The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid feature set at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches – the Redmi 10 Prime focuses on a balanced experience, while the Nord CE 2 Lite prioritizes faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency compared to the Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88. The significantly faster 33W charging also makes a tangible difference in daily usability.
| 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, 41 | 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 | 2021, September 03 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.6 x 9.6 mm (6.38 x 2.98 x 0.38 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | Dust & splash proof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| 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 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral White, Bifrost Blue, Phantom Black | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | 21061119BI | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime
- Potentially lower price point.
- Stable and reliable performance for basic tasks.
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Slower charging speed (18W).
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G88).
- Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset.
- Significantly faster 33W SuperVOOC charging.
- Improved performance for gaming and multitasking.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potential for software bloat (typical of OnePlus).
- No reverse wired charging.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88 will likely exhibit occasional stutters, while the Nord CE 2 Lite’s Snapdragon 695 should provide a more fluid experience, especially during scrolling and app switching. The absence of high refresh rates on either device means display responsiveness isn’t a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 695 typically offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities compared to the Helio G88. This means the Nord CE 2 Lite is likely to produce more detailed and dynamic photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Redmi 10 Prime will likely rely more heavily on software processing, which can sometimes result in over-sharpened or artificial-looking images. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features and won’t significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, meaning sustained performance is higher on the OnePlus. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores operate at a higher clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), providing a tangible boost in CPU-intensive tasks. This difference will be most noticeable in gaming and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10 Prime’s 18W charging is significantly slower than the Nord CE 2 Lite’s 33W SuperVOOC charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed on the OnePlus is a major advantage. A full charge on the Redmi 10 Prime will take considerably longer, impacting daily usability. The Snapdragon 695’s improved efficiency also contributes to better battery life, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day will greatly benefit from the Nord CE 2 Lite’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime if you prioritize a consistently stable, if less powerful, experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid all-rounder for basic tasks and media consumption. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of significantly quicker 33W SuperVOOC charging. It’s the better option for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G88 in the Redmi 10 Prime, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Redmi 10 Prime with the included 18W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Redmi 10 Prime to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with the 18W charger. This is considerably slower than the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s 33W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 70-80 minutes.
❓ Does the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 695 supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more reliable data speeds. This is a significant advantage in areas with strong 5G coverage, providing a better overall 5G experience compared to devices with limited carrier aggregation support.
