OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei Mate 50 Pro: The Ultimate Mid-Range vs. Flagship Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is slightly bulkier, while the Nord CE 5G is lighter (170g vs. 205g) for better one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 205g | The Nord CE 5G is 35g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Protection | Unknown (likely Gorilla Glass) | Unknown (likely Gorilla Glass) | Both lack official ratings, but Huawei’s flagship typically has better durability. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.74" OLED | Mate 50 Pro’s larger display is better for media, while Nord CE 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1212x2616 (428 PPI) | Higher resolution on Mate 50 Pro means sharper text and images. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Mate 50 Pro feels smoother for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | Not specified | Nord CE 5G is much better outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Mate 50 Pro’s flagship chipset is 2.6x faster (AnTuTu 1M+ vs. 385K). |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Better gaming performance on Mate 50 Pro (higher settings, smoother FPS). |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8GB | Nord CE 5G offers 12GB RAM for heavy multitasking, but Mate 50 Pro’s chipset is more efficient. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.56") | Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, meaning better low-light photos. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 12MP (f/2.2, Sony IMX688) | Mate 50 Pro’s ultra-wide is sharper and more detailed. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 64MP (f/3.5, OIS) | 3x optical zoom on Mate 50 Pro, great for portraits and distant shots. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Nord has a slightly higher-resolution front camera, but Mate 50 Pro’s processing is better. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@60fps (HDR, OIS, EIS) | Mate 50 Pro dominates with superior stabilization and HDR. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (photo: 89) | 149 (photo: 152) | Mate 50 Pro is one of the best smartphone cameras available. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Slightly longer battery life on Mate 50 Pro. |
| Charging Speed | 30W wired | 66W wired + 50W wireless | Mate 50 Pro charges twice as fast and supports wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | ❌ No | ✅ 7.5W wireless | Mate 50 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 → 13 | EMUI (No Google Services) | Nord CE 5G has full Google support, while Mate 50 Pro lacks Play Store (Huawei AppGallery only). |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Mate 50 Pro has faster, more stable Wi-Fi in crowded areas. |
| 5G Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ 4G only | Nord CE 5G supports 5G, Mate 50 Pro does not (due to Huawei restrictions). |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Lighter and more compact – Easier to handle.
✅ Brighter display – Better outdoor visibility.
✅ Google Services – Full Play Store access.
✅ 5G support – Future-proof connectivity.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
✅ Flagship performance – 2.6x faster than Nord CE 5G.
✅ Superior camera – One of the best smartphone cameras (DxOMark 149).
✅ Faster charging – 66W wired + 50W wireless.
✅ Better display – 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution.
Trade-Offs & Limitations:
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro lacks Google Services – No Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps natively.
- No 5G on Huawei – Limited to 4G networks.
- Nord CE 5G has a weaker chipset – Not ideal for heavy gaming.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users – Better value for casual users.
✔ Google-dependent users – Need Play Store and Google apps.
✔ Lightweight preference – Easy one-handed use.
Who Should Buy the Huawei Mate 50 Pro?
✔ Photography enthusiasts – Flagship-grade camera performance.
✔ Power users – Top-tier chipset for gaming and multitasking.
✔ Fast charging lovers – 66W wired + 50W wireless.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need the best camera? → Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Do I rely on Google apps? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Do I care about 5G? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer? → Mate 50 Pro (better GPU, faster chipset).
- Budget buyer? → Nord CE 5G (cheaper, with 5G).
- Photographer? → Mate 50 Pro (DxOMark 149).
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro – but only if I could live without Google apps. Its camera, performance, and charging speed are in a different league compared to the Nord CE 5G.
However, if I need Google services or 5G, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the better practical choice for most users.
Winner:
🏆 Best Overall (if you can live without Google) → Huawei Mate 50 Pro
🏆 Best for Google Users & Budget Buyers → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
