The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 and OnePlus Nord 4 are two strong contenders vying for your attention. The Redmi Note 15 aims for value with a newer Snapdragon 6-series chip, while the Nord 4 prioritizes performance and rapid charging with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balance of features and affordability, the OnePlus Nord 4 emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly faster 100W charging, coupled with the more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, delivers a smoother and more responsive experience, justifying the likely price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2024, July 16 |
| Status | Rumored | Available. Released 2024, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm (6.40 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.83 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, PWM, HDR10+, 3200 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2150 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 732 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.4", 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (wide), 1/4.0", 0.7µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 100W wired, PPS, 100% in 28 min |
| Type | 5520 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Purple, Black | Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, Oasis Green |
| Models | 25096RA9BG | CPH2663, CPH2661 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | € 410.27 / £ 423.17 |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 15
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset (4nm)
- Reliable Xiaomi brand reputation
- Slower 45W charging
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Nord 4
- Display brightness data unavailable
OnePlus Nord 4
- Ultra-fast 100W charging (28 min full charge)
- Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset
- Bright 1163 nit display
- Likely higher price tag
- Battery capacity not specified
- OnePlus software can be polarizing
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1163 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the Redmi Note 15 (brightness data unavailable). While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display's brightness impacts usability. We expect the Nord 4 to have a more vibrant and easily viewable screen. Panel technology details (like refresh rate and LTPO) are missing for the Redmi Note 15, but the Nord 4’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Redmi Note 15, a direct comparison is limited. However, the mid-range segment often prioritizes megapixel count over sensor size and image processing. We anticipate the Nord 4, given its positioning, will likely feature a larger sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The absence of OIS information for either phone makes it difficult to assess low-light performance. Users prioritizing photography should await detailed camera reviews before making a decision.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 4’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, with its 1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, offers a substantial performance uplift over the Redmi Note 15’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. The Cortex-X4 is a performance-focused core, while the Redmi Note 15 relies on Cortex-A78 cores. This means the Nord 4 will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The Nord 4’s CPU configuration (1+4+3) is also more modern and efficient than the Redmi Note 15’s (4+4). While both are built on a 4nm process, the architectural differences favor the Nord 4.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 4’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 28 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the Redmi Note 15’s 45W charging. While the Nord 4’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 14:41h demonstrates excellent battery life. The faster charging speed mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Redmi Note 15’s 45W charging, while respectable, won’t provide the same level of convenience as the Nord 4’s ultra-fast charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 if you need a dependable daily driver with a focus on cost-effectiveness and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord 4 if you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a more premium user experience, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The Nord 4 is ideal for users who frequently game, stream content, or need their phone to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the Redmi Note 15 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a capable chip, but Genshin Impact and similar titles will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Nord 4’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 offers a more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings due to its more powerful CPU and GPU.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus Nord 4 affect battery health over the long term?
While fast charging can theoretically accelerate battery degradation, OnePlus employs charging algorithms and battery protection features to mitigate this effect. The PPS (Power Delivery Standard) support further optimizes charging for longevity. Real-world testing will be needed to assess long-term battery health, but the Nord 4’s charging system is designed to minimize potential damage.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and 7+ Gen 3 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3’s more powerful prime core (Cortex-X4) will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, especially when switching between multiple applications.
