OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nothing Phone (2a): A Practical Comparison
At first glance, these two phones cater to the mid-range market, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Nord CE 5G is a 2021 release with solid fundamentals, while the Nothing Phone (2a) (2024) brings modern refinements in performance, display, and software. Let’s break down where each excels—and who should consider them.
🔍 Specifications Breakdown
📱 Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | The Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly larger and heavier (190g vs. 170g), making the Nord CE easier to handle one-handed. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) has better drop resistance. |
| Unique Features | Standard design | Transparent back with Glyph LED | The Phone (2a) stands out visually with its signature lighting effects. |
Key Takeaway:
- Prefer a lighter phone? → Nord CE 5G
- Want durability and aesthetics? → Phone (2a)
🖥️ Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | Nothing Phone (2a) has a larger screen—better for media & gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling & animations on Phone (2a). |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1300 nits | Phone (2a) crushes Nord CE in sunlight visibility. |
Key Takeaway:
The Nothing Phone (2a) dominates in display quality, making it the clear choice for media lovers.
⚡ Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) | Phone (2a) is much more efficient & powerful (79% higher AnTuTu score). |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Better gaming performance on Phone (2a). |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8/12GB | Phone (2a) starts at 8GB, better for multitasking. |
Key Takeaway:
- For casual use? Nord CE 5G is fine.
- For gaming & future-proofing? Phone (2a) is far superior.
📸 Camera Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | Phone (2a) has a larger sensor & better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (dedicated) | 50MP (macro+ultrawide) | Phone (2a) offers more versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 32MP | Phone (2a) wins for selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Nearly identical, but Phone (2a) has OIS for stabilization. |
Key Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G has more cameras (including a B&W sensor), but Phone (2a) has better quality & flexibility.
🔋 Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Phone (2a) lasts longer. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 45W | Phone (2a) charges faster. |
| Charger in Box? | Yes | No | Nord CE 5G includes a charger. |
Key Takeaway:
- Phone (2a) wins in battery life & charging speed, but Nord CE 5G includes a charger.
🔑 Key Insights: Who Should Buy Which?
✅ OnePlus Nord CE 5G is Best For:
✔ Lightweight phone lovers (170g vs. 190g)
✔ Budget-conscious buyers (likely cheaper now)
✔ Those who want a charger included
✅ Nothing Phone (2a) is Best For:
✔ Performance seekers (faster chipset & GPU)
✔ Media lovers (bigger, brighter 120Hz display)
✔ Photographers (better main & selfie cameras)
✔ Those who want future-proof software (Android 14 vs. Nord CE 5G’s Android 11)
🤔 Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance & display? → Phone (2a)
- Do you prefer a lightweight phone with a charger? → Nord CE 5G
- Do you care about camera versatility? → Phone (2a) (better sensors)
🏆 Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nothing Phone (2a).
The better chipset, 120Hz display, superior camera system, and modern software support make it the stronger long-term choice. The Nord CE 5G is still a solid budget option, but the Phone (2a) justifies its price with meaningful upgrades in speed, battery, and usability.
For most users, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the better buy—unless you really need the Nord CE 5G’s lighter build or included charger. 🚀
