OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Honor 50: A Practical Comparison
Let’s break down these two mid-range contenders to see which one best fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm | Both are slim and pocket-friendly; Honor is slightly taller. |
| Weight | 170g | 175g | Nord CE is marginally lighter—may feel better during long use. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame, glass back | Plastic frame, glass back | Similar feel, neither has an IP rating for water resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.57" OLED | Honor's display is slightly bigger—better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | Similar sharpness; Nord CE has slightly higher PPI. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Honor's 120Hz feels smoother in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | (Not specified) | Nord CE is better in sunlight—Honor may struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | Honor 50 is faster & more efficient—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 582,766 | Honor performs ~50% better—noticeable in demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | Honor handles graphics better—good for high-end gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | Honor captures more detail—better low-light performance. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar performance; Honor has slightly better aperture. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.2) | Honor’s selfie cam is sharper—better for social media. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W sensor | 2MP macro & depth | Honor’s extra lenses add versatility (macro shots, bokeh effects). |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, no 1080p@120fps | Nord CE offers slow-motion at 120fps—Honor caps at 60fps. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | (Not tested) | Nord CE has a reliable camera, but Honor likely competes well. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Nord CE has a slight edge in battery life (~5% more). |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 66W | Honor charges twice as fast—great for quick top-ups. |
| Extra Features | – | Reverse charging | Honor can charge other devices (e.g., earbuds). |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 11 (no clear upgrade) | Nord CE has better long-term update support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | Honor supports faster WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Honor has better Bluetooth efficiency. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ Brighter display (700 nits) – better for outdoor visibility.
✔ Longer battery life (4500mAh vs. 4300mAh).
✔ More future-proof OS (confirmed Android 13 upgrade).
✔ Includes slow-motion 1080p@120fps video (Honor lacks this).
Honor 50 Strengths:
✔ Faster performance (Snapdragon 778G vs. 750G).
✔ Better main & selfie cameras (108MP + 32MP vs. 64MP + 16MP).
✔ 120Hz display (vs. 90Hz on Nord CE).
✔ Blazing-fast 66W charging (vs. 30W on Nord CE).
✔ WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 (more future-proof connectivity).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✅ Casual users who want a reliable daily driver with good battery life.
✅ Outdoor users who need better screen visibility in sunlight.
✅ Long-term users who value software updates (Android 13 confirmed).
Who Should Get the Honor 50?
✅ Gamers & power users who need better performance & 120Hz display.
✅ Photography lovers who want higher-res cameras & macro mode.
✅ Fast-charging fans—66W means quick top-ups in ~30 mins.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
"Do I care more about camera quality or battery life?"
- Honor 50 for better photos.
- Nord CE 5G for longer endurance.
"Do I need a smoother display (120Hz) or brighter screen (700 nits)?"
- Honor 50 for smoother scrolling.
- Nord CE 5G for outdoor readability.
"Do I value fast charging (66W) or longer software support (Android 13)?"
- Honor 50 for rapid charging.
- Nord CE 5G for future updates.
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best for Gaming? → Honor 50 (better GPU & 120Hz).
- Best for Battery Life? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
- Best for Photography? → Honor 50.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Honor 50.
Why?
✔ The performance gap is significant—Snapdragon 778G is much better for gaming and multitasking.
✔ The 120Hz display and 108MP camera make it a more premium-feeling device.
✔ 66W charging is a game-changer—far more convenient than 30W.
The Nord CE 5G is great for battery life & outdoor use, but the Honor 50 is the better all-rounder.
Your choice depends on priorities:
- Nord CE 5G if you value battery and updates.
- Honor 50 if you want speed, cameras, and fast charging.
🚀 For most users, the Honor 50 is the better buy.
