OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A04: A Practical Comparison
These two budget-friendly phones cater to different needs—one leans into performance and display quality, while the other offers a larger battery and a lower price. Let’s break down the key differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | The Nord CE 5G is slimmer and lighter (170g vs. 192g), making it more pocket-friendly. The A04 has a chunkier build. |
| Weight | 170g | 192g | The Nord CE 5G is 22g lighter, better for long-term comfort. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame, glass front | Plastic body | Neither is premium, but OnePlus feels slightly more refined. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.5" PLS LCD | Similar size, but AMOLED vs. LCD—Nord CE 5G has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1600 (270 PPI) | Nord CE 5G is much sharper—text and images look crisper. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Nord CE 5G. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | No data (likely dimmer) | Nord CE 5G is far better outdoors—easier to see in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Helio P35 (12nm) | Nord CE 5G is much faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 124,000 | Nord CE 5G is 3x faster—apps load quicker, less lag. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 3/4/6GB | 12GB RAM on Nord CE 5G is excellent for heavy multitasking. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | Nord CE 5G has more base storage (128GB vs. 32GB). |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Slightly better detail and low-light performance on Nord CE 5G. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | None | Only Nord CE 5G has an ultrawide lens—better for landscapes. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE 5G has a much sharper front camera—great for video calls. |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60/120fps | 1080p @ 30fps | Nord CE 5G records 4K and has slow-motion—better for content creators. |
| Extra Features | Night Mode, EIS, PDAF | Basic features | Nord CE 5G has better stabilization and low-light shooting. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A04 lasts longer per charge, but Nord CE 5G compensates with efficiency. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | No fast charging | Nord CE 5G charges much faster—0-70% in ~30 mins. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer is slightly more durable over time. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 12 | Close in updates, but Nord CE 5G has better long-term support. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | No fingerprint sensor | Nord CE 5G has biometric unlocking. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.1, 5G | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, 4G | Nord CE 5G has 5G, better Bluetooth, and faster Wi-Fi. |
2. Key Insights
Why Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✅ Faster Performance – Smooth multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing.
✅ Better Display – AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080p—far sharper and more vibrant.
✅ Superior Cameras – 4K video, ultrawide lens, better selfies.
✅ Faster Charging – 30W vs. no fast charging on A04.
Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04?
✅ Bigger Battery – 5000mAh vs. 4500mAh for all-day endurance.
✅ Lower Price – Likely more affordable, better for tight budgets.
✅ Newer Launch Date – May get slightly longer software support.
3. Who Should Buy Which?
For Most Users: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Best for: Gamers, content creators, multitaskers, display enthusiasts.
- Reason: Much better performance, display, and cameras.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Samsung Galaxy A04
- Best for: Casual users, long battery life needs, secondary phone.
- Reason: Cheaper, bigger battery, but slower performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
"Do I care more about speed & display or battery life?"
- Speed & Display → Nord CE 5G
- Battery Life → A04
"Will I be gaming or taking lots of photos?"
- Yes → Nord CE 5G
- No, just calls/social media → A04
"Is fast charging important to me?"
- Yes → Nord CE 5G (30W charging)
- No → A04 (slower charging)
Final Verdict: My Choice
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G—it’s the better all-rounder with faster performance, a superior AMOLED display, better cameras, and fast charging. The Galaxy A04 only wins in battery life, but the Nord CE 5G’s efficiency and 30W charging compensate well. If you want a smooth, future-proof experience, the Nord CE 5G is the clear winner.
But if you're on a tight budget and just need a reliable phone for calls and social media, the A04 is fine. Still, the Nord CE 5G is worth the extra cost for most users.
