OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specs and what they mean in real-world use.
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone is slightly larger and thicker, making it less pocket-friendly but more premium-feeling. |
| Weight | 170g | 224g | Nord CE is 54g lighter—better for one-handed use and long sessions. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone has superior drop resistance and scratch protection. |
OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the compact, lightweight choice, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra feels more premium but bulkier.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | Zenfone provides a bigger screen—better for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2400 (388 PPI) | Same resolution, but Nord has higher PPI (slightly sharper text). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone’s 144Hz is smoother for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | 2500 nits (peak) | Zenfone is far better outdoors, with superior visibility in sunlight. |
Winner: Zenfone 11 Ultra for brighter, smoother, and larger display, but Nord CE 5G is slightly sharper in PPI.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone is 3 generations ahead—much faster and more power-efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone is 4x faster—better for high-end gaming, AI tasks, and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone crushes gaming (Genshin Impact, Fortnite at max settings). |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 12/16GB | Zenfone is a multitasking beast—keeps more apps open in the background. |
Clear winner: Zenfone 11 Ultra—flagship-tier performance, while Nord CE 5G is mid-range.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | Zenfone’s larger sensor means better low-light photos. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Zenfone offers sharper ultrawide shots. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 32MP (3x optical zoom) | Zenfone enables real zoom—better portraits and distant shots. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.5) | Zenfone has higher-res selfies, but Nord has slightly better low-light performance due to larger pixels. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no HDR) | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps (HDR) | Zenfone is far ahead for videography—better stabilization & HDR. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89, Video: 80) | 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Zenfone is objectively better in camera tests. |
Winner: Zenfone 11 Ultra—better hardware, zoom, and video capabilities.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone lasts longer—ideal for heavy users. |
| Charging | 30W wired | 65W wired + 15W wireless | Zenfone charges twice as fast and adds wireless convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | ❌ No | 10W reverse wired | Zenfone can charge other devices. |
Winner: Zenfone 11 Ultra—bigger battery, much faster charging, and extra features.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Lighter & thinner—easier handling.
✅ Sharper display (higher PPI).
✅ Lower price (assuming current discounts).
✅ Decent mid-range performance for casual use.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Strengths
✅ Flagship performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
✅ Brighter, smoother 144Hz display.
✅ Better cameras (larger sensor, telephoto, 8K video).
✅ Bigger battery + faster wired/wireless charging.
Trade-offs
⚠ Zenfone is heavier—224g vs. Nord’s 170g.
⚠ Zenfone is likely more expensive (newer flagship).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight phone.
- Casual users (social media, light gaming, basic photography).
- Those who prioritize sharp text (higher PPI).
Who Should Buy the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra?
- Power users (heavy gaming, multitasking, AI workloads).
- Photography & videography enthusiasts (telephoto, 8K video).
- People who need long battery life (5500mAh + fast charging).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need flagship performance? → Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- Is camera quality a priority? → Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- Do I prefer a lighter, cheaper phone? → Nord CE 5G.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Why?
- It’s a future-proof flagship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB RAM.
- Camera versatility (telephoto, ultrawide, 8K video) makes it far more capable.
- Brighter 144Hz display & huge battery are major upgrades.
If you only need a basic phone, the Nord CE 5G is fine—but the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better long-term investment if budget allows. 🚀
