The vivo Y73 and OnePlus Nord CE 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the vivo Y73’s Helio G95, despite the Y73’s slightly faster peak CPU clock speeds. The comparable battery performance and faster charging on the Nord CE further solidify its position.
| 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, 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 | 2021, June 10 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 12 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 74.4 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.29 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 | 170 g (6.00 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 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10, 430 nits (typ), 570 nits (HBM) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 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@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | 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 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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, 61% in 30 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Flare, Roman Black | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | V2059, V2146, V2212, V2168 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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 Y73
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly faster peak CPU clock speeds
- 33W fast charging
- Less efficient Helio G95 chipset
- Larger 12nm process node
- Likely less advanced display technology
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Brighter display (607 nits)
- Faster charging efficiency (70% in 30 min)
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speeds
- Potentially higher price
- 30W charging wattage
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 Y73. This difference is crucial for outdoor usability, where the Nord CE 5G will remain far more legible in direct sunlight. While both displays are described as having an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the higher brightness of the Nord CE 5G provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. Details regarding panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. LCD) and refresh rate are missing for the Y73, suggesting a potentially less advanced display compared to the Nord CE 5G.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without information on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization (OIS), a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of OnePlus generally suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Y73 is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this price segment. Users should not expect significant detail or quality from such a sensor. The Nord CE 5G likely prioritizes a more capable main sensor and software optimization for better overall image quality.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm), while the vivo Y73 features the MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G is inherently more power-efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. While the Y73’s Helio G95 has slightly higher peak CPU clock speeds (2.05 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores offer a more modern architecture and superior IPC (Instructions Per Clock). This translates to faster real-world performance in applications and games. The Y73's larger process node will likely result in more heat generation, potentially leading to throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y73 and OnePlus Nord CE 5G achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds differ. The Y73 supports 33W wired charging, reaching 61% charge in 30 minutes, while the Nord CE 5G offers 30W charging, achieving 70% in the same timeframe. This suggests the Nord CE 5G’s charging implementation is more efficient, allowing for a faster top-up despite the lower wattage. The Snapdragon 750G’s power efficiency also contributes to the Nord CE 5G’s overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y73 if you prioritize a slightly more aggressive CPU clock speed for bursty tasks and are seeking the absolute lowest price point. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you value a more efficient chipset for sustained performance, better thermal management during gaming, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility. The Nord CE 5G is the superior all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G95 in the vivo Y73 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G95 is capable of running these games, but you may experience more noticeable frame drops and throttling compared to the Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G, especially during extended gaming sessions. The 12nm process node generates more heat, leading to performance limitations.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 8nm Snapdragon 750G make in daily usage compared to the 12nm Helio G95?
The 8nm process translates to better power efficiency, meaning the Nord CE 5G will likely exhibit longer battery life during typical usage and run cooler. This is particularly noticeable when multitasking or using demanding apps for extended periods.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo Y73 significantly slower than the 30W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
While the Y73 has slightly higher wattage, the Nord CE 5G charges more efficiently, reaching 70% in 30 minutes compared to the Y73’s 61%. This suggests optimized charging circuitry and power delivery on the Nord CE 5G.
