The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z6 44W and OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G represent compelling options. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a smooth user experience, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more powerful processor for demanding tasks, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G emerges as the winner. Its 65W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Dimensity 900 offers a performance edge. However, the iQOO Z6 44W remains a strong contender for those seeking a reliable, efficient device with a focus on Qualcomm's ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 27 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 02 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 27 min | 65W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lumina Blue, Raven Black | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | - | IV2201 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
vivo iQOO Z6 44W
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Reliable Qualcomm ecosystem
- Potentially longer software support
- Slower charging speed (44W)
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster 65W SuperVOOC charging
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor
- OxygenOS software experience
- Potentially less efficient processor
- MediaTek chipset may have shorter software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. The absence of specified refresh rates suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz. The real difference will come down to color calibration and peak brightness, which are not provided. However, given OnePlus's history, the Nord CE 2 5G may offer slightly more accurate color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with neither phone aiming for a premium, near-bezel-less design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. OnePlus typically leans towards more vibrant, saturated images, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. The Dimensity 900’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly more advanced features and processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 900, with its 2x Cortex-A78 performance cores, offers a noticeable advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming compared to the iQOO Z6 44W’s Snapdragon 680. The Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, prioritizes efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks and moderate usage. The Dimensity 900’s architecture allows for better multi-tasking and smoother performance in graphically demanding games. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 900’s core configuration provides a performance uplift. The iQOO Z6 44W will likely excel in sustained performance due to the Snapdragon's efficiency, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s 65W SuperVOOC charging is a significant advantage. Achieving 50% charge in under 30 minutes is considerably faster than the iQOO Z6 44W’s 44W charging, which takes 27 minutes to reach 50%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Nord CE 2 5G mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 680’s efficiency in the iQOO Z6 44W could translate to slightly better battery life during typical usage, but the convenience of rapid charging on the Nord CE 2 5G is a compelling trade-off.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z6 44W if you prioritize a proven Qualcomm chipset known for its efficiency and stability, and if you value a potentially longer software support lifecycle within the Qualcomm ecosystem. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you need the fastest possible charging speeds, a processor capable of handling more intensive gaming, and prefer the OxygenOS software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 900 in the Nord CE 2 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 900 is a capable processor, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 680 under sustained load. However, OnePlus typically implements thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. Expect some throttling during extended gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the 44W charging on the iQOO Z6 44W slow compared to other phones in this price range?
44W charging is respectable, but the Nord CE 2 5G’s 65W charging is significantly faster. While the iQOO Z6 44W will still charge relatively quickly, it won’t offer the same level of convenience as the Nord CE 2 5G, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Historically, OnePlus has offered a good track record of software updates, but vivo has been improving in this area. Given Qualcomm's broader ecosystem and longer support cycles for its chipsets, the iQOO Z6 44W *may* receive updates for a slightly longer period, but this is not guaranteed.
