The mid-range 5G market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and vivo iQOO U3 represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a smooth user experience, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset choice and charging implementation. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 750G offers a slight edge in overall performance and efficiency, coupled with significantly faster 30W charging. While the iQOO U3’s Dimensity 800U is capable, the Nord CE 5G’s charging speed and slightly brighter display provide a more refined experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 14. Released 2020, December 18 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10, 460 nits (typ) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray, Aurora | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | V2061A | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 200 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) |
vivo iQOO U3
- Potentially lower price point
- Capable Dimensity 800U chipset for everyday tasks
- Solid battery endurance (117h)
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely less bright display
- Potentially less efficient chipset
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Faster 30W charging (70% in 30 min)
- Brighter 607 nit display
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Potentially higher price
- Standard 60Hz display refresh rate
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the iQOO U3. This difference is noticeable in direct sunlight, making the Nord CE 5G more usable outdoors. Both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), suggesting standard OLED characteristics. While neither phone specifies refresh rates beyond the standard 60Hz, the Nord CE 5G’s higher peak brightness provides a more vibrant viewing experience, particularly for HDR content.
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, OnePlus typically focuses on image processing algorithms to enhance photo quality, while vivo often emphasizes hardware. The absence of specific details suggests both phones target casual photography rather than enthusiast-level image capture. The usefulness of any included 2MP macro lenses on either device is questionable, offering limited practical benefit over the main sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO U3 utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm), while the Nord CE 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Snapdragon 750G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, generally offers better sustained performance and thermal management. While the Dimensity 800U’s Cortex-A76 cores clock slightly higher (2.4GHz vs 2.2GHz on the Kryo 570), the Snapdragon 750G’s architecture and process node provide a more balanced and efficient experience. Both phones are equipped with octa-core CPUs, but the Snapdragon’s Kryo cores are optimized for Qualcomm’s ecosystem.
Battery Life
Both the iQOO U3 and Nord CE 5G achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Nord CE 5G supports 30W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes. The iQOO U3 is limited to 18W charging, resulting in a considerably slower charging time. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize quick top-ups, making the Nord CE 5G the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid option for everyday tasks and moderate usage. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you value faster charging, a brighter display, and a slightly more polished software experience, even if it means spending a bit more. It’s ideal for users who frequently stream media, game, or need to quickly top up their battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a solid gaming experience for the price point. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall, it's a competent gaming platform.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 30W? Will I notice a real-world impact?
The difference is substantial. 30W charging on the Nord CE 5G can take the battery from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes, while the iQOO U3’s 18W charging will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Are there any known thermal throttling issues with either the Dimensity 800U or Snapdragon 750G during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 750G, built on an 8nm process, generally exhibits better thermal management than the Dimensity 800U (7nm). While both chips can experience some throttling under sustained load, the 750G is less prone to significant performance drops during extended gaming sessions. The iQOO U3 may experience more noticeable throttling.
