OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022): A Practical Showdown
These two phones represent wildly different philosophies: the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a feature-packed Android mid-ranger, while the iPhone SE (2022) is Apple’s compact, performance-focused budget offering. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | iPhone SE is much smaller, better for one-handed use. Nord CE 5G offers a larger screen but is bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g | 144g | iPhone SE is noticeably lighter—better for pockets and long holds. |
| Build | Plastic frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, glass back | iPhone SE feels more premium, but both are durable. |
Verdict: If you want a compact, lightweight phone, the iPhone SE wins. If you prefer a bigger screen, the Nord CE 5G is the choice.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 4.7" IPS LCD | Nord’s screen is bigger, sharper, and more vibrant—great for media. iPhone SE’s LCD is decent but dated. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Nord feels smoother in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | ~625 nits (estimated) | Nord is better outdoors, though the iPhone SE holds up fine. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 750x1334 (326 PPI) | Nord’s display is crisper, especially noticeable in text and videos. |
Verdict: The Nord CE 5G dominates in display quality—AMOLED, higher refresh rate, and sharper resolution. The iPhone SE feels outdated here.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | A15 is vastly superior—faster, more efficient, and better for long-term use. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 1,225,939 | iPhone SE is over 3x faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity. |
| RAM | Up to 12GB | 4GB | More RAM helps Nord with multitasking, but iOS is optimized for less. |
Verdict: The iPhone SE smokes the Nord CE 5G in raw power. Even with less RAM, iOS optimization means smoother performance.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 12MP (f/1.8) | Nord has higher resolution, but iPhone SE’s A15 processing wins in real-world photos. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP (f/2.25) | None | Nord offers more versatility, but quality is average. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 7MP (f/2.2) | Higher resolution on Nord, but iPhone SE’s selfies look better. |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps (EIS) | 4K @ 60fps (OIS + HDR) | iPhone SE has much better stabilization and dynamic range. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | 100 (Photo: 126) | iPhone SE takes far better photos and videos. |
Verdict: Despite more cameras, the iPhone SE produces superior photos and videos thanks to Apple’s processing. The Nord’s extra lenses add flexibility but don’t match in quality.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 2018mAh | Nord lasts much longer in daily use. iPhone SE struggles with heavy use. |
| Charging Speed | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Nord charges faster (0-70% in ~30 mins). |
Verdict: Nord CE 5G wins easily—bigger battery and faster charging. iPhone SE’s efficiency helps, but battery life is still mediocre.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Bigger, better display (AMOLED, 90Hz, higher resolution).
✅ Longer battery life (4500mAh vs. 2018mAh).
✅ Faster charging (30W vs. 18W).
✅ More RAM (up to 12GB)—better for Android multitasking.
✅ Extra cameras (Ultrawide + B&W).
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Strengths
✅ Much stronger chipset (A15 Bionic)—faster performance, longer support.
✅ Better camera processing—superior photos and videos.
✅ Smaller and lighter—great for one-handed use.
✅ Longer software support (iOS updates for 5+ years).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ You want a big, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display.
✔ You need long battery life and fast charging.
✔ You like Android’s flexibility and extra features (e.g., ultrawide camera).
Who Should Buy the iPhone SE (2022)?
✔ You prefer a compact, lightweight phone.
✔ You want top-tier performance (for gaming, apps, longevity).
✔ You value iOS ecosystem (FaceTime, iMessage, long-term updates).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer a big display or a compact phone?
- Big screen → Nord CE 5G
- Small and light → iPhone SE
- Do I care more about performance or battery life?
- Performance → iPhone SE
- Battery → Nord CE 5G
- Am I invested in iOS or Android?
- iOS → iPhone SE
- Android → Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the iPhone SE (2022).
Why?
- The A15 Bionic ensures a snappy experience for years.
- iOS optimization means better efficiency and longer updates.
- Superior camera processing—photos just look better.
- Compact size is rare in today’s market—great for one-handed use.
The Nord CE 5G has a better display and battery, but the iPhone SE’s performance and longevity make it the smarter long-term buy. If you’re strictly an Android user or want a bigger screen, the Nord is still a solid choice—but the iPhone SE punches way above its weight.
