OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Xiaomi Poco F6: A Battle of Mid-Range Titans
The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and these two devices—the OnePlus Nord CE 5G (2021) and the Xiaomi Poco F6 (2024)—showcase how much has changed in just a few years. Below, we break down the key differences, performance implications, and which phone best suits different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Both are slim, but the Poco F6 is slightly taller and heavier by 9g—may feel a tad bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g | 179g | Nord CE is marginally lighter for one-handed comfort. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Poco F6 has superior drop and scratch resistance. |
Verdict: The Nord CE 5G is slightly more compact and lighter, but the Poco F6 offers better durability.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | Poco F6 offers a larger screen for media & gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1220x2712 (446 PPI) | Sharper text and more detail on the Poco F6. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Poco F6. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 2400 nits | Poco F6 is far superior in sunlight visibility. |
Verdict: The Poco F6 has a better display in every way—brighter, smoother, and sharper.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | The Poco F6 is 3-4x faster in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 1,530,662 | The Poco F6 is in flagship territory—much better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 735 | The Poco F6 handles high-end gaming (Genshin Impact, COD Mobile) much better. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both can handle multitasking well, but the Poco F6’s RAM is faster. |
Verdict: The Poco F6 obliterates the Nord CE 5G in raw power, making it a much better long-term investment.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco F6 lasts longer under heavy use. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 90W | The Poco F6 charges 3x faster—full in ~30 min vs ~1 hour+. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Ion (Poco F6) has better longevity over time. |
Verdict: The Poco F6 is the clear winner—bigger battery and insanely fast charging.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.6) | Poco F6 has a wider aperture (better low light), but Nord CE has higher resolution. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar, but the Poco F6 has a slightly better sensor. |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.45) | 20MP (f/2.0) | Poco F6 has a better front camera. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps, 8K | Poco F6 supports 8K video and smoother 4K. |
| Stabilization | Digital only | OIS + EIS | Poco F6 offers real optical stabilization—better for handheld video. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | Not tested | Nord CE has solid image processing, but Poco F6 likely outperforms it. |
Verdict: The Poco F6 is the better camera phone—especially for video and low-light shots.
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (max: 13) | Android 14 (max: 17) | Poco F6 has 4 more years of updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Faster, more stable connections on Poco F6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Better battery efficiency and audio quality. |
| Audio | Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Poco F6 has a far superior audio experience. |
Verdict: The Poco F6 is more future-proof with better connectivity and audio.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Lighter & More Compact – Easier for one-handed use.
✅ Slightly Higher Main Camera Resolution – More detail in bright conditions.
✅ Good Value (if Found Cheap) – Still a decent mid-ranger in 2024.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Strengths
✅ Blazing Fast Performance – Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is flagship-tier.
✅ Superior Display – Brighter, smoother, and sharper.
✅ Much Faster Charging – 90W vs 30W is a game-changer.
✅ Better Cameras – OIS, 8K video, and a superior selfie cam.
✅ Longer Software Support – Android 14 with updates up to 2027.
Trade-Offs & Limitations
- Poco F6 is Slightly Heavier – If you prefer ultra-light phones, the Nord CE 5G wins.
- Nord CE 5G is Older & Slower – Not ideal for power users in 2024.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if:
✔ You want a smaller, lighter phone for casual use.
✔ You find it at a steep discount (~$200 or less).
✔ You don’t care about gaming or future-proofing.
Get the Xiaomi Poco F6 if:
✔ You want flagship-tier performance at a mid-range price.
✔ Fast charging (90W) is a priority.
✔ You care about long-term software updates.
✔ You game heavily or record a lot of video.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need flagship-level speed? → Poco F6.
- Do I prefer a compact, lightweight phone? → Nord CE 5G.
- Do I want the best battery life and charging? → Poco F6.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a Budget? → Poco F6 (better for gaming & multitasking).
- Casual User? → Nord CE 5G (if cheap enough).
- Photography Enthusiast? → Poco F6 (better stabilization & 8K video).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Xiaomi Poco F6—no contest.
Why?
- It’s 3-4x faster than the Nord CE 5G.
- The 120Hz AMOLED + 2400 nits brightness is a huge upgrade.
- 90W charging means never waiting long for a full battery.
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 ensures it stays relevant for 3+ years.
Unless you absolutely need a tiny, lightweight phone, the Poco F6 is objectively the better device in every meaningful way. It’s a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price, while the Nord CE 5G is now showing its age.
If you're buying in 2024, the Poco F6 is the clear winner. 🚀
