OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Huawei Pura 70: A Technical Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8 mm | Similar footprint, but Pura 70 is slightly thicker and heavier (207g vs. 170g). Nord CE 5G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 170g | 207g | The Nord CE 5G is significantly lighter, making it easier for one-handed use. |
| Foldable? | No | No | Both are traditional slab-style smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.6" OLED | Pura 70 has a slightly larger screen (better for media). |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1256x2760 (460 PPI) | Pura 70 is sharper (33% more pixels). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on Pura 70. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 2500 nits | Huge advantage for Pura 70—far better outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Pura 70's chipset is far more powerful (see benchmark below). |
| AnTuTu Score | ~385,000 | ~768,000 | Pura 70 is nearly twice as fast—better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 12GB only | Pura 70 is optimized for high-end performance. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3") | Pura 70 has a wider aperture & larger sensor, better in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Pura 70’s ultrawide is sharper. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | ✅ 12MP (f/3.4) | Pura 70 has optical zoom, Nord CE 5G lacks it. |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Nord CE 5G has a higher-resolution selfie cam. |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K + 960fps slow-mo | Pura 70 supports ultra-slow motion. |
| Stabilization | EIS only | OIS + EIS | Pura 70 offers smoother footage. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | ❓ Not tested yet | Nord CE 5G's camera is well-tuned but likely outclassed. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | Pura 70 lasts marginally longer. |
| Charging Speed | 30W wired | 65W wired + 50W wireless | Pura 70 charges over twice as fast and supports wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | ❌ No | ✅ 7.5W wireless | Pura 70 can charge other devices. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | HarmonyOS (latest) | Nord CE 5G runs stock Android, but Huawei lacks Google services. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Pura 70 has faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Pura 70 has better power efficiency & range. |
| Storage Options | 128/256GB (no expandable) | 256/512GB/1TB | Pura 70 has much more storage options. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G: The Lightweight Performer
✅ Pros:
✔ Lighter and thinner (170g vs. 207g).
✔ Higher-res selfie camera (16MP vs. 13MP).
✔ Clean Android experience (with Google services).
✔ Cheaper (likely, given the age difference).
❌ Cons:
✖ Older chipset (Snapdragon 750G is mid-range).
✖ No telephoto lens.
✖ Slower charging (30W vs. 65W).
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight phone with decent performance and a clean Android experience.
Huawei Pura 70: The Premium Powerhouse
✅ Pros:
✔ Much faster (Kirin 9000S1, nearly 2x benchmark score).
✔ Brighter, smoother display (120Hz, 2500 nits).
✔ Better cameras (OIS, larger sensor, telephoto).
✔ Faster charging (65W + wireless).
✔ More storage (up to 1TB).
❌ Cons:
✖ No Google services (relies on Huawei AppGallery).
✖ Heavier (207g).
Best for: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and display and don’t mind Huawei’s ecosystem.
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Budget buyers who want a lightweight, reliable phone.
- Selfie lovers (higher-res front camera).
- Stock Android fans (no bloatware, Google services).
Who Should Buy the Huawei Pura 70?
- Power users who want a flagship-tier experience.
- Photography enthusiasts (better main cam, telephoto, OIS).
- Media consumers (brighter, smoother, bigger screen).
- Multi-taskers (12GB RAM, faster chipset).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
- Do I need Google services (Play Store, Gmail, Maps)? → Nord CE 5G.
- Do I care more about performance & camera quality? → Pura 70.
- Do I want a lighter phone? → Nord CE 5G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Gaming & Productivity? → Pura 70 (faster chipset, 12GB RAM).
- Travel & Photography? → Pura 70 (better zoom, OIS).
- Budget & Simplicity? → Nord CE 5G (cleaner OS, lighter).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei Pura 70.
Why?
- Performance is king—the Kirin 9000S1 is far ahead of the Snapdragon 750G.
- Brighter, smoother display (120Hz + 2500 nits is amazing).
- Superior cameras (OIS, telephoto, better low-light performance).
- Much faster charging (65W wired + 50W wireless).
The only major downside is the lack of Google services, but if you can work around that (via sideloading or Huawei’s ecosystem), the Pura 70 is the better phone in every other way.
If Google apps are a must, then the Nord CE 5G is a solid mid-range pick—but expect compromises in performance and camera quality.
