OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei nova 11: A Practical Showdown
These two mid-range smartphones cater to different priorities—OnePlus leans into balanced performance and camera versatility, while the newer Huawei nova 11 pushes display, charging speed, and raw power. Let’s break down how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | Nova 11 is slightly taller and wider but thinner—better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 168g | Negligible difference; both feel light. |
| Build | Plastic frame, glass back | Plastic frame, glass back | Similar build quality, but neither has official IP rating. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" OLED | Nova 11 offers a bigger, more immersive screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on nova 11. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 950 nits | Nova 11 is much better in direct sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1084x2412 (391 PPI) | Pixel density is close; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | Nova 11 is 53% faster (AnTuTu 587K vs. 385K)—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | Better graphics performance on nova 11 for mobile gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6/8/12GB | Similar RAM options, but nova 11’s chipset handles it better. |
| Storage | 128/256GB (No expansion) | 128/256/512GB (No expansion) | Nova 11 offers more storage flexibility. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OIS) | 50MP (f/1.9) | OnePlus has higher resolution & wider aperture, better for low light. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2, Macro) | Nova 11’s ultrawide doubles as macro—more versatile. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 60MP (f/2.4) | Huge win for nova 11—super sharp selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 720p@960fps (slow-mo) | OnePlus supports higher res, but nova 11 has better slow-motion. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance, but nova 11 charges twice as fast (66W vs. 30W). |
| Extras | No reverse charging | Supports reverse charging | Nova 11 can double as a power bank for earbuds. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | EMUI (No Google Services) | Major drawback for nova 11—no Google Play Store. |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | Faster, more stable connections on nova 11. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Slightly better power efficiency on nova 11. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Better low-light photography (wider aperture + OIS)
✅ 4K video recording (nova 11 maxes at 720p for slow-mo)
✅ Google Services (full app compatibility)
Huawei nova 11 Strengths
✅ Faster performance (53% higher benchmark score)
✅ 120Hz display + brighter screen (950 nits vs. 700 nits)
✅ 66W charging (vs. 30W on OnePlus)
✅ 60MP selfie camera (vs. 16MP on OnePlus)
✅ WiFi 6 for future-proofing
Trade-Offs
⚠ Huawei lacks Google Services—no Play Store, no Gmail, no Google Maps.
⚠ OnePlus has a weaker chipset—slower app launches, slightly worse gaming.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Google-dependent users (Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps)
- Casual photographers who prefer better low-light shots
- Budget-focused buyers (likely cheaper due to age)
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova 11?
- Gamers & power users (better chipset, 120Hz display)
- Selfie lovers (60MP front cam is a huge upgrade)
- Fast-charging enthusiasts (66W is a game-changer)
- Users okay with sideloading apps (no Play Store)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I rely on Google apps?
- If YES → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- If NO → Huawei nova 11
- Do I prioritize speed or camera versatility?
- Speed → nova 11
- Low-light photos & video → Nord CE 5G
- How important is fast charging?
- Very → nova 11 (66W is lightning fast)
- Not a dealbreaker → Save money with Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova 11—but only if I’m comfortable sideloading apps (or using Huawei’s AppGallery). The 120Hz display, 66W charging, and Snapdragon 778G make it a much more future-proof device.
However, if I needed Google services, I’d go for the OnePlus Nord CE 5G despite its weaker chipset—it’s still a solid all-rounder with better camera versatility.
TL;DR:
- Best performance & display? → Huawei nova 11
- Google apps & better low-light photos? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Which one suits your needs better? 🚀
