OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard smartphone | Foldable (book-style) | Fold4 offers multitasking flexibility with a tablet-sized display; Nord CE is more pocket-friendly. |
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | Fold4 is wider when open (better for media, worse for one-handed use). Nord CE is slimmer and more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 170g | 263g | Nord CE is significantly lighter, better for long-term comfort. Fold4 feels hefty, especially when folded. |
| Build Protection | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Fold4 has superior screen durability, critical for a foldable device. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 7.6" Foldable AMOLED | Fold4’s larger screen is great for productivity & media; Nord CE is more conventional. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1812x2176 (373 PPI) | Fold4 has more pixels (better for multitasking), but Nord CE has slightly sharper text. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Fold4 offers smoother scrolling & animations, but Nord CE’s 90Hz is still good. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified (likely lower) | Nord CE performs much better in sunlight—Fold4 may struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Fold4’s chip is far more powerful—better for gaming, AI tasks, and future-proofing. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 1,232,800 | Fold4 is 3x faster—handles intensive apps, emulation, and heavy workloads better. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Fold4 dominates in gaming—plays Genshin Impact at higher settings smoothly. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 12GB only | Fold4 is better for heavy multitasking, but Nord CE offers a budget-friendly 6GB variant. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57") | Fold4’s larger sensor captures more light (better low-light shots). Nord CE has higher resolution (better for cropping). |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Fold4’s ultrawide is sharper with less distortion. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP (f/2.4) | Fold4 has optical zoom—better for portrait shots & distant subjects. |
| Selfie Cam | 16MP (f/2.45) | 10MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE’s higher resolution is better for selfies. Fold4 has an under-display cam (cleaner look). |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Fold4 is better for videographers—higher resolution & smoother stabilization. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Similar endurance, but Fold4’s larger screen may drain battery faster. |
| Charging Speed | 30W wired | 25W wired | Nord CE charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W wireless + reverse charging | Fold4 supports Qi charging, convenient for accessories. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS & Updates | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (up to 16) | Fold4 has longer software support—better for long-term use. |
| Storage Options | 128/256GB | 256/512GB/1TB | Fold4 offers more storage—ideal for power users. |
| Audio | Noise-canceling mic | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | Fold4 has better speakers—great for movies & gaming. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Fold4’s sensor is faster & more reliable. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Better price-to-performance (budget-friendly, still fast enough).
✅ Lighter & more compact (better for one-handed use).
✅ Brighter display (easier outdoor visibility).
✅ Faster wired charging (30W vs. 25W).
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths:
🔥 Foldable display (enhanced multitasking & media).
🔥 Far superior performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
🔥 Better cameras (larger sensor, optical zoom, 8K video).
🔥 Longer software support (up to Android 16).
Trade-Offs:
- Fold4 is much heavier (263g vs. 170g).
- Nord CE lacks wireless charging.
- Fold4’s screen may be less durable (despite Gorilla Glass Victus+).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a solid daily driver.
✔ Students & casual users who don’t need extreme performance.
✔ Outdoor users (better brightness & lighter build).
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4?
✔ Power users & multitaskers (foldable screen + Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
✔ Creators & videographers (8K video, better zoom).
✔ Tech enthusiasts who want cutting-edge innovation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Decide:
- Do you need a foldable screen for productivity/media? → Fold4.
- Are you on a budget but want a reliable phone? → Nord CE.
- Do you prioritize performance & future-proofing? → Fold4.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → Nord CE.
- Business professional needing multitasking? → Fold4.
- Casual user who wants a long-lasting phone? → Nord CE.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
If budget is no issue → Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
It’s the better all-around device—faster, foldable, better cameras, and longer software support.
If I wanted the best value → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
It’s cheaper, lighter, and still capable, making it perfect for everyday use without breaking the bank.
My personal pick?
I’d go with the Fold4 because I love multitasking, the foldable screen, and the future-proof performance. But if I were on a budget, the Nord CE is a fantastic alternative.
