Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G and the Honor 90. I'm putting on my tech journalist hat here, so get ready for some real-world analysis!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 195g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, which could matter during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.59" | 6.7" | Honor 90 offers a slightly larger viewing area, useful for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a sharper and more detailed display, images and text will be crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 435 | Honor 90 offers a higher pixel density, contributing to finer details on the screen. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Honor 90's AMOLED panel will have deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast compared to the Nord's IPS LCD, plus potentially better battery efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 has significantly better outdoor visibility, a game changer when using your phone in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Honor 90's 4nm chip is more efficient and significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loads and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 406,221 | 701,227 | Honor 90 will offer a much more fluid experience in resource intensive apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 644 | Honor 90's GPU is more powerful, ideal for graphically demanding tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 200MP | Honor 90's main camera will capture images with significantly more detail, enabling greater cropping possibilities. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.9 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a slightly wider aperture, letting in slightly more light, but it's paired with a smaller sensor. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | Honor 90's larger sensor will generally capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance and less noise. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP | 50MP | Honor 90 can capture selfie images with much more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's wider aperture will allow in more light, potentially better in low-light selfies. |
| Depth Camera Res | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones have similar depth cameras, helpful in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | OnePlus has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP | Honor 90 offers a versatile wide-angle lens, doubling as macro, a practical addition for varied shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Honor 90 has higher recording resolution, great for those who shoot videos. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | EIS | Honor 90 has electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Honor 90 can capture more dramatic slow-motion footage. |
| DXOMARK Score | N/A | 122 | Honor 90 has a certified good camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar capacity batteries, meaning similar battery life, although real world usage varies based on screen brightness and usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 66W | Honor 90 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Tech | Lithium | Li-Ion | Both are non-removable batteries, but Honor 90's Li-Ion has a slightly higher energy density and better performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Honor 90 has a newer Android version, which means better optimization and potential for longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Honor 90 has support for the latest Wi-Fi standard, which means faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have similar Bluetooth support for audio and other connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both have similar GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual sim cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Honor 90 has much more storage space available for apps, pictures and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Honor 90 offers more RAM, better for handling multiple apps and demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, meaning internal storage is the only space available. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise cancellation microphone | Noise cancellation microphone | Both have a noise cancelling mic for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | OnePlus has a more advanced side mounted sensor, better for unlocking. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, RGB | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a Gyroscope sensor, ideal for gaming; Honor 90 has an RGB sensor. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Strengths:
- Wider main camera aperture and selfie camera, potentially better in low light conditions.
- Dedicated Macro Lens for close-up photography.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor, generally faster than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Gyroscope for gaming and VR applications.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable price point.
- Better low light performance on the front camera.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower display quality (IPS LCD vs AMOLED).
- Significantly less powerful chipset and GPU.
- Slower charging speeds.
- Older software.
- No video stabilization
- No 4K video recording
Honor 90:
- Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED display with higher resolution and brightness.
- Much more powerful chipset and GPU.
- Faster charging and longer battery life.
- Significantly higher resolution main camera.
- Versatile Wide Angle + Macro lens.
- 4k video recording with EIS and better slow motion.
- More storage and RAM options.
- Newer Android OS.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Exceptional display quality and outdoor brightness.
- Superior performance for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Higher quality camera system.
- Trade-offs:
- Higher Price.
- No dedicated Macro Lens, instead the wide-angle camera doubles as macro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is Best For:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize good battery life and a decent camera.
- Users who need a basic phone for daily tasks, with a focus on reliability.
- Gamers that value the gyroscope sensor for advanced gameplay.
Honor 90 is Best For:
- Users who prioritize top-tier display quality and performance.
- Users who take lots of pictures and videos in varied conditions.
- Power users who need ample storage, RAM, and fast charging speeds.
- Users who enjoy high-end mobile gaming and media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- What do you value most: Display or price?
- If display quality and performance are crucial, go with the Honor 90. If price is the main factor, the OnePlus is the better option.
- How important are gaming and photography for you?
- If you're a gamer, the Honor 90's vastly superior performance is a must. The OnePlus has a gyroscope sensor if you do not need raw power. For Photography, the Honor 90 is the clear winner, offering superior clarity and quality.
- What's your typical usage?
- For a user that primarily uses their phone for browsing, calls and social media the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the right choice, however for power users who need more demanding tasks, the Honor 90 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): "I need a dependable phone for everyday use, I'm on a strict budget."
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. Its price to value is perfect for people who don't need excessive power, or a high-end camera.
- Scenario 2 (Tech Enthusiast): "I want the best possible display, performance, and camera capabilities."
- Recommendation: Honor 90. You'll get a high-quality experience in every aspect.
- Scenario 3 (Content Creator): "I need a phone for social media and making videos.
- Recommendation: Honor 90. The video stabilization, 4K recording, high-quality cameras and faster internal storage is what you need.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Honor 90. The improved display, significantly more powerful performance, superior camera system, and faster charging, make it a more compelling device for someone who is always pushing their phone to the limits. While the price is higher, the overall experience it provides justifies the extra cost for anyone who needs a high-quality, versatile smartphone. The quality of life improvements such as a bright screen, faster charging and a camera with more clarity and versatility is worth the price hike.
