OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei nova Y90: A Practical Comparison
Choosing between these two smartphones depends on your priorities—whether it's performance, display quality, camera versatility, or battery endurance. Below, we break down the key differences to help you decide.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Nord CE 5G is slimmer and lighter (170g vs. 195g), making it easier to handle and carry. The nova Y90 is slightly bulkier but may feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 170g | 195g | The 25g difference is noticeable—Nord CE feels more pocket-friendly. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Nova Y90’s side-mounted sensor is faster and more ergonomic than Nord CE’s in-display variant. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" IPS LCD | The AMOLED panel on the Nord CE offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency compared to the IPS LCD on nova Y90. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling, but AMOLED makes animations look better. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified | The Nord CE is far better in sunlight visibility—critical for outdoor use. |
Performance & Storage
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | The 750G is stronger, supports 5G, and outperforms the 680 in CPU/GPU tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | ~249,000 | The Nord CE is 55% faster—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | More RAM options on the Nord CE, making it better for power users. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB | Nord CE offers double the storage (256GB). Neither has expandable storage. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Nord CE has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture, capturing more detail in low light. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP (f/2.25) | ❌ None | Only the Nord CE has an ultrawide lens for group shots and landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Nord CE’s higher-resolution selfie camera delivers sharper video calls and selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE supports 4K and slow-motion video, making it better for content creators. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | nova Y90 has a larger battery, likely lasting longer. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 40W | nova Y90 charges faster, but Nord CE’s AMOLED display is more power-efficient. |
Connectivity & Software
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Nord CE is future-proofed with 5G, while nova Y90 is limited to 4G. |
| Operating System | OxygenOS (Android 11, upgradable to 13) | EMUI (No Google Services) | Nord CE runs stock-like Android with Google apps, while Huawei lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS)—a dealbreaker for some. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (AptX, LDAC support) | 5.0 | Nord CE has better Bluetooth codecs for high-quality wireless audio. |
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Superior display (AMOLED + 700 nits brightness)
✅ Better performance (Snapdragon 750G vs. 680, 55% higher benchmark score)
✅ More versatile camera system (64MP main + ultrawide + better selfies)
✅ 5G support
✅ Stock-like Android with Google apps
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
✅ Larger battery (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh)
✅ Faster charging (40W vs. 30W)
✅ Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (more convenient)
Trade-Offs:
- If you want better performance, cameras, and display, the Nord CE 5G wins.
- If you prioritize battery life and charging speed, the nova Y90 is better.
- Huawei’s lack of Google services could be a dealbreaker for many users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Gamers & power users (better chipset, more RAM, smoother UI)
✔ Photography enthusiasts (64MP main cam, ultrawide lens, better selfies)
✔ Users who prioritize display quality (AMOLED, higher brightness)
✔ Those who need Google apps (Huawei lacks GMS)
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova Y90?
✔ Battery-focused users (5000mAh + 40W charging)
✔ Casual users who don’t need Google apps
✔ People who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Key Questions to Help Decide:
- Do you need Google apps? → Yes? Go with OnePlus.
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance? → Battery? Huawei. Performance? OnePlus.
- Do you take a lot of photos/videos? → OnePlus has better cameras.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
📍 For travelers & content creators: OnePlus (better camera, 5G, AMOLED display).
📍 For long battery life & charging speed: Huawei (5000mAh, 40W).
📍 For gaming & smooth performance: OnePlus (stronger chipset, more RAM).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
If I had to pick, I’d go for the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. Here’s why:
✅ Superior performance (55% faster in benchmarks).
✅ Better cameras (64MP + ultrawide + 16MP selfie).
✅ AMOLED display (deeper blacks, better outdoor visibility).
✅ 5G support (better future-proofing).
✅ Google apps (Huawei’s lack of GMS is a major downside).
While the Huawei nova Y90 has a bigger battery and faster charging, the Nord CE 5G wins in almost every other category. Unless battery life is your absolute top priority, the OnePlus is the better all-rounder.
Final Recommendation:
OnePlus Nord CE 5G ✅ (for most users)
Huawei nova Y90 (only if battery & charging speed are critical, and you don’t need Google apps).
Would you prioritize performance over battery life, or is longevity more important? Let me know what YOU would choose! 🚀
