The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y55 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Y55 prioritizes efficient 4G connectivity and rapid charging, while the Nord CE 2 Lite pushes for 5G capabilities and a slightly more powerful processor. 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 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance edge, particularly in 5G-enabled areas, and future-proofs the device. While the Y55’s 44W charging is faster, the Nord CE 2 Lite’s 5G connectivity and slightly more capable processor outweigh this advantage.
| 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, 40 | 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 / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 02 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 02 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | 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 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 27 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Galaxy, Ice Dawn | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | - | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y55
- Faster 44W charging
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to optimized 4G usage
- Slightly more affordable (typically)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Older chipset architecture
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 processor
- More future-proof chipset
- Slower 33W charging
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy 5G usage
- Generally slightly more expensive
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, but functionality. While specific display specs are missing, the Nord CE 2 Lite’s larger screen size (typically 6.62 inches vs. the Y55’s 6.58 inches) offers a slightly more immersive experience. However, the lack of high refresh rates on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more premium phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones aiming for acceptable results in good lighting conditions. The focus should be on the main sensor, as the auxiliary 2MP lenses (often macro or depth sensors) offer limited utility. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite often features a larger main sensor in its CE series, potentially capturing more detail and performing better in low light. Image processing algorithms will also play a role, with OnePlus generally favoring a more vibrant, social media-ready look.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) represents a step up from the vivo Y55’s Snapdragon 680 4G (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 Y55’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nord CE 2 Lite. Crucially, the 695 integrates a 5G modem, offering significantly faster data speeds where available. The Y55 is limited to 4G LTE. While both likely pair their chipsets with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the 695’s architectural advantages will be more noticeable in real-world performance.
Battery Life
The vivo Y55’s 44W wired charging is a significant advantage, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 27 minutes. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is limited to 33W charging, meaning a full charge will take longer. However, battery life is about more than just charging speed. The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process is more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 680’s, potentially offsetting the Y55’s faster charging. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Nord CE 2 Lite’s efficiency could result in comparable or even slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y55 if you primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks, prioritize extremely fast charging, and don't require 5G connectivity. It's ideal for users in areas with limited 5G coverage or those who rarely stream high-bandwidth content. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you want a phone that can handle more demanding apps, benefit from 5G speeds, and offers a slightly more future-proof platform. This is the better option for users who stream videos, play mobile games, or frequently download large files.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers. The Snapdragon 680 in the Y55 will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite compared to 4G on the vivo Y55?
5G speeds can be significantly faster than 4G, potentially 10x or more depending on network conditions and carrier support. This translates to much faster download and upload speeds, smoother streaming, and lower latency. However, 5G availability varies greatly by location.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. They can be fun to experiment with, but don't expect professional-looking macro shots. The main camera on either phone will likely produce better results in most situations.
❓ Does the faster charging on the vivo Y55 impact battery health over time?
While faster charging is convenient, it can potentially contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term. However, modern smartphones have battery management systems to mitigate this effect. The difference is likely to be minimal in everyday use.
