The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y70 and OnePlus Nord CE 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, with the Y70 prioritizing affordability and the Nord CE 5G focusing on a more balanced feature set. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Y70’s Snapdragon 665, translating to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While charging is slightly slower, the overall package offers a more compelling user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 19. Released 2020, October 19 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm (6.34 x 2.92 x 0.31 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 | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 65% in 30 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 4100 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Black, Oxygen Blue | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | - | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 270 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 Y70
- Faster initial charging speed (65% in 30 mins)
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker processor (Snapdragon 665)
- Less future-proof due to older chipset
- Display specifications are less detailed
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 750G)
- Brighter display (607 nits)
- Integrated 5G modem for faster connectivity
- Slightly slower initial charging speed (70% in 30 mins)
- Potentially higher price point
- No detailed camera specifications provided
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 Y70. This higher peak brightness will be noticeable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the Nord CE 5G’s superior brightness provides a more vibrant and readable viewing experience. The Y70’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially lower-quality panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values for the vivo Y70, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 750G, which provides improved image processing and noise reduction. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests both rely on electronic image stabilization, which is less effective. It's reasonable to assume the Nord CE 5G will deliver superior image quality due to its more powerful chipset and image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y70’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 750G features newer Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) compared to the Y70’s Kryo 260 cores (4x2.0 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz). The 8nm process node of the 750G is also more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nord CE 5G. The 750G also includes an integrated 5G modem, offering faster and more reliable 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ. The vivo Y70 supports 33W wired charging, reaching 65% charge in 30 minutes, while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G supports 30W wired charging, reaching 70% in the same timeframe. While the Y70 charges slightly faster initially, the Nord CE 5G’s overall efficiency and potentially larger battery capacity (not specified in the data) contribute to comparable endurance. The faster initial charge on the Y70 may be more convenient for quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y70 if you prioritize extreme affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It’s a solid option for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you value performance, a brighter display, and a more future-proof 5G experience. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming video, and want a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo Y70 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a relatively low-end chipset and will likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile at high settings. You'll likely need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a playable experience. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s Snapdragon 750G is much better suited for gaming.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord CE 5G support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier. While the Snapdragon 750G supports the necessary hardware, carrier implementation is required. Check with your mobile carrier to confirm if VoWiFi is supported on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G on their network.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Nord CE 5G compare to other phones with 65W or 80W charging?
While 30W isn't the fastest charging available, it's still reasonably quick. Phones with 65W or 80W charging can charge significantly faster, but the Nord CE 5G's 30W charging is sufficient for overnight charging or a quick top-up during the day. The difference in charging speed isn't as dramatic as the difference in processor performance.
