vivo X50 Lite vs OnePlus Nord 5: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The vivo X50 Lite, a veteran of the mid-range, now faces a newer contender: the OnePlus Nord 5. This comparison isn't about raw specs; it's about understanding where the Nord 5's significant chipset upgrade translates into real-world benefits, and whether those benefits justify the likely price premium over the more established X50 Lite.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency, coupled with incredibly fast 80W charging. However, budget-conscious users on light tasks will find the X50 Lite perfectly adequate.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X50 Lite OnePlus Nord 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, May 12. Released 2020, May 122025, July 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2025, July 08
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190.2 g (6.70 oz)211 g (7.44 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDSwift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 735
OSAndroid 10, Funtouch 10Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging
Type4500 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global)
Misc
ColorsNebula Blue, Jade BlackPhantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands
ModelsV1937, 1937CPH2709
PriceAbout 300 EUR£ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998
SAR-1.18 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery-49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class C (90 falls)
Repairability-Class B

vivo X50 Lite

  • More affordable price point
  • Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
  • Established brand reputation

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slower charging speed
  • Likely inferior display quality

OnePlus Nord 5

  • Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
  • Ultra-fast 80W charging
  • Bright and vibrant display (1330 nits)

  • Higher price tag
  • May be overkill for basic users
  • Potential for more heat generation under sustained load (though mitigated by 4nm process)

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1330 nits, compared to the X50 Lite’s unspecified brightness. This higher peak brightness will dramatically improve visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the X50 Lite’s display specs are not provided, it’s likely a standard LCD panel, whereas the Nord 5’s brightness suggests a more advanced AMOLED technology. The Nord 5’s superior brightness is a key advantage for media consumption and outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the X50 Lite, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nord 5’s chipset benefits image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will deliver faster image capture, improved noise reduction, and better dynamic range. While the X50 Lite likely features a standard camera setup, the Nord 5’s processing power allows for more sophisticated computational photography features. The absence of sensor details for the X50 Lite makes it difficult to assess its low-light performance relative to the Nord 5.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The vivo X50 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) is a capable chip for basic tasks, featuring an octa-core CPU with Kryo 260 cores. However, the OnePlus Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is in a different league. The 4nm process node delivers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance. The Nord 5’s CPU configuration – a Cortex-X4 prime core alongside A720 and A520 cores – provides a much more responsive and fluid experience, especially in demanding applications and games. The Nord 5 will handle multitasking and graphically intensive games with ease, while the X50 Lite may struggle.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 5’s battery endurance is a standout feature, offering 49:12 hours of total usage and 13:47 hours of active use. This is coupled with incredibly fast 80W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 54 minutes. The X50 Lite’s 18W charging is significantly slower. While the Nord 5’s battery capacity isn’t explicitly stated, the endurance score suggests a well-optimized battery system. The Nord 5 also includes 33W PPS and 18W PD charging standards, alongside 5W reverse wired charging, offering versatility. The X50 Lite’s slower charging speed will require longer periods plugged into the wall.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X50 Lite if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light browsing. It's ideal for users who don't demand high-end gaming or intensive multitasking. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you prioritize a responsive user experience, demanding mobile gaming, and rapid charging – it’s for those who want a phone that can keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle and offers longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the OnePlus Nord 5 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a powerful chip, the 4nm manufacturing process significantly improves thermal efficiency. The Nord 5 is designed to manage heat effectively, and while some warmth is expected during prolonged gaming, it shouldn't reach throttling temperatures under normal use.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo X50 Lite slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
For casual users who don't mind charging overnight, 18W charging is adequate. However, if you frequently need to quickly top up your battery, the Nord 5’s 80W charging is a game-changer, offering a full charge in under an hour.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 665 in the X50 Lite still hold up for everyday tasks in 2024?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is still capable of handling basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling without significant issues. However, it will struggle with demanding apps and multitasking compared to the Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.