The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo iQOO U5x and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The iQOO U5x prioritizes a streamlined experience, while the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G pushes for 5G connectivity and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better buy. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance boost and future-proofs connectivity, while the 33W SuperVOOC charging significantly reduces downtime. The iQOO U5x remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget and primarily need basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 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, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 28 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 28 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | V2180GA | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO U5x
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Simple and streamlined user experience.
- Decent performance for basic tasks.
- Slow 10W charging is a major inconvenience.
- Limited to 4G connectivity.
- Likely inferior camera performance.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Faster 33W SuperVOOC charging.
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds.
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
- Slightly higher price compared to the iQOO U5x.
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones.
- Software experience can be divisive (ColorOS).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The iQOO U5x's Snapdragon 680 will likely suffice for basic tasks, but the Nord CE 2 Lite's Snapdragon 695 offers a more responsive experience, especially when scrolling through content-heavy webpages.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors. The iQOO U5x likely prioritizes cost savings, potentially resulting in a less capable main sensor. The Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor), enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. This advantage, combined with potentially a slightly larger sensor, will likely result in superior photo and video quality on the OnePlus device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the iQOO U5x’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). The 695 features a more modern CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver cores – compared to the U5x’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance, benefiting gaming and graphics-intensive apps. The 5G modem in the 695 also provides future-proofing, while the U5x is limited to 4G.
Battery Life
The iQOO U5x’s 10W charging is a significant drawback in 2024. Expect a very slow charge time, potentially exceeding 3 hours for a full charge. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s 33W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer, capable of charging the battery from 0-100% in approximately 60-75 minutes. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed mitigates any potential capacity difference, offering a more convenient user experience. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Nord CE 2 Lite’s charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5x if you need a functional, no-frills smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are unwilling to spend more than $150. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, want quicker charging to minimize downtime, and occasionally engage in mobile gaming or more demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship-level chipset, the Snapdragon 695 can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights, but it's generally playable. The iQOO U5x's Snapdragon 680 will struggle with consistent performance in PUBG Mobile.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G compared to the 10W charging on the iQOO U5x?
The difference is substantial. The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G can fully charge in around 60-75 minutes, while the iQOO U5x will take over 3 hours. This means you can quickly top up the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G during a short break, whereas the iQOO U5x requires overnight charging for a full battery.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more stable data speeds, provided your carrier supports it. This is a significant advantage over the iQOO U5x, which is limited to 4G.
