OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A04e: A Practical Comparison
Choosing between the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A04e depends on what you prioritize—performance and premium features or basic functionality at a budget price. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | Nord CE is slimmer and lighter (170g vs. 188g), making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 188g | The Nord CE feels noticeably lighter and more pocketable. |
| Build Protection | Standard | Standard | Neither has special durability features like Gorilla Glass or waterproofing. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | AMOLED | PLS LCD | AMOLED delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 (410 PPI) | 720×1600 (270 PPI) | Nord CE has a much sharper display—text and images look clearer. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Nord CE. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Unknown | Nord CE is far better outdoors—easier to see in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | MediaTek Helio P35 | Nord CE is far more powerful, handling gaming and multitasking with ease. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 121,345 | The Nord CE is over 3x faster—no contest for apps, games, or future-proofing. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 3/4GB | More RAM on Nord CE means better multitasking and fewer app reloads. |
| Storage Options | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | Nord CE offers more high-capacity options (no microSD on either). |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE captures sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | ❌ | Nord CE has a true ultrawide lens—great for landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 5MP | Nord CE takes far better selfies with more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps | Nord CE supports 4K video, making it superior for vlogging. |
| Extra Features | Night Mode, EIS, PDAF | Basic modes | Nord CE offers better stabilization and manual controls. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A04e has longer battery life, but Nord CE charges much faster (30W vs. no fast charging). |
| Charging Tech | 30W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | Nord CE refuels in ~1 hour; A04e will take much longer. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS (at launch) | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nord CE is upgradable to Android 13—A04e’s update path is unclear. |
| WiFi/Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 4, BT 5.0 | Nord CE has better connectivity (faster WiFi, superior Bluetooth codecs). |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Gyro, Compass | Basic sensors | Nord CE has better gaming & security with a fingerprint scanner. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Wins On:
✅ Performance – Far faster chipset, smoother animations (90Hz), and better gaming.
✅ Display – Sharper, brighter AMOLED screen with deeper blacks.
✅ Cameras – 4K video, better low-light shots, and an ultrawide lens.
✅ Charging – 30W fast charging means less downtime.
Samsung Galaxy A04e Wins On:
✅ Battery Life – 5000mAh battery lasts longer (but charges slowly).
✅ Price – Likely cheaper, but sacrifices performance and features significantly.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Performance seekers – Gamers, power users, or anyone who hates lag.
- Photography/Vlogging enthusiasts – Better cameras, 4K video, and night mode.
- Display lovers – AMOLED with high refresh rate = a much nicer screen.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e?
- Budget-conscious buyers – If you only need basics (calls, texts, light apps).
- Battery-focused users – Longer endurance, but no fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
Do you care about performance?
- If yes → Nord CE.
- If no → A04e (but expect slowdowns).
Do you take a lot of photos/videos?
- If yes → Nord CE (far superior cameras).
- If no → A04e (but beware of weaker selfies).
Do you charge your phone often?
- If yes → Nord CE (fast charging is a game-changer).
- If no → A04e (bigger battery).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Pick?
I’d choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G—no hesitation.
While the Galaxy A04e has a bigger battery and might be cheaper, the Nord CE 5G is a vastly superior phone in every other way:
✔ Faster performance (3x benchmark score).
✔ Better display (AMOLED + 90Hz is night and day).
✔ Superior cameras (64MP main, 4K video, ultrawide).
✔ Much quicker charging (30W vs. no fast charging).
Unless you absolutely need the cheapest phone or the longest battery life, the Nord CE 5G is the clear winner—it’s in a different league for just a bit more money.
Bottom line: If you can afford the Nord CE 5G, get it. If you’re on a very tight budget, the A04e will work, but expect big compromises.
