OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. OnePlus Nord 4: Which Mid-Range Phone Wins?
The OnePlus Nord series has always struck a balance between affordability and performance. The Nord CE 5G (2021) and Nord 4 (2024) are two compelling mid-range options—but with three years between them, which one makes more sense today?
Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | Nord 4 is slightly larger, which may affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 199.5g | Nord CE 5G is 29.5g lighter, making it more pocket-friendly. |
| Durability | No IP rating | No IP rating | Neither has water/dust resistance—keep them away from spills. |
Takeaway:
- If you prefer a lighter, more compact phone, the Nord CE 5G wins.
- If you don’t mind a bit of extra heft for a bigger screen, the Nord 4 is the choice.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.74" AMOLED | Nord 4 has a much larger screen (great for media). |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1240x2772 (450 PPI) | Nord 4 has sharper visuals with 32.6% more pixels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on Nord 4. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is way better outdoors—far easier to see in sunlight. |
Takeaway:
- The Nord 4’s display is superior in every way—bigger, smoother, brighter.
- If you watch a lot of videos or game, this is a major upgrade.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | Nord 4 is much faster & more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 is 3.5x more powerful—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 future-proofs better with up to 16GB RAM. |
Takeaway:
- The Nord 4 demolishes the CE 5G in speed—better for gaming, AI tasks, and longevity.
- If you keep phones for 3+ years, the Nord 4 is the clear winner.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 lasts noticeably longer on a charge. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 100W | Nord 4 charges 3x faster—great if you’re always in a hurry. |
Takeaway:
- If battery life is critical, the Nord 4 wins.
- The 100W charging is a game-changer—0 to full in ~30 mins vs. ~1 hour on CE 5G.
Cameras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Nord CE 5G has higher resolution, but Nord 4’s Sony sensor is superior. |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar, but Nord 4’s sensor is slightly better. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Nearly identical. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps + OIS | Nord 4 has better stabilization & smoother videos. |
Takeaway:
- Nord 4 has better low-light performance and OIS, making it the clear winner for video.
- Nord CE 5G has a higher MP count, but Nord 4’s Sony LYT-600 sensor is more advanced.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Lighter and more compact (easier one-handed use)
✅ Cheaper (better budget option if available at a discount)
✅ Higher MP main camera (64MP vs. 50MP)—though sensor quality is debatable
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths
✅ Far better performance (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 crushes 750G)
✅ Bigger, brighter, smoother display (6.74" 120Hz AMOLED vs. 6.43" 90Hz)
✅ Much faster charging (100W vs. 30W)
✅ Better battery life (5500mAh vs. 4500mAh)
✅ Superior low-light photography & video (OIS + better sensor)
Trade-Offs
- Nord 4 is heavier (199.5g vs. 170g).
- Nord CE 5G is missing some premium features (OIS, 120Hz, faster chipset).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a lightweight phone.
- Users who don’t need extreme performance (light gaming, social media, calls).
- People upgrading from an older budget phone (e.g., 3+ years old).
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord 4?
- Power users who want great performance & battery life.
- Mobile gamers (120Hz + Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 = excellent).
- Content creators who value better camera & video recording.
- Anyone who keeps phones for 3+ years (future-proof chipset).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance & longevity? → Nord 4
- Do you need the best display & battery life? → Nord 4
- Do you want the lightest, cheapest option? → Nord CE 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Best for Gamers: Nord 4 (120Hz + Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3)
- Best for Battery Life: Nord 4 (5500mAh + 100W charging)
- Best Budget Pick: Nord CE 5G (if heavily discounted)
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord 4.
Why?
- Performance is leagues ahead—it’s 3.5x faster in benchmarks.
- 120Hz + 6.74" AMOLED makes it much better for media.
- 100W charging & 5500mAh battery = no more battery anxiety.
- OIS & better camera sensor means sharper, more stable shots.
The Nord CE 5G is only worth it if you find it at a steep discount and don’t care about performance. Otherwise, the Nord 4 is the clear winner in 2024.
