OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Battle of Mid-Range Contenders
The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with brands like OnePlus and Nothing delivering impressive value. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus (2024) represent two different approaches to affordability—one refined over years, the other a fresh take with modern optimizations. Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | The 2a Plus is slightly larger and heavier (190g vs. 170g), making the Nord CE 5G better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | 20g difference—noticeable if you prefer a lighter phone. |
| Durability | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | 2a Plus has better scratch resistance. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G is lighter and slimmer, better for portability.
- Phone (2a) Plus is more durable with Gorilla Glass 5.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | 2a Plus has a larger screen—better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and gaming on the 2a Plus. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1300 nits | 2a Plus is vastly better in sunlight—almost twice as bright. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2412 (395 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness, but Nord CE 5G has slightly higher PPI. |
Takeaway:
- Phone (2a) Plus wins for size, smoothness, and brightness.
- Nord CE 5G is marginally sharper but loses in every other aspect.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro is newer and more efficient, with better performance. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 805,721 | 2a Plus is over twice as powerful—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 12GB | 2a Plus has a future-proof 12GB RAM standard. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB (non-expandable) | 256GB (non-expandable) | Both lack microSD, but 2a Plus has a higher base storage. |
Takeaway:
- Phone (2a) Plus dominates in speed and efficiency.
- Nord CE 5G is older and weaker—fine for basic use but not ideal for heavy tasks.
Cameras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor) | 2a Plus has a larger sensor, meaning better low-light shots despite lower MP count. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 8MP ultrawide + 2MP mono | 50MP ultrawide + macro | 2a Plus wins with a versatile 50MP secondary lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 50MP (f/2.2) | 2a Plus has higher-res selfies but slightly smaller pixels. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Similar video capabilities, but 2a Plus has OIS (better stabilization). |
Takeaway:
- Phone (2a) Plus has a better-balanced camera system with superior low-light and stabilization.
- Nord CE 5G has higher MP counts but worse processing.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 2a Plus lasts longer—11% bigger battery. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 50W | 2a Plus charges 67% faster (but no charger in box). |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer (Nord) is slightly safer, but Li-Ion (2a Plus) is more common. |
Takeaway:
- Phone (2a) Plus wins in battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights
Where the OnePlus Nord CE 5G Excels:
✅ Lighter and more compact—better for small hands.
✅ Higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs. 50MP).
✅ Still decent performance for daily tasks.
Where the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Dominates:
✅ 2x faster processor (Dimensity 7350 Pro vs. Snapdragon 750G).
✅ 120Hz display vs. 90Hz—noticeably smoother.
✅ Far brighter screen (1300 nits vs. 700 nits).
✅ Bigger battery (5000mAh) + 50W charging.
✅ Superior camera system (OIS, larger sensor).
✅ Newer software (Android 14 vs. Android 11).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if:
- You want a lightweight, compact phone.
- You prioritize budget pricing (likely discounted now).
- You don’t game heavily and just need a reliable daily driver.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if:
- You want better performance for gaming/multitasking.
- You care about display quality (120Hz, brightness).
- You want longer battery life + faster charging.
- You prefer newer software (Android 14) and updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide, ask yourself:
- "Do I care more about performance or weight?" (2a Plus = speed, Nord CE 5G = portability)
- "How important is battery life to me?" (2a Plus wins by a mile)
- "Will I notice the smoother, brighter display?" (If yes, 2a Plus.)
Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better phone in almost every way—faster, better display, superior cameras, and longer battery life. The Nord CE 5G is still a decent budget option, but unless you find it significantly cheaper, the 2a Plus is the clear winner.
Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The performance leap, better display, battery life, and camera upgrades make it the smarter long-term buy. The Nord CE 5G is now three years old, and the 2a Plus justifies its slight size increase with far better features. Unless you really prioritize lightness over everything else, the 2a Plus is the better choice.
