OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Realme 12 Pro: A Practical Showdown
Let's break down these two mid-range contenders to see which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Nord CE 5G is slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 190g)—better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | Nord CE 5G feels more pocket-friendly; Realme has more heft. |
| Build | Plastic frame, glass back | Plastic frame, vegan leather (some variants) | Realme offers a more premium feel with its leather finish. |
🔹 Takeaway: If you prioritize lightweight comfort, the Nord CE 5G wins. If you prefer a slightly more premium build, Realme 12 Pro delivers.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | Realme has a larger screen (better for media), but both are AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme’s 120Hz feels smoother in scrolling/gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 950 nits (peak) | Realme is much better outdoors (250 nits brighter). |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 (410 PPI) | 1080×2412 (394 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness—no noticeable difference. |
🔹 Takeaway: Realme is the better display overall—bigger, smoother, and brighter.
Performance & Software
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Realme’s newer chip is more efficient & powerful. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 574,000 | ~49% faster—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM/Storage | 6/8/12GB + 128/256GB | 8/12GB + 256/512GB | Realme offers more storage (512GB option). |
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme ships with a newer OS (longer support expected). |
🔹 Takeaway: Realme is the clear performance winner—better chip, more storage, and fresher software.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | 50MP (f/1.8, IMX882) | Nord has higher resolution, but Realme’s Sony sensor is superior. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | ❌ None | Nord wins for wide shots; Realme lacks this. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 32MP (2x optical zoom) | Realme’s telephoto is great for portraits. |
| Macro | ❌ None | 8MP macro | Realme adds a macro cam (useful for close-ups). |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Similar quality—Realme slightly better in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (OIS + EIS) | Realme’s OIS stabilizes video better. |
🔹 Takeaway: Nord CE 5G has an ultrawide, but Realme’s telephoto & OIS make it the better all-rounder.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme lasts longer (~11% more battery). |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Realme refuels twice as fast (~30 mins for 100%). |
🔹 Takeaway: Realme dominates here—bigger battery, much faster charging.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ Lighter & thinner (better ergonomics).
✔ Ultrawide camera (useful for landscapes).
✔ More affordable (likely cheaper due to older model).
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
✔ Faster performance (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 + 120Hz AMOLED).
✔ Better main & telephoto cameras (OIS, 2x zoom).
✔ Bigger battery & 67W charging (no battery anxiety).
✔ Newer software (Android 14 out of the box).
Trade-Offs to Note:
- No expandable storage on either phone.
- No wireless charging in both.
- Nord CE 5G’s chipset is aging—may struggle in 2-3 years.
3. User Recommendations
Pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
- Want a lightweight phone for easy handling.
- Use ultrawide shots often (Realme lacks this).
- Are on a tighter budget (likely discounted now).
Pick the Realme 12 Pro if you:
- Want better performance & battery life.
- Love photography (telephoto & OIS matter).
- Prefer faster software updates (Android 14).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I prioritize battery life and charging speed? → Realme 12 Pro.
- Do I care more about weight and ultrawide shots? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
- Do I want a phone that’ll stay fast for years? → Realme 12 Pro.
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Realme 12 Pro.
Why?
- The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is far more future-proof than the aging 750G.
- 120Hz AMOLED + 950 nits brightness makes media consumption better.
- 67W charging + 5000mAh battery means less downtime.
- Telephoto + OIS makes it a better camera phone overall.
The only downside? No ultrawide—but for most users, the telephoto and better main sensor compensate.
If you can live without an ultrawide lens and want a phone that’ll last, Realme 12 Pro is the smarter buy. 🚀
