OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: A Practical Face-Off
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | The Nord is more compact and lighter (170g vs. 209g), making it easier for one-handed use. The A35 feels chunkier but may feel more premium. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has better drop/scuff resistance—useful if you’re rough with your phone. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size & Resolution | 6.43" AMOLED, 1080x2400 | 6.6" AMOLED, 1080x2340 | A35’s screen is bigger, but Nord’s is slightly sharper (410 PPI vs. 390 PPI). Neither is a dealbreaker. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35’s 120Hz offers smoother scrolling and gaming—noticeable but not dramatic. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | No data (likely ~800 nits) | Nord’s brightness is confirmed for outdoor visibility; A35’s likely matches but lacks official specs. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | A35’s newer, more efficient chip delivers ~50% better benchmark scores (578K vs. 385K). Better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6/8GB | Nord’s 12GB option is great for heavy multitaskers; A35 tops out at 8GB. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" | A35’s larger sensor and OIS win for low-light shots. Nord’s higher resolution is mostly for marketing. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar quality—both are passable for landscapes but lack detail. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W (useless) | 5MP macro (useful) | A35’s macro is more practical than Nord’s gimmicky B&W sensor. |
| Video & Features | 4K@30fps, no OIS | 4K@30fps, OIS, Pro Mode | A35’s OIS and Pro Mode make it the clear choice for videographers. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Mobile) | 104 (Mobile) | A35 scores significantly higher—better dynamic range, color accuracy, and stabilization. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 lasts longer (11% more battery), but Nord’s 30W charging is faster than A35’s 25W. |
Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Software | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 18) | A35 wins with 4 more years of updates. OnePlus’s support is disappointing. |
| Audio | Noise-canceling mic | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | A35’s speakers are louder and richer—better for media consumption. |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.3 | A35’s newer standards mean better future-proofing and connectivity. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Lighter and more compact – Easier to handle for long periods.
✅ Slightly sharper display – Higher PPI, though barely noticeable.
✅ Faster charging – 30W vs. 25W on A35.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths
✅ Better performance – 50% faster chipset, smoother for gaming.
✅ Superior cameras – OIS, larger sensor, and higher DxOMark score.
✅ Longer software support – 4+ years of updates vs. Nord’s aging Android 11.
✅ Bigger battery – 5000mAh for all-day endurance.
Trade-Offs
- The Nord’s lighter build is great for portability, but the A35’s Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable.
- The Nord’s higher RAM options (12GB) help with heavy multitasking, but the A35’s Exynos 1380 is more efficient.
- The A35’s 120Hz display is smoother, but the Nord’s 90Hz is still decent.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Lightweight phone lovers – If you hate heavy phones, the Nord’s 170g is a winner.
- Casual users – If you don’t need top-tier performance or camera quality.
- Fast charging fans – 30W is slightly quicker than the A35’s 25W.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35?
- Photography enthusiasts – OIS, better low-light performance, and Pro Mode.
- Gamers & power users – The Exynos 1380 outperforms the Snapdragon 750G.
- Long-term upgraders – 4 years of software updates vs. Nord’s limited support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Decide
- Do you prioritize camera quality? → A35 (OIS, better low-light shots)
- Do you want a lightweight phone? → Nord CE 5G (170g vs. 209g)
- Do you care about long-term software updates? → A35 (up to Android 18)
Scenario-Based Picks
- Student on a budget who games casually: A35 (better performance, battery).
- Social media user who wants a light phone: Nord CE 5G.
- Travel photographer needing OIS: A35.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Samsung Galaxy A35.
While the Nord CE 5G is lighter and charges slightly faster, the A35’s better chipset, camera system, software support, and battery life make it the smarter long-term buy. The 120Hz display and Gorilla Glass Victus are nice bonuses, and Samsung’s four years of updates ensure this phone won’t feel outdated quickly.
That said, if you absolutely hate heavy phones, the Nord CE 5G is still a decent choice—just expect compromises in performance and camera quality. But for most users, the A35 is the better-balanced device.
