OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Oppo Reno12 Pro: Which Mid-Ranger Wins in 2024?
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and Oppo Reno12 Pro (2024) represent two different eras of mid-range smartphones—one from the early 5G era and the other from a more refined, performance-driven present. Let’s break down how they compare and who should pick which.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm | Oppo is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. OnePlus feels more compact. |
| Weight | 170g | 180g | Nord CE 5G is lighter—better for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Reno12 Pro has superior drop and scratch resistance. |
Key Insight:
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G wins in ergonomics (lighter, more compact) but lacks premium protection.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro is sturdier and has a more modern, sleek build.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | Oppo offers a more immersive experience for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Reno12 Pro. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1400 nits (peak) | Oppo is twice as bright—better outdoor visibility. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2412 (394 PPI) | Similar sharpness—no noticeable difference. |
Key Insight:
- Oppo Reno12 Pro dominates here—brighter, smoother, and larger.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G is adequate but outdated by 2024 standards.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | Oppo’s chip is far more efficient and powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 702,140 | Oppo is ~82% faster—better for gaming/multitasking. |
| RAM/Storage | 6/8/12GB + 128/256GB | 12/16GB + 256/512GB | Oppo has more RAM and storage, better for power users. |
Key Insight:
- Oppo Reno12 Pro is a performance beast—handles heavy apps/games effortlessly.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G is now mid-range at best—fine for basics but aging.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8, LYT-600) | Oppo's Sony sensor likely has better low-light performance despite lower MP count. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2, IMX355) | Similar, but Oppo's sensor is slightly better. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | ✅ 50MP (f/2.0) | Oppo offers 2x optical zoom—great for portraits. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 50MP (f/2.0) | Oppo’s selfie cam is vastly superior. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS only) | 4K@30fps (OIS + EIS) | Oppo has superior stabilization. |
Key Insight:
- Oppo Reno12 Pro is the clear winner—better sensors, telephoto, and stabilization.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G still takes decent shots but lacks versatility.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Oppo lasts longer. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 80W | Oppo charges 2.5x faster—full in ~30 mins. |
Key Insight:
- Oppo Reno12 Pro smashes the Nord CE 5G in battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
✅ Oppo Reno12 Pro Wins In:
✔ Performance (82% faster, better chipset)
✔ Display (120Hz, much brighter)
✔ Cameras (telephoto, better low-light, OIS)
✔ Battery Life (5000mAh + 80W charging)
⚠️ OnePlus Nord CE 5G Still Holds Up In:
✔ Compact size & lightweight (better for small hands)
✔ Price (if found at a deep discount)
✔ Headphone jack (if that matters to you)
3. Who Should Buy Which?
Get the Oppo Reno12 Pro if you:
- Want flagship-level performance in a mid-range phone.
- Need great cameras (especially for portraits and low light).
- Prefer faster charging and better battery life.
Consider the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
- Can find it cheap (under $250) and only need basics.
- Prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need flagship-level speed, cameras, or battery life? → Oppo Reno12 Pro
- Am I on a tight budget and okay with compromises? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G (if heavily discounted)
- Do I care about software updates? → Oppo runs Android 14 and will get longer support.
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Pick?
Winner: Oppo Reno12 Pro – It’s simply the better phone in every meaningful way. The performance leap, brighter display, superior cameras, and blazing-fast charging make it the obvious choice in 2024.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is still usable but only makes sense if found at a steep discount—otherwise, it’s outclassed.
My pick? Oppo Reno12 Pro—no contest. 🚀
