iQOO U5 vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 695 Performance

The iQOO U5 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G occupy a similar price bracket, both aiming to deliver 5G connectivity and a smooth Android experience without breaking the bank. Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, but key differences in charging speed and potentially software optimization create a compelling head-to-head.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the superior choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Nord CE 2 Lite’s 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it a more practical daily driver. The iQOO U5 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO U5 OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, December 242022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 01Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoUnspecified
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, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Gray, AuroraBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
ModelsV2165ACPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

vivo iQOO U5

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Snapdragon 695 5G provides solid performance
  • Likely large battery capacity

  • Slow 18W charging
  • Funtouch OS may not appeal to all users
  • Limited camera details available

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • Faster 33W charging
  • OxygenOS offers a cleaner software experience
  • Potentially better software optimization

  • Slightly higher price
  • Snapdragon 695 5G performance is identical to iQOO U5
  • Camera details are also limited

Display Comparison

Both the iQOO U5 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price points, we can expect both to utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates (60Hz vs 90Hz or 120Hz) is notable. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles, but the Nord CE 2 Lite may benefit from OnePlus’s established display calibration profiles. Without further data, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner.

Camera Comparison

The provided data doesn't detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets. Given the market segment, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, an ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. OnePlus typically focuses on natural-looking images, while vivo often employs more vibrant and saturated color profiles. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s impossible to assess low-light performance. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a likely omission on both devices at this price point.

Performance

Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The real-world difference will likely come down to RAM management and software optimization. OnePlus’s OxygenOS is generally regarded as cleaner and more efficient than vivo’s Funtouch OS, potentially leading to slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times on the Nord CE 2 Lite. Thermal throttling, while unlikely to be severe with this chipset, could be managed more effectively by OnePlus’s software.

Battery Life

This is where the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G pulls ahead significantly. While both phones likely house batteries of similar capacity (estimated around 5000mAh based on market trends), the Nord CE 2 Lite boasts 33W wired charging, compared to the iQOO U5’s 18W. This translates to a substantially faster 0-100% charge time – potentially under an hour for the Nord CE 2 Lite versus over 2 hours for the iQOO U5. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts daily usability, making the Nord CE 2 Lite more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO U5 if you need a functional 5G phone at the absolute lowest possible price and are willing to tolerate slower charging speeds. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prioritize faster charging, a more refined software experience (typically associated with OnePlus), and a generally more polished user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but demanding titles like PUBG Mobile will likely require reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate a flagship-level gaming experience on either device.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between iQOO and OnePlus?
OnePlus generally provides a more consistent and longer-term software update policy compared to iQOO. While both brands offer Android updates, OnePlus typically guarantees more major Android version upgrades and security patches over a longer period. This is a significant consideration for long-term usability.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Both phones support 5G, but compatibility with specific 5G bands varies by region. It's crucial to check with your carrier to ensure that the phone supports the 5G bands used in your area to take full advantage of 5G speeds.