OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Nord CE is slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 200g), easier for one-handed use. Poco M4 is bulkier but may feel sturdier. |
| Weight | 170g | 200g | Nord CE is significantly lighter, better for long-term comfort. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 has better drop resistance against scratches. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (likely under-display) | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensor on Poco M4 is faster but less premium. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.58" IPS LCD | Nord CE has richer colors, deeper blacks (better for media). Poco M4 is slightly larger but LCD is less vibrant. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | Not specified (likely dimmer) | Nord CE much better outdoors—easier to see in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, but AMOLED on Nord CE feels more fluid. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Dimensity 700 is slightly more efficient, but Snapdragon 750G has better GPU (Adreno 619 vs. Mali-G57). |
| Antutu Score | ~385,000 | ~381,300 | Almost identical performance—both handle daily tasks well. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB | Nord CE offers better multitasking, especially with 12GB option. |
| Storage Options | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Nord CE provides more storage; neither allows expansion. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B sensor) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE has a significantly better sensor—sharper, better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP | None | Nord CE offers more versatility with ultrawide shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 5MP | Nord CE much better for selfies and video calls. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE offers higher-quality video, slow-motion, and stabilization. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 lasts longer, but Nord CE charges faster (30W vs. 18W). |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 18W | Nord CE tops up quicker, good for short charging sessions. |
| Extras | - | Reverse charging | Poco M4 can charge other devices, but it's a niche feature. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Superior Display – AMOLED with 700 nits brightness makes media consumption and outdoor use excellent.
✅ Better Cameras – 64MP main sensor + ultrawide + 16MP selfie outperform Poco M4.
✅ Faster Charging – 30W vs. 18W means less waiting for a full charge.
✅ More RAM & Storage – Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for power users.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths
✅ Bigger Battery – 5000mAh vs. 4500mAh means longer endurance.
✅ Gorilla Glass 3 – Better screen protection against drops/scratches.
✅ Reverse Charging – Can power other devices in a pinch.
Trade-Offs
- Nord CE sacrifices battery size for faster charging.
- Poco M4 has weaker cameras and LCD display vs. Nord CE’s AMOLED.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
✔ Prioritize display quality (AMOLED, high brightness).
✔ Want better cameras (64MP + ultrawide + 16MP selfie).
✔ Need fast charging (30W for quick top-ups).
✔ Prefer lighter, slimmer design (170g vs. 200g).
Best for Xiaomi Poco M4 5G if you:
✔ Need longer battery life (5000mAh).
✔ Want better durability (Gorilla Glass 3).
✔ Don’t mind weaker cameras & LCD display.
✔ Like reverse charging for emergencies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Key Questions to Ask:
Do I care more about display & cameras, or battery life?
- Nord CE: AMOLED, 64MP camera, better selfies.
- Poco M4: 5000mAh, longer usage.
How important is fast charging?
- 30W (Nord CE) vs. 18W (Poco M4)—Nord CE wins.
Do I need extra storage/RAM for multitasking?
- Nord CE offers up to 12GB RAM & 256GB storage, Poco M4 maxes at 6GB/128GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Media Lovers & Photographers → Nord CE (AMOLED, 64MP camera, 4K video).
- Heavy Users Needing Battery Life → Poco M4 (5000mAh).
- Power Users & Multitaskers → Nord CE (12GB RAM, 256GB storage).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
Winner: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
The superior AMOLED display, faster charging, better cameras, and more RAM/storage options make it the better overall package. While the Poco M4 excels in battery life, the Nord CE offers more premium features that justify the trade-off. If you value visual quality, performance, and photography, the Nord CE is the clear pick.
However, if battery life is your #1 priority, the Poco M4 5G is a solid alternative—just expect compromises in display and camera performance.
My Personal Choice?
I’d go with the Nord CE 5G—AMOLED, fast charging, and a great camera setup make it the better long-term device. 🚀
