1. Specification Breakdown
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm, 170g | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm, 201g | iPhone is slightly larger and heavier, but Nord is more compact and lighter for one-handed use. |
Display | 6.43" AMOLED, 1080x2400, 90Hz, 700 nits | 6.7" OLED, 1290x2796, 60Hz, 2000 nits | iPhone has a sharper, brighter display (better for outdoor use), but Nord has a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. |
Performance | Snapdragon 750G, 385K AnTuTu, 6-12GB RAM | A16 Bionic, 1.47M AnTuTu, 6GB RAM | iPhone is 3.8x faster in benchmarks—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
Camera (Rear) | 64MP (f/1.79), 8MP ultrawide, 2MP B&W | 48MP (f/1.6), 12MP ultrawide | iPhone has a larger sensor, better low-light performance, and advanced video features (4K HDR, Cinematic Mode). |
Battery & Charging | 4500mAh, 30W wired | 4383mAh, 20W wired, MagSafe | Similar battery life, but Nord charges faster. iPhone supports wireless charging. |
Software | Android 11 (up to 13) | iOS 17 (up to 18) | iPhone gets 5+ years of updates; Nord is outdated (no updates beyond Android 13). |
Extras | 3.5mm jack, dual SIM | MagSafe, better speakers, eSIM | iPhone has premium build, better audio, and ecosystem perks (AirDrop, FaceTime). |
2. Key Insights
iPhone 15 Plus Wins In:
- Performance: Blows the Nord away in speed and efficiency.
- Display: Brighter, sharper, and better for media.
- Cameras: More advanced hardware and software (e.g., ProRes video, Night Mode).
- Software Support: 5+ years of updates vs. Nord’s 2 years.
Nord CE 5G Wins In:
- Price: Far cheaper (likely 1/3 the cost).
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz feels smoother than iPhone’s 60Hz.
- Charging: 30W vs. 20W wired.
3. Who Should Buy Each?
iPhone 15 Plus is for:
- Users who want long-term performance and updates.
- Photographers/videographers needing pro camera tools.
- Apple ecosystem users (AirPods, Mac, iPad).
Nord CE 5G is for:
- Budget buyers who want a smooth 90Hz display.
- Users who prefer Android or need a headphone jack.
- Casual users who don’t need top-tier cameras.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Q: Do you need a phone for 4+ years?
- Yes → iPhone (better updates).
- No → Nord (cheaper, but outdated).
Q: Is camera quality a priority?
- Yes → iPhone (better sensor, software).
- No → Nord (decent for casual shots).
Q: Do you prefer Android or iOS?
- Android → Nord.
- iOS → iPhone.
Final Verdict
Choose the iPhone 15 Plus if you want a long-term premium device with elite performance, cameras, and updates.
Choose the Nord CE 5G if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize high refresh rate or Android.
Why I’d Pick the iPhone: The A16 chip, 5+ years of updates, and camera system make it a far better investment—worth the higher price for most users. The Nord is outdated (2021 hardware) and lacks software support.