OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei nova 11 Pro: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Nova 11 Pro is slightly taller; Nord CE is more compact. |
| Weight | 170g | 188g | Nord CE is 18g lighter, better for one-handed use. |
| Build Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither has confirmed Gorilla Glass or IP rating. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.78" OLED | Nova 11 Pro offers a larger, more immersive screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1200x2652 (429 PPI) | Nova 11 Pro has sharper details (22.8% more pixels). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nova 11 Pro feels smoother for scrolling/gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 950 nits | Nova 11 Pro outshines in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | Nova 11 Pro has better efficiency & power. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 592,297 | Nova 11 Pro is 54% faster (great for gaming/multitasking). |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | Nova 11 Pro handles graphics-heavy apps better. |
| RAM/Storage | 6-12GB, 128-256GB | 6-12GB, 128-512GB | Nova 11 Pro offers 512GB storage option. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Nord CE has higher resolution, but nova’s sensor may compensate with better processing. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 8MP (Macro hybrid) | Nova 11 Pro doubles as a macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 60MP (Ultra-Wide) | Nova 11 Pro dominates for selfies & group shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K @30fps | 720p @960fps (Slow Motion) | Nord CE better for high-res video, nova for slow-mo effects. |
| DXOMARK Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | Not tested | Nord CE has proven camera quality. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 100W | Nova 11 Pro charges 3x faster (~15-20 mins for full charge). |
| Extras | None | Reverse Charging | Nova 11 Pro can charge other devices. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | EMUI (No Google Services) | Nord CE offers full Android, nova 11 Pro lacks Google Play. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nova 11 Pro has faster, more stable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Slightly better range/power efficiency. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ Lighter & More Compact – Easier for one-handed use.
✔ More Versatile Camera Setup – 64MP main + ultrawide + B&W sensors.
✔ Google Services – Full Android support (Nova lacks Play Store).
✔ 4K Video Recording – Better for content creators.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Strengths:
✔ Faster Performance – Snapdragon 778G + 54% higher benchmark.
✔ Superior Display – 120Hz, brighter (950 nits), larger (6.78").
✔ Blazing Charging – 100W vs. 30W (full charge in ~15 mins).
✔ Better Selfie Camera – 60MP ultra-wide for high-res selfies.
Trade-Offs:
- Huawei’s Lack of Google Services – No Play Store (relies on AppGallery).
- OnePlus’ Older Chipset – Snapdragon 750G is slower for gaming.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✅ Android purists who need Google services.
✅ Budget-conscious users (likely cheaper due to older model).
✅ Casual photographers who want a balanced camera setup.
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova 11 Pro?
✅ Power users who want fast charging & smooth performance.
✅ Selfie lovers – 60MP front camera is a standout.
✅ Media consumers – Bigger, brighter 120Hz display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need Google apps?
- Yes → Nord CE 5G
- No (or willing to sideload) → nova 11 Pro
- Is fast charging a priority?
- Yes (100W) → nova 11 Pro
- No (30W is fine) → Nord CE 5G
- Do you take lots of selfies?
- Yes (60MP front cam) → nova 11 Pro
- No (16MP is fine) → Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova 11 Pro.
- The 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 778G, and 100W charging make it a far superior daily driver.
- The 60MP selfie cam is a game-changer for social media users.
- The only major downside is no Google Play, but if you can live with Huawei’s AppGallery (or sideload), it’s the better phone.
However, if Google services are non-negotiable, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is still a solid mid-ranger—just with slower performance and weaker display specs.
For most users, the nova 11 Pro’s pros outweigh its cons. 🚀
