OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | The S24 is more compact, fitting better in smaller hands, while the Nord CE 5G offers a slightly larger grip. |
| Weight | 170g | 167g | Negligible difference—both are lightweight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S24 has superior drop and scratch resistance. |
| IP Rating | Not specified | Likely IP68 (assumed) | The S24 likely has water/dust resistance, making it better for outdoor use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED | Nord has a slightly bigger screen, but S24's panel is more premium (better contrast, brightness). |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2340 (416 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness—both are crisp for daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S24 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is vastly superior in sunlight visibility (almost 4x brighter). |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 is 3-4x faster in benchmarks—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both handle multitasking well, but S24’s RAM is more efficient. |
| Storage | 128/256GB (no expandable) | 128/256/512GB (no microSD) | S24 offers a 512GB option, useful for power users with large media libraries. |
| Antutu Benchmark | ~385,000 | ~1,639,695 | S24 is over 4x faster—better future-proofing. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57") | S24’s larger sensor captures more light, better in low-light. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | S24 has better detail & wider dynamic range. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP (f/2.4, 3x zoom) | S24 offers optical zoom, better for portraits & far subjects. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Nord has higher resolution, but S24’s processing is superior. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps HDR | S24 is far better for videography, with HDR & 8K recording. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS + EIS | S24 has smoother, more stable footage. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | Nord has a longer battery life due to bigger battery. |
| Fast Charging | 30W (Li-Po) | 25W (Li-Ion) | Nord charges slightly faster. |
| Extras | No wireless charging | Wireless + Reverse charge | S24 supports Qi charging & power-sharing. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 has longer software support (7 years vs. 2). |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 has faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 has better range & efficiency. |
| SIM Support | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | S24 supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ Bigger battery (4500mAh) → Better endurance.
✔ Slightly larger screen → More immersive media experience.
✔ Lower price (likely, given age) → Good budget-to-performance ratio.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
✔ Far superior performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) → Future-proof for years.
✔ Better display (120Hz, 2600 nits) → Smoother & brighter.
✔ Much better cameras (larger sensor, OIS, 8K video) → Top-tier stills & videos.
✔ Longer software support (7 years vs. 2) → Better longevity.
Trade-Offs:
- Nord CE 5G has an older chipset & shorter software lifespan.
- S24 has a smaller battery but compensates with better efficiency.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
✅ Budget-conscious users who want a solid 5G phone with decent battery life.
✅ Casual users who don’t need premium performance or cameras.
✅ Those who prefer OxygenOS over Samsung’s One UI.
Best for Samsung Galaxy S24:
✅ Power users & gamers who need flagship-level performance.
✅ Photography & videography lovers (better zoom, 8K video, OIS).
✅ Those who keep phones long-term (7-year updates).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
Do I want flagship performance & cameras, or is budget more important?
- Flagship: S24
- Budget: Nord CE 5G
How long do I plan to keep this phone?
- Long-term (3+ years): S24
- Short-term (1-2 years): Nord CE 5G
Do I care about 120Hz, 8K video, or wireless charging?
- Yes: S24
- No: Nord CE 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → Nord CE 5G (cheaper, good battery).
- Photographer/content creator? → S24 (better cameras, 8K video).
- Future-proofing? → S24 (better chipset, 7-year updates).
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Samsung Galaxy S24.
Why?
- Performance gap is massive—Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the 750G.
- Camera system is far superior (OIS, telephoto, 8K video).
- Display is brighter & smoother (120Hz, 2600 nits).
- Longer software support (7 years vs. 2).
While the Nord CE 5G is a solid budget option, the S24 is a no-brainer if you can stretch your budget—it’s simply in a different league.
But if you’re on a tight budget, the Nord CE 5G still holds up well for daily tasks, media, and light gaming.
TL;DR:
- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 (flagship experience).
- Best budget: OnePlus Nord CE 5G (good value).
Would you prioritize performance & cameras or price & battery life? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀
