OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Honor X8b: A Smartphone Face-Off
Choosing between the OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and the Honor X8b (2023) isn’t just about specs—it’s about matching the right phone to your needs. While one excels in performance and 5G, the other leans into camera resolution and a brighter display. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8mm | X8b is slightly taller/wider but thinner |
Weight | 170g | 166g | Nearly identical, both feel light in hand |
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (in-display) | Side-mounted | X8b has a more accessible side sensor |
Verdict: The Honor X8b feels sleeker due to its thinner profile, while the Nord CE 5G has a slightly better in-hand grip.
Display
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | X8b’s larger screen is better for media |
Resolution | 1080×2400 (410 PPI) | 1080×2412 (394 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness |
Brightness | 700 nits | 2000 nits | X8b is far better in sunlight |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling on both |
Verdict: The Honor X8b wins—its massive 2000-nit peak brightness makes it usable outdoors, and the slightly bigger display enhances media consumption.
Performance
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (5G) | Snapdragon 680 (4G) | Nord CE 5G is way faster and supports 5G |
Antutu Score | 385,000 | 250,000 | Nord CE 5G is 54% faster |
GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Better gaming on Nord CE 5G |
RAM Options | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 8GB | Nord CE 5G has better multitasking |
Verdict: The Nord CE 5G destroys the X8b in speed, making it the better choice for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing with 5G.
Cameras
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 108MP (f/1.75) | X8b has higher resolution, but Nord has better processing (DxOMark 84) |
Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nord has a more usable ultrawide |
Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 50MP (f/2.1) | X8b wins in selfie resolution |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord supports higher-quality video |
Verdict: The X8b wins in sheer megapixels, but the Nord CE 5G has better video, a more useful ultrawide, and superior color science (DxOMark-rated).
Battery & Charging
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance |
Charging Speed | 30W | 35W | X8b charges slightly faster |
Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer | Identical battery type |
Verdict: Nearly identical, though X8b charges a bit faster (35W vs. 30W).
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
- Faster chipset (54% higher benchmark score) → Better for gaming & future-proofing
- 5G support → More future-ready
- Better video recording (4K vs. 1080p)
- More RAM options (up to 12GB) → Great for power users
Honor X8b Strengths
- Brighter screen (2000 nits vs. 700 nits) → Much better visibility outdoors
- Higher-res main & selfie cameras (108MP & 50MP)
- Slightly faster charging (35W vs. 30W)
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
✅ Prioritize performance (gaming, multitasking, 5G)
✅ Want better video recording (4K)
✅ Need extra RAM for heavy use (up to 12GB)
Get the Honor X8b if you:
✅ Take lots of photos (especially selfies)
✅ Watch videos outdoors often (2000-nit display!)
✅ Want a slightly sleeker, more modern design
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I prioritize speed and 5G? → Nord CE 5G
- Do I take lots of photos and need a bright screen? → Honor X8b
- Do I care more about video recording quality? → Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Why?
- Performance matters most—54% faster CPU and 5G support make it more future-proof.
- Better video recording (4K) is useful for content creation.
- The Honor X8b’s display and camera upgrades are nice, but raw speed and efficiency win for me.
However, if you care more about selfies and outdoor visibility, the X8b is the better pick. It really depends on your priorities!
What’s your biggest deciding factor—speed or camera? 🚀📸