OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco F4: A Practical Comparison
Let's dive into how these two mid-range 5G smartphones stack up in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is noticeably larger but slimmer |
| Weight | 170g | 195g | Nord CE is 12% lighter - better for one-hand use |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F4 offers better drop protection |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | Poco F4 better for media, Nord more compact |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling in Poco F4 |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 vastly superior in sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G | Snapdragon 870 | Poco F4 has flagship-grade performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 861,200 | Poco F4 is 124% faster in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 | Poco F4 better for gaming |
Camera System
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (OV64B) | 64MP (OV64B) | Similar hardware but Poco has OIS |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (IMX471) | 20MP (IMX596) | Poco F4 has better front camera hardware |
| Video Capabilities | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps + OIS | Poco F4 better for video creators |
| Special Features | B&W sensor | Macro lens | Different secondary use cases |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar endurance |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 67W | Poco F4 charges 2x faster |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- More compact and lightweight design (easier one-hand use)
- Includes a dedicated B&W camera sensor (better for artistic shots)
- Cleaner software experience (OxygenOS vs MIUI)
- Slightly higher pixel density (410 vs 395 PPI)
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Significantly better performance (Snapdragon 870 vs 750G)
- Smoother 120Hz display with much better outdoor visibility
- Superior camera stabilization (OIS) and video capabilities
- Much faster charging (67W vs 30W)
- Better audio system with stereo speakers
Trade-offs to Consider:
- Poco F4's larger size may be uncomfortable for some
- Nord CE's 90Hz display is adequate but not class-leading
- Both lack microSD expansion
- Poco F4's MIUI has more bloatware but more features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Users who prioritize compact size and comfortable handling
- Those who prefer cleaner, near-stock Android experience
- Casual users who don't need extreme performance
- Nighttime photographers (better with B&W sensor)
Best for Xiaomi Poco F4:
- Mobile gamers and power users needing flagship-grade performance
- Users who watch lots of media (better display and speakers)
- Content creators (better video capabilities)
- Those who value fast charging
Price-to-Value: The Poco F4 typically offers more hardware for the money, though prices vary by region.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
What's your priority - size or specs?
- Compact comfort → Nord CE
- Max performance → Poco F4
How important is camera versatility?
- Artistic B&W shots → Nord CE
- Stabilized video → Poco F4
Do you frequently use your phone outdoors?
- High brightness needs → Poco F4
- Mostly indoor use → Either works
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student on budget who games: Poco F4
- Business professional wanting reliability: Nord CE
- Social media content creator: Poco F4
- Elderly user wanting simplicity: Nord CE
My Choice: Xiaomi Poco F4
While I appreciate the Nord CE's compact design, the Poco F4's combination of Snapdragon 870 performance, 120Hz AMOLED display with excellent brightness, 67W charging, and OIS-stabilized cameras makes it the better all-around package. The performance gap is simply too significant to ignore, especially when considering similar price points. Unless you absolutely need the most compact phone possible, the Poco F4 delivers substantially better hardware that will remain relevant longer. The faster charging and better display are daily-use benefits that outweigh the Nord CE's advantages in most scenarios.
