OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | Nearly identical, CE 2 is slightly taller but marginally thinner. |
| Weight | 170g | 173g | Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | CE 2 has better scratch/drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Tech | 6.43" AMOLED (90Hz) | 6.43" AMOLED (90Hz) | Identical smoothness and color quality. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified (likely lower) | CE 5G offers better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2400 (409 PPI) | No perceptible difference in sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 900 (6nm) | CE 2 has a slightly more efficient and newer chipset. |
| Benchmark Score | 385,000 (AnTuTu) | 424,800 (AnTuTu) | ~10% better CPU/GPU performance in CE 2. |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 12GB + 256GB | Up to 8GB + 128GB | CE 5G better for heavy multitasking and storage needs. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | Same primary sensor—similar daylight performance. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Slightly better low-light shots on CE 2. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W (useless) | 2MP Macro | CE 2’s macro is niche but more usable than a B&W sensor. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45, IMX471) | 16MP (f/2.4, IMX471) | Nearly identical, slight edge to CE 2 in low light. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (EIS) | Comparable stabilization and quality. |
| DXO Score | Photo: 89 / Video: 80 | Not tested | CE 5G has proven better image processing. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 65W SuperVOOC | CE 2 charges more than twice as fast. |
| Extra Features | None | Reverse Charging | CE 2 can act as a power bank. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS & Updates | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 11 (up to 13) | Identical software support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | CE 2 has better future-proofing for WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | CE 2 has better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS + NavIC | GPS (no NavIC) | CE 5G supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Brighter screen (700 nits) – better outdoor visibility.
✅ More RAM & storage options (up to 12GB/256GB).
✅ Superior GPS accuracy (NavIC support).
✅ Higher DXO score (89 vs. untested for CE 2).
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Strengths:
✅ Faster chipset (Dimensity 900) – better gaming & multitasking.
✅ 65W charging (vs. 30W in CE 5G).
✅ Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 – better connectivity.
✅ Macro camera (vs. gimmicky B&W sensor in CE 5G).
Trade-Offs & Limitations:
- Nord CE 5G: Slower charging, older chipset.
- Nord CE 2 5G: Lower peak brightness, fewer storage options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Pick the Nord CE 5G if you:
🔹 Need better outdoor visibility (brighter screen).
🔹 Want expandable storage (256GB option).
🔹 Prefer long-term GPS accuracy (NavIC).
🔹 Value proven camera performance (DXO-tested).
Pick the Nord CE 2 5G if you:
🔹 Want faster charging (65W) and reverse charging.
🔹 Need Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 for future-proofing.
🔹 Prioritize gaming performance (Dimensity 900).
🔹 Like experimenting with macro photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
1️⃣ Do I prioritize charging speed or outdoor screen visibility?
- Fast charging (CE 2) vs. brighter display (CE 5G).
2️⃣ Do I need extra storage or future-proof connectivity? - CE 5G offers more RAM/storage, CE 2 has Wi-Fi 6/BT 5.2.
3️⃣ Do I take a lot of low-light outdoor photos? - CE 5G’s brighter screen helps framing shots in sunlight.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Power User: Nord CE 2 5G (better performance, fast charging).
- Photography Enthusiast: Nord CE 5G (better DXO score, brighter screen).
- Tech Early Adopter: Nord CE 2 5G (Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G.
Why?
- 65W charging is a game-changer – full battery in ~30 mins.
- Dimensity 900 is more efficient and slightly faster.
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 make it more future-proof.
The Nord CE 5G is still great—especially for outdoor use—but the CE 2’s upgrades in speed and charging make it the better daily driver for most users.
TL;DR:
- Best for speed & charging → Nord CE 2 5G.
- Best for screen & storage → Nord CE 5G.
