term battery health and aren't heavily reliant on quick top-ups. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you value convenience and a brighter screen. This is the phone for users who need to recharge quickly and frequently use their device outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the OnePlus Nord CE 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver the same performance as flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for most users. The 8nm process also aids in thermal management during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 30W charging?
The difference is substantial. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s 30W charging can take a phone from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes, while the Realme V13 5G’s 18W charging will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This makes the Nord CE 5G much more convenient for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the camera on either phone suitable for low-light photography?
Without detailed sensor and aperture information, it's difficult to assess low-light performance definitively. However, given OnePlus’s software optimization, the Nord CE 5G likely performs slightly better in low-light conditions. Expect some noise and softness in images taken in very dark environments on both devices.