OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): A Practical Showdown
Two mid-range 5G contenders with distinct personalities – the OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) – go head-to-head. One excels in raw performance and camera flexibility, while the other offers stylus functionality and modern refinements. Let’s break it down.
Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 mm | The Nord is slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 190g), making it more pocketable. The Moto G is bulkier but includes a stylus. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | Nord wins for one-handed comfort, Moto G feels more substantial. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Tech | 6.43" AMOLED (90Hz) | 6.7" P-OLED (120Hz) | Moto G’s larger screen & 120Hz refresh rate feel smoother for scrolling. Nord’s AMOLED has better contrast. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1200 nits | Moto G’s screen is far more visible outdoors, a major advantage in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Moto G has 34% higher benchmark scores, better efficiency, and newer architecture. |
| RAM Options | Up to 12GB | 8GB | Nord wins for multitasking, but Moto G’s newer chipset helps balance it out. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56") | Moto G’s larger sensor captures more light (better low-light shots). Nord has higher resolution (64MP) but smaller pixels. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 13MP (f/2.2) Macro+UW | Moto G’s higher-res ultrawide doubles as a macro lens, a more versatile setup. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Moto G’s front camera is sharper, better for selfies and video calls. |
| Video & Stabilization | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (OIS + EIS) | Moto G’s optical stabilization helps with smoother handheld video. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G lasts longer with its bigger battery. |
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired + 15W wireless | Moto G adds wireless charging, a premium convenience feature. |
Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Single speaker | Stereo speakers + Dolby Atmos | Moto G has much better sound for media consumption. |
| Stylus | ❌ No | ✅ Built-in stylus | A unique selling point for note-taking, sketching, and precise control. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.1 | Moto G supports faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 15) | Moto G runs newer software with longer update support. |
Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Lighter & more compact – Easier to handle.
✅ More RAM options (up to 12GB) – Better for multitasking.
✅ Higher-res main camera (64MP) – More detail in ideal lighting.
✅ Ultrawide + monochrome cameras – More versatile shooting modes.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Strengths
✅ Brighter 120Hz display – Superior outdoor visibility & smoother motion.
✅ Better processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1) – More efficient and faster.
✅ Larger battery + wireless charging – Better endurance and convenience.
✅ Stylus support – Great for notes, drawing, and precision tasks.
✅ Newer software (Android 14) – Longer update support.
User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a lightweight phone with decent performance.
✔ Casual photographers who value camera flexibility (ultrawide + monochrome).
✔ Those who don’t need a stylus and prefer a cleaner software experience (OxygenOS).
Who Should Pick the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)?
✔ Productivity-focused users who want the stylus for notes & sketches.
✔ Media lovers who need a brighter screen, better speakers, and longer battery life.
✔ Those who want a future-proof chipset & newer Android version.
Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Do I prioritize battery life & screen quality? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Do I prefer a lighter, more compact phone? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
My Pick: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
While the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is sleeker and has a more flexible camera setup, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) wins overall due to:
✔ Newer, more efficient processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1).
✔ Brighter 120Hz display (far better in sunlight).
✔ Bigger battery + wireless charging (5000mAh + 15W wireless).
✔ Stylus support (unique to this model).
If you don’t care about the stylus and want something lighter, the Nord CE 5G is still a solid choice. But for most users, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the better long-term investment.
