The budget 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y3, with its focus on affordability, clashes with the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, which aims to deliver a more refined experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their respective strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides significantly better performance, and the 30W charging is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y3’s 18W. While the Y3 is cheaper, the Nord CE 5G offers a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-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, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink blue, Jade Red | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | - | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 140 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 Y3 (4GB+64GB)
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Functional for basic tasks
- Weak processor performance
- Slow charging speed
- Inferior display quality
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Significantly faster processor
- 30W fast charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- 5G connectivity
- Higher price than the vivo Y3
- 4GB RAM may limit multitasking
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 607 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo Y3. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays are described as having an 'infinite' contrast ratio (a marketing term), the Nord CE 5G’s superior brightness is a tangible advantage. The Y3’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a lower-quality panel overall. We can infer that the Y3 likely uses a lower-resolution panel to keep costs down.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are scarce. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the overall positioning of the devices, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G likely incorporates a more capable camera system. The Y3’s camera is likely focused on basic functionality, while the Nord CE 5G may offer features like improved low-light performance and more sophisticated image processing. The absence of details suggests the Y3’s camera is a cost-cutting measure.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial leap ahead of the vivo Y3’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 750G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 – offers a more balanced and powerful architecture than the Y3’s Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Y3’s older Cortex-A53 cores are less efficient and deliver lower performance per clock cycle. The 4GB of RAM in both devices is a limiting factor, but the superior chipset in the Nord CE 5G will manage memory more effectively.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the Y3’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s 30W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% in 30 minutes, is a game-changer. The vivo Y3’s 18W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably more time to fully recharge. This faster charging speed provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your primary use case revolves around basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prioritize smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, faster charging, and a more responsive overall experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 750G in the OnePlus Nord CE 5G capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is a capable mid-range chipset that can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver the same performance as flagship processors, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, especially considering the price point. The Helio P35 in the vivo Y3 will struggle with these titles.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y3 in real-world usage?
The 30W charging on the Nord CE 5G can charge the phone to 70% in just 30 minutes. The 18W charging on the Y3 will likely take over 1.5 to 2 hours to achieve a full charge. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost throughout the day.
❓ Will the 4GB of RAM in both phones be sufficient for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously?
4GB of RAM is becoming increasingly limiting in modern smartphones. While both phones will handle basic multitasking, you may experience slowdowns or app reloading when running several apps concurrently. The Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G will manage memory more efficiently, mitigating the impact of the limited RAM to some extent.
