OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Apple iPhone 16 Plus: The Ultimate Showdown
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus (2024) represent two very different approaches to smartphone design and functionality. One is a mid-range Android model with solid performance, while the other is a flagship iPhone with cutting-edge hardware. But which one is right for you? Let’s break them down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone is slightly taller & wider, but negligibly thinner. Nord CE is lighter (170g vs. 199g), making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, glass back | iPhone feels more premium, but Nord CE is still well-built for its price. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Type | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" OLED | iPhone has a bigger, brighter screen with better outdoor visibility (2000 nits vs. 700 nits). |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1290x2796 (460 PPI) | iPhone’s display is sharper and more detailed—better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Nord CE offers smoother scrolling & animations, but iPhone’s optimization makes 60Hz feel fluid. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) | iPhone’s A18 destroys the 750G in speed and efficiency—better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 1,753,018 | iPhone is 4.5x faster—no contest. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 8GB | Nord CE’s 12GB variant helps with multitasking, but iOS is more RAM-efficient. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 64MP (f/1.79) | 48MP (f/1.6) | iPhone’s larger sensor & better processing win in low light & detail. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP | 12MP (macro support) | iPhone’s ultra-wide is higher quality. Nord CE’s B&W sensor is gimmicky. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 12MP (f/1.9) | iPhone’s wider aperture means better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@60fps (HDR, OIS) | iPhone has far superior video stabilization, color accuracy, and cinematic modes. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4674mAh | Similar endurance, but iPhone’s efficiency gives it an edge. |
| Charging Speed | 30W wired | 25W wired + 25W wireless | Nord CE charges slightly faster, but iPhone has wireless charging. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | iOS 18 | iPhone gets 5+ years of updates; Nord CE is already outdated. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 5 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone has faster, more stable wireless connections. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Face ID (no fingerprint) | Nord CE’s side-mounted fingerprint is quick; iPhone relies on Face ID. |
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ 90Hz AMOLED display – Smoother scrolling than iPhone.
✅ Faster wired charging (30W vs. 25W).
✅ More RAM options (up to 12GB) – Better for heavy multitasking.
✅ Cheaper – By a huge margin (likely $300-400 vs. $900+ for iPhone).
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Strengths
✅ Far superior performance (A18 crushes Snapdragon 750G).
✅ Best-in-class cameras (better low light, video, HDR).
✅ Longer software support (5+ years vs. 2-3 for Nord CE).
✅ Brighter, sharper display (2000 nits, 460 PPI).
✅ Better ecosystem (AirDrop, iMessage, Apple Watch compatibility).
Trade-Offs
⚠ Price – iPhone costs 2-3x more than Nord CE.
⚠ Refresh rate – iPhone is stuck at 60Hz (but iOS optimization helps).
⚠ Fingerprint sensor – Only Nord CE has one.
3. Who Should Buy Each Phone?
Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
💰 Want the best budget performance (~$300-$400).
📱 Prefer Android with fast charging & high refresh rate.
🎮 Need extra RAM for gaming/multitasking.
Get the iPhone 16 Plus if you:
📸 Want the best camera & video quality.
⚡ Need top-tier performance for years.
🍎 Are already in the Apple ecosystem.
4. Final Decision: What Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 16 Plus.
Why?
- Performance: The A18 chip is future-proof—it will stay fast for 5+ years.
- Cameras: Apple’s computational photography and video recording are industry-leading.
- Software: iOS 18 will get updates long after the Nord CE stops receiving support.
- Resale Value: iPhones hold value much better than budget Androids.
When to Consider the Nord CE?
If you need to save money and don’t care about long-term updates or the best cameras, the Nord CE is still a solid mid-range pick. But the iPhone 16 Plus is the better investment if you can afford it.
Final Verdict:
- Budget king? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Best overall? → Apple iPhone 16 Plus 🏆
Would you prioritize raw power and longevity (iPhone) or budget-friendly smoothness (Nord CE)? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀
