OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G: A Practical Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Nord CE is smaller, thinner, and lighter (170g vs. 195g)—better for one-handed use. Poco M4 Pro feels bulkier but may offer more grip. |
| Weight | 170g | 195g | 25g difference—Nord CE is noticeably lighter for daily carry. |
| Build Protection | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 Pro has better scratch resistance, while Nord CE’s protection is unspecified. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED wins—deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency (especially with dark mode). |
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Poco M4 Pro has a larger screen (better for media), but Nord CE’s AMOLED makes colors pop more. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | N/A (likely ~450-500) | Nord CE is much brighter, making it far superior in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling—no advantage either way. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 810 (6nm) | Dimensity 810 is slightly more efficient (6nm vs. 8nm) but both perform similarly in daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 438,700 | Poco M4 Pro is 14% faster in benchmarks, but real-world difference is minor. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | Nord CE supports more RAM (up to 12GB), better for heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 is slightly better optimized for games than Mali-G57. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Nord CE has a larger sensor & higher resolution, meaning better low-light shots and detail. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance, but Poco M4 Pro has a slightly better aperture. |
| Extra Camera | 2MP B&W (gimmicky) | None | The Nord CE’s 2MP B&W sensor is mostly useless. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@60fps | Nord CE is better for videography—4K and slow-motion at 120fps. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, Sony IMX471 | 16MP, Omnivision OV16A10 | Nord CE’s Sony sensor likely has better color accuracy. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro lasts longer—11% bigger battery. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 33W | Negligible difference—both charge quickly. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | Both are good—Li-Ion slightly better for longevity. |
Audio & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speakers | Single speaker | Stereo speakers | Poco M4 Pro sounds better with dual speakers. |
| Audio Features | Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Poco M4 Pro has better audio tuning for music and movies. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (optical) | Side-mounted | Poco M4 Pro’s side sensor is more convenient. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ Superior AMOLED display (better colors, brightness, efficiency)
✔ Better main camera (64MP, larger sensor, 4K video)
✔ Lighter and more compact (easier one-handed use)
✔ More RAM options (up to 12GB) for power users
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Strengths:
✔ Bigger battery (5000mAh) for longer endurance
✔ Stereo speakers & Dolby Atmos (better media consumption)
✔ Slightly faster chipset (Dimensity 810)
✔ Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (more ergonomic)
Trade-Offs:
- Nord CE has worse audio (single speaker, no Dolby Atmos).
- Poco M4 Pro has an IPS LCD (less vibrant than AMOLED).
- Nord CE lacks Gorilla Glass (Poco M4 Pro is more durable).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose OnePlus Nord CE 5G if:
✅ You prioritize display quality (AMOLED, high brightness).
✅ You want better camera performance (64MP, 4K video).
✅ You prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
Choose Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G if:
✅ You need longer battery life (5000mAh).
✅ You love media consumption (stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos).
✅ You want better durability (Gorilla Glass 3).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I care more about display quality or battery life?
- AMOLED (Nord CE) vs. Bigger battery (Poco M4 Pro).
- Am I a heavy camera user?
- Nord CE has a better main camera.
- Do I listen to music/watch videos often?
- Poco M4 Pro’s stereo speakers are superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photographers & content creators → Nord CE 5G (better camera, 4K video).
- Movie lovers & gamers → Poco M4 Pro 5G (stereo sound, bigger battery).
- Everyday users → Nord CE 5G (better display, lighter design).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
Winner: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Why?
- AMOLED display makes everything look better.
- 64MP main camera is more versatile for photography.
- Lighter and slimmer—easier to handle daily.
While the Poco M4 Pro has a bigger battery and better speakers, the Nord CE’s superior screen and camera make it the better overall package for most users. If battery life is your top priority, the Poco M4 Pro is a great alternative—but for balanced performance, the Nord CE wins.
