OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Motorola Moto G52: In-Depth Comparison
When choosing between the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and the Motorola Moto G52, the decision hinges on performance, camera quality, and battery endurance. Both phones cater to mid-range buyers, but they excel in different areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of their strengths, trade-offs, and real-world usability.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Both are slim and lightweight, nearly identical in size. Moto G52 is slightly larger but negligibly so. |
| Weight | 170g | 169g | Virtually the same; no noticeable difference in hand feel. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G52 has better durability; Nord CE 5G’s protection is unspecified (potential scratch risk). |
Takeaway:
- Motorola wins on build quality (Gorilla Glass 5).
- Both are comfortable to hold, but Moto G52 edges ahead in durability.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.6" AMOLED | Moto G52 has a slightly larger screen, better for media. |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 (410 PPI) | 1080×2400 (402 PPI) | Identical sharpness; difference in PPI is negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling on both. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | No data (likely dimmer) | Nord CE 5G is much better for outdoor visibility. |
Takeaway:
- OnePlus wins for brightness, crucial for sunlight visibility.
- Motorola wins for size, preferable for movies and gaming.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (5G) | Snapdragon 680 (4G) | Nord CE 5G is faster and supports 5G; Moto G52 is 4G-only. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 216,000 | Nord CE 5G is 78% faster—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nord CE 5G handles games better (e.g., Genshin Impact at medium settings). |
| RAM Options | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | 4GB / 6GB | Nord CE 5G offers more RAM for smoother performance. |
Takeaway:
- OnePlus dominates in performance—far better for gaming, 5G, and future-proofing.
- Moto G52 is fine for casual use but struggles with heavy apps.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Nord CE 5G has better low-light performance (larger sensor). |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar, but Moto G52 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro | ❌ None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Moto G52 has a dedicated macro cam (useful for close-ups). |
| Selfie | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 16MP (generic sensor) | Nord CE 5G’s selfie cam is superior (better sensor). |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps + EIS | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE 5G records smoother, higher-res videos. |
Takeaway:
- OnePlus wins overall—better main cam, selfies, and video.
- Motorola wins in macro photography (but 2MP is low quality).
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G52 lasts longer (11% bigger battery). |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 30W | Same charging speed. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer (Nord) is slightly more stable thermally. |
Takeaway:
- Motorola wins battery life (5000mAh is a big advantage).
- Both charge at the same speed.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Faster performance (Snapdragon 750G + 5G) – Best for gamers and power users.
✅ Superior camera (64MP + 4K video) – Better for photography and vlogging.
✅ Brighter display (700 nits) – More usable in sunlight.
Motorola Moto G52 Strengths
✅ Larger battery (5000mAh) – Better endurance for heavy usage.
✅ Bigger screen (6.6") – More immersive for videos.
✅ Macro camera – Adds versatility in close-up shots.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus lacks Gorilla Glass and macro cam.
- Motorola lacks 5G and struggles with heavy apps.
3. Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
✔ Need 5G for future-proofing.
✔ Play games (better GPU + RAM).
✔ Take a lot of photos (higher-res sensor).
Get the Motorola Moto G52 if you:
✔ Want longer battery life (5000mAh).
✔ Watch lots of videos (bigger screen).
✔ Don’t care about 5G or gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need 5G or better performance? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
- Do I prioritize battery life and screen size? → Motorola Moto G52.
- Do I take a lot of photos? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G has the better camera.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Why? The performance gap is massive—78% faster, 5G support, and a better camera make it the smarter long-term choice. While the Moto G52 has a bigger battery and screen, the Nord CE 5G’s speed, display brightness, and video capabilities justify the trade-off. If you’re a gamer, photographer, or just want a smoother experience, OnePlus wins.
However, if battery life is your #1 priority, the Moto G52 is a strong alternative.
What matters most to you? Let that guide your choice! 🚀
