OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Motorola Moto G04s: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly taller and slightly heavier (178.8g vs. 170g), which might be noticeable in prolonged use. |
Weight | 170g | 178.8g | OnePlus is lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use. |
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s has better scratch resistance, while OnePlus offers no specified protection. |
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (in-display) | Side-mounted | Motorola’s sensor is easier to access, while OnePlus’ in-display version is more modern. |
Display
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.56" IPS LCD | Moto G04s is bigger but has an inferior LCD panel. OnePlus offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency with AMOLED. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1612 (269 PPI) | OnePlus is sharper—better for reading, gaming, and media. Moto G04s’ lower resolution may look pixelated in comparison. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified | OnePlus is far better outdoors—easier to see in sunlight. |
Performance
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | Unisoc T606 | OnePlus has a far superior processor—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 220,000 | OnePlus is 75% faster—handles demanding apps and games better. |
RAM | 6/8/12GB | 4GB | OnePlus offers much better multitasking, especially for heavy users. |
Storage | 128/256GB (no SD) | 64/128/256GB (no SD) | Moto G04s has a 64GB base model, which may be limiting. |
Camera
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor) | OnePlus has a larger sensor and higher resolution, meaning better low-light shots and sharper details. |
Ultrawide | 8MP | None | OnePlus offers more versatility for wide-angle shots. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | OnePlus is far superior for selfies and video calls. |
Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps, EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | OnePlus supports higher-quality video with better stabilization. |
DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | Not tested | OnePlus has a validated high-quality camera. |
Battery & Charging
Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G04s has longer endurance, but OnePlus’ AMOLED and chip efficiency help balance usage. |
Charging Speed | 30W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges twice as fast, a big advantage for quick top-ups. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Superior Display – AMOLED, 1080p, 90Hz, 700 nits = better colors, sharpness, and outdoor visibility.
✅ Much Faster Performance – Snapdragon 750G 5G + up to 12GB RAM = better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity.
✅ Better Cameras – 64MP main + ultrawide + 16MP selfie + 4K video = great for photography lovers.
✅ Faster Charging – 30W vs. 15W = less waiting time when plugging in.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
✅ Larger Battery (5000mAh) – Better for all-day use if you’re not gaming heavily.
✅ Newer OS (Android 14) – Longer software support potential.
✅ Gorilla Glass 3 – Extra screen durability.
Trade-offs:
⚠ OnePlus Nord CE 5G is older (2021 vs. 2024)—may miss future Android updates sooner.
⚠ Moto G04s has a weaker chipset—struggles with intensive tasks.
⚠ OnePlus lacks expandable storage, but base models have ample space.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
🎮 Gamers – Faster chipset, better GPU, and smoother display.
📸 Photographers – Superior camera setup with 4K video and ultrawide.
💼 Power Users – More RAM for multitasking, faster charging.
Choose Motorola Moto G04s if you:
🔋 Battery Lovers – 5000mAh lasts longer with light use.
🛠️ Durability-focused – Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
📱 Budget-conscious – Likely cheaper, newer OS out of the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
Do you care more about performance or battery life?
- Performance → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Battery → Moto G04s
Do you take a lot of photos/videos?
- Yes → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- No → Moto G04s is fine for casual shots
Do you want long-term software support?
- Yes → Moto G04s (Android 14 out of the box)
- No (you’ll upgrade soon) → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Why?
- Better display (AMOLED vs. LCD) – Huge difference in quality.
- Much faster performance – The Snapdragon 750G is in a different league than the Unisoc T606.
- Superior cameras – 4K video, 64MP main sensor, and 16MP selfie are big pluses.
- 30W fast charging – More convenient for daily use.
The Moto G04s is a decent budget phone, but the OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers far better value in display, performance, and cameras—even if it’s slightly older. Unless you absolutely need the latest Android version or a slightly bigger battery, the Nord CE 5G is the clear winner.