iQOO U3x vs OnePlus Nord CE 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the iQOO U3x’s Snapdragon 480, and the 30W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While the iQOO U3x is more affordable, the Nord CE 5G’s superior processing power and charging speed justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo iQOO U3x | OnePlus Nord CE 5G |
| 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, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | 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 | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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/6, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Aurora | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | V2106A | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 160 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 U3x
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery endurance
- Slower Snapdragon 480 processor
- Slower 18W charging
- Display brightness likely lower
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- 30W fast charging (70% in 30 min)
- Brighter display (607 nits)
- Slightly higher price
- Similar battery endurance to iQOO U3x
- May not be significantly better in all camera scenarios
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 607 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors compared to the iQOO U3x (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their price points, the Nord CE 5G’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. Contrast ratio is listed as infinite (nominal) for the Nord CE 5G, typical for IPS LCDs, but the lack of specific display details for the iQOO U3x makes a direct comparison difficult. Bezels and resolution are assumed to be similar, focusing the advantage on the Nord CE 5G’s superior brightness.
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 challenging. However, the Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G includes a more capable image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality and faster processing. The iQOO U3x’s camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but the Nord CE 5G is expected to deliver more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord CE 5G, if equipped, would further enhance its camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO U3x features the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G, while the Nord CE 5G utilizes the SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G. The 750G, with its Kryo 570 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offers a significant performance advantage over the 480’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. Both chipsets are built on an 8nm process, but the architectural improvements in the 750G provide a clear edge. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the faster processor in the Nord CE 5G will be the bottleneck for performance.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the iQOO U3x’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s 30W wired charging capability is a game-changer. It can reach 70% charge in just 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the iQOO U3x’s slower 18W charging. This faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential battery capacity differences, making the Nord CE 5G the more convenient option for users who need to quickly top up their phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3x if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more. The Nord CE 5G is the better option for users who want a phone that can handle a wider range of tasks without feeling sluggish.