OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: A User-Centric Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | S22+ is slightly wider but thinner; Nord CE 5G is taller but bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g | 195g | Nord CE 5G is significantly lighter—better for one-handed use. |
| Build Protection | Unknown screen material | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ has superior drop and scratch resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.6" AMOLED | S22+ offers a slightly larger screen (better for media). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother animations on S22+ for gaming & scrolling. |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ is vastly better in sunlight—critical for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | S22+ is newer and more efficient, with better sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 890,774 | S22+ is over twice as fast—better for multitasking & gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 8GB (fixed) | Nord CE 5G offers more RAM flexibility (12GB model great for heavy users). |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nord CE 5G has higher resolution, but S22+ has a larger sensor (better low-light shots). |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S22+ ultrawide is sharper and better for landscapes. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP (3x optical zoom) | Key advantage for S22+—real zoom, not just digital crop. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S22+ is vastly superior for videography. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 | 125 | S22+ has much better image processing. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance, but efficiency differs. |
| Wired Charging | 30W | 45W | S22+ charges 50% faster (0-100% in ~1hr vs. ~1.5hrs). |
| Wireless Charging | ❌ No | ✅ 15W | S22+ supports Qi wireless & reverse charging. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✔ More affordable (likely priced lower than S22+).
✔ Lighter & more compact (better for one-handed use).
✔ Higher RAM options (up to 12GB)—great for power users who multitask.
✔ Decent camera setup (though not flagship-grade).
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Strengths
✔ Far superior performance (Exynos 2200 vs. mid-range Snapdragon 750G).
✔ Much better display (120Hz, 1750 nits brightness).
✔ Pro-grade cameras (telephoto, better low-light shots, 8K video).
✔ Faster charging (45W) + wireless charging (Nord CE lacks this).
Trade-Offs
- Price: The S22+ is likely much more expensive.
- Weight: 25g heavier than Nord CE—could be noticeable over time.
- RAM flexibility: S22+ is fixed at 8GB (Nord CE goes up to 12GB).
3. Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Choose OnePlus Nord CE 5G If You:
✅ Want a budget-friendly 5G phone with decent performance.
✅ Prefer a lightweight phone (170g is very comfortable).
✅ Don’t need wireless charging or extreme camera performance.
Choose Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G If You:
✅ Want flagship-level performance (gaming, multitasking).
✅ Need a superior camera (telephoto, 8K video, better low-light shots).
✅ Value fast charging (45W) & wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
"Do I care more about performance or price?"
- Performance? → S22+ 5G
- Budget-friendly? → Nord CE 5G
"How important is camera quality?"
- Very important? → S22+ 5G
- Just for social media? → Nord CE 5G is fine.
"Will I miss wireless charging?"
- Yes → S22+ 5G
- No → Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
💡 If budget isn’t a concern → Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G.
- The performance, camera, and display upgrades justify the price.
💡 If looking for value → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
- It’s a solid mid-range device that covers the basics well.
My Pick?
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G—because I prioritize performance, camera quality, and display. The 120Hz AMOLED, Exynos 2200, and 8K video make it a much more future-proof device. That said, if my budget were tighter, the Nord CE 5G would still be a solid choice.
