OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nokia G22: Which Budget 5G Phone Wins?
Both the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Nokia G22 target budget-conscious buyers but cater to different priorities. Below, we break down their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance to help you decide.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 165 × 76.2 × 8.5 mm | Nord CE 5G is slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 196g), making it more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 170g | 196.2g | Nord CE 5G feels significantly lighter for daily carry. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G22 has better drop protection. |
Takeaway: If you prioritize a lightweight and sleeker phone, the Nord CE 5G wins. If durability matters more, the G22 has Gorilla Glass 3.
Display Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.5" IPS LCD | Nord CE 5G's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors—great for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1600 (270 PPI) | Nord CE 5G is much sharper—text and images look crisper. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Unspecified | Nord CE 5G is far better outdoors (700 nits vs. likely ~400-500 nits on G22). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling. |
Takeaway: The Nord CE 5G dominates display quality—AMOLED, higher resolution, and better outdoor visibility.
Performance & Hardware
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Nord CE 5G is ~52% faster (AnTuTu 385K vs. 253K). |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 4/6GB | Nord CE 5G handles multitasking better—12GB option available. |
| Storage | 128/256GB (No SD Slot) | 64/128/256GB (No SD Slot) | G22 has a 64GB base model, but neither supports expandable storage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Nord CE 5G better for gaming (Genshin Impact, COD Mobile). |
Takeaway: If you care about speed & gaming, Nord CE 5G is the clear winner.
Camera Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Nord CE 5G has a larger sensor, better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | None | Nord CE 5G can capture wider landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Nord CE 5G better for selfies & video calls. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE 5G supports 4K—sharper videos. |
| Extra Features | Night Mode, OIS | 2MP Macro & Depth | G22 has macro shots, but Nord CE 5G has better stabilization & low-light performance. |
Takeaway: Nord CE 5G has a better all-around camera, especially for video & low light.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | G22 lasts longer (~12% extra battery). |
| Charging Speed | 30W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Nord CE 5G charges faster (0-70% in ~30 mins). |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer generally ages better. |
Takeaway: G22 has longer battery life, but Nord CE 5G charges faster.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Faster performance (Snapdragon 750G vs. Unisoc T606)
✅ Better display (AMOLED, 1080p, 700 nits)
✅ Superior camera (64MP main, 4K video, Night Mode)
✅ Slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 196g)
Nokia G22 Strengths
✅ Bigger battery (5050mAh vs. 4500mAh)
✅ Gorilla Glass 3 protection (more durable)
✅ Cheaper base model (64GB option)
Trade-Offs
- Nord CE 5G has no expandable storage (but starts at 128GB).
- G22 has a lower-resolution IPS LCD (less vibrant than AMOLED).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Gamers & power users (faster chipset, 12GB RAM option)
✔ Content creators (better camera, 4K video, AMOLED display)
✔ Those who prefer a premium feel (lighter, slimmer design)
Who Should Get the Nokia G22?
✔ Long battery life seekers (5050mAh battery)
✔ Durability-focused users (Gorilla Glass 3)
✔ Budget buyers (cheaper entry price with 64GB option)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
Do I care more about display & performance or battery life?
- Nord CE 5G for screen & speed
- G22 for longer endurance
Will I be taking a lot of photos/videos?
- Nord CE 5G for better camera quality
- G22 is passable but not as strong
Do I want a lighter phone or a more rugged one?
- Nord CE 5G for comfort
- G22 for durability
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Why?
- The AMOLED display makes media consumption much better.
- The Snapdragon 750G is significantly faster than the Unisoc T606.
- 4K video & better low-light photography make it a better all-rounder.
- While the G22 has a bigger battery, the Nord CE 5G’s 30W fast charging makes up for it.
The Nokia G22 is a solid budget phone, but the Nord CE 5G offers more premium features at a similar price. If you prioritize battery life, the G22 is worth considering—but for most users, the Nord CE 5G is the better pick.
