OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Realme 9 Pro+ In-Depth Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Nearly identical size, but Nord CE 5G is slightly lighter (170g vs. 182g). |
| Weight | 170g | 182g | Nord CE 5G feels marginally more comfortable in hand. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers better drop and scratch resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | Both provide sharp, vibrant visuals. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | N/A | Nord CE 5G is better for outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling in apps and UI. |
| Panel Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | Deep blacks, rich colors on both. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 920 (6nm) | Dimensity 920 is more efficient and faster. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 496,970 (+29%) | Realme 9 Pro+ has better performance in gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Dimensity 920’s GPU is slightly better for gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Nord CE 5G offers a 12GB variant for heavy users. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (1/2" sensor, f/1.79) | 50MP (1/1.56" IMX766, f/1.8) | Realme’s larger sensor captures more light, better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Slightly better aperture on Realme. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme has a dedicated macro cam (but 2MP is limited). |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Nearly identical front cameras. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@960fps (slow-mo) | Realme has better slow-motion and OIS (for stabilization). |
| DxOMark Rating | 84 (Photo: 89, Video: 80) | Not rated | Nord CE 5G has solid camera performance. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 60W | Realme charges twice as fast (~30 mins vs. ~60 mins). |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme launched with newer OS. |
| Max OS Update | Android 13 | Android 13 | Both reach the same final version. |
| Audio | Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme offers better multimedia experience. |
| Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme has better connectivity. |
| GPS | NavIC, Galileo support | Standard GPS | Nord CE 5G has superior location accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
Who Should Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✅ Pros:
- Brighter display (700 nits) for outdoor use.
- More RAM options (up to 12GB) for power users.
- Better GPS accuracy with NavIC support.
- Slightly lighter and thinner for comfort.
❌ Cons:
- Slower charging (30W).
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 750G).
- No OIS in video recording.
Who Should Get the Realme 9 Pro+?
✅ Pros:
- Faster chipset (Dimensity 920, 29% better benchmark).
- Faster charging (60W).
- Better main camera (IMX766 sensor, OIS).
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2.
- Dolby Atmos & stereo speakers.
❌ Cons:
- Lower peak brightness (harder to see outdoors).
- No 12GB RAM option.
- No NavIC/Galileo GPS support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for Performance & Speed? → Realme 9 Pro+
- If you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and faster charging, Realme 9 Pro+ wins.
Best for Display & Lightweight Use? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- If you value outdoor visibility and prefer a lighter phone, Nord CE 5G is better.
Best for Photography? → Realme 9 Pro+
- Low-light performance and OIS make Realme’s camera superior.
Best for Longevity? → Realme 9 Pro+
- Newer chipset, faster updates, and better efficiency give it an edge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do you need faster performance and charging? → Realme 9 Pro+
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Do you prioritize camera quality and stabilization? → Realme 9 Pro+
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Gamer / Heavy User? → Realme 9 Pro+ (Dimensity 920 + 60W charging).
- Photography Enthusiast? → Realme 9 Pro+ (IMX766 + OIS).
- Outdoor & Travel Use? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G (brighter screen + NavIC GPS).
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Pick?
I’d choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
Why?
- Better performance (Dimensity 920 vs. Snapdragon 750G).
- Faster charging (60W vs. 30W).
- Superior main camera (IMX766 + OIS).
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is solid but feels outpaced in key areas like chipset, charging, and camera tech. The Realme 9 Pro+ simply offers more future-proofing and day-to-day usability.
Bottom Line: Unless you really need a brighter screen or NavIC GPS, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the smarter buy in 2024.
