The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y53s and OnePlus Nord CE 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y53s focuses on affordability with a Snapdragon 480, while the Nord CE 5G steps up the processing power with a Snapdragon 750G and faster charging. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Y53s’ Snapdragon 480, making it more capable for gaming and demanding apps. The 30W charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the identical battery endurance ratings.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 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, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 09 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 11 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | V2111A, V2058 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 230 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 Y53s
- More affordable price point
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower Snapdragon 480 processor
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely inferior camera performance
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- Significantly faster 30W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price compared to the Y53s
- May not offer a dramatically different battery life despite faster charging
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo Y53s. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Nord CE 5G’s superior brightness is a clear advantage. We lack PWM frequency data for both, making it difficult to assess flicker-related eye strain, but the brighter panel on the Nord CE 5G generally offers a more pleasant viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for both. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 750G’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Nord CE 5G is more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord CE 5G, if equipped, would further enhance image quality and video stabilization. We can assume the Y53s relies more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a step up from the vivo Y53s’ Snapdragon 480 (8nm). The 750G features Kryo 570 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the 480’s Kryo 460 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to roughly 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance. While both use 8nm fabrication, the architectural improvements in the 750G provide a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking. The Y53s will handle everyday tasks, but the Nord CE 5G offers headroom for more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life under comparable usage. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s 30W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 70% charge in just 30 minutes, while the vivo Y53s is limited to 18W charging. This faster charging speed significantly reduces downtime and provides a more convenient user experience. While the total battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speed advantage clearly favors the Nord CE 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y53s if your primary need is basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, social media – and you’re on a very tight budget. It’s a functional 5G device for essential tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prioritize smoother performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more. It’s the better option for users who enjoy mobile gaming or frequently use resource-intensive applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the vivo Y53s struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is an entry-level 5G chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and reduced visual fidelity compared to the Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y53s in real-world use?
The Nord CE 5G can reach 70% charge in 30 minutes, while the Y53s will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This difference is significant for users who need a quick top-up before leaving the house or during a short break.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord CE 5G support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier. The Snapdragon 750G supports the necessary hardware, but carrier implementation is required. Check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility.
❓ Is the camera on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G good enough for casual social media photography?
While detailed camera specs are limited, the Snapdragon 750G’s ISP and potential for OIS suggest the Nord CE 5G will deliver good results for casual social media photography, especially in well-lit conditions. Expect better dynamic range and detail compared to the Y53s.
