OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro: The Ultimate Mid-Range Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 8 mm | Poco M6 Pro is slightly bulkier, but both remain pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 170g | 179g | Nord CE 5G feels lighter, but the difference is minimal. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco M6 Pro has better drop protection. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame | Plastic frame | Neither has premium build, but Poco’s glass back might feel better. |
Takeaway: The Poco M6 Pro is slightly larger and heavier but offers better screen protection. The Nord CE 5G feels more compact, which could be a plus for smaller hands.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | Poco M6 Pro offers more screen real estate for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2400 (395 PPI) | Both are sharp, but Nord CE 5G has slightly higher PPI. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Poco M6 Pro. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1800 nits (peak) | Poco M6 Pro is vastly superior outdoors—far more visible in sunlight. |
Takeaway: The Poco M6 Pro wins here with a bigger, smoother, and brighter display. The Nord CE 5G’s smaller size might appeal to those who prefer compact phones, but the Poco is the better media machine.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | Helio G99 Ultra | G99 is newer and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 450,000 | ~17% better performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both handle casual gaming, but G99 offers slightly better efficiency. |
| RAM & Storage | 6/8/12GB + 128/256GB | 6/8/12GB + 128/256/512GB | Poco M6 Pro offers a 512GB option, better for heavy media users. |
Takeaway: The Poco M6 Pro’s Helio G99 Ultra delivers slightly better performance and efficiency, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse. If storage matters, the 512GB option is a big plus.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | Similar sensor, but Poco has OIS for steadier shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) + Macro | Poco M6 Pro adds macro functionality. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP (dedicated) | Better portrait mode on Poco. |
| Selfie | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 16MP (Omnivision OV16A1Q) | Nord CE 5G has a slightly better sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps + EIS | 1080p@60fps + EIS | Nord CE 5G offers higher resolution recording. |
| DXOMARK Score | 84 (Photo: 89, Video: 80) | N/A | Nord CE 5G tested, Poco’s quality is unverified. |
Takeaway: The Nord CE 5G has better selfies and 4K recording, but the Poco M6 Pro offers OIS, a macro lens, and better portrait mode—making it more versatile for most users.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M6 Pro should last longer. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 67W | Poco charges twice as fast (0-100% in ~45 mins vs ~75 mins). |
| Battery Tech | Non-removable | Non-removable | No difference here. |
Takeaway: The Poco M6 Pro dominates with a larger battery and much faster charging. If battery life is a priority, this is the clear winner.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✔ More compact and lighter – Better for one-handed use.
✔ Better selfie camera (Sony IMX471 vs Omnivision).
✔ 4K video recording (Poco maxes at 1080p).
✔ Higher PPI display (slightly sharper text).
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro Strengths:
✔ Bigger, smoother (120Hz), and brighter (1800 nits) display.
✔ Faster charging (67W vs 30W) and bigger battery (5000mAh).
✔ OIS on main camera for steadier shots.
✔ More versatile secondary cameras (macro + dedicated depth sensor).
✔ Newer chipset (Helio G99 Ultra) with better efficiency.
Biggest Trade-offs:
- If you care about selfies and 4K video, the Nord CE 5G wins.
- If you want battery life, charging speed, and a better main camera, the Poco M6 Pro is superior.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Social media lovers who prioritize selfie quality.
- Content creators who need 4K recording.
- Compact phone fans who dislike big screens.
Who Should Get the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro?
- Heavy users who want longer battery life & fast charging.
- Gamers & media consumers who prefer 120Hz + a bigger screen.
- Photography enthusiasts who value OIS and macro shots.
Price-to-Value Verdict:
- The Poco M6 Pro is newer and better in most areas, making it the better overall value.
- The Nord CE 5G is still a solid choice for specific use cases (selfies, compact size).
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Decide:
- Do you care more about battery life & charging speed? → Poco M6 Pro
- Do you take a lot of selfies or record in 4K? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Do you prefer a smoother, brighter display? → Poco M6 Pro
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget: Poco M6 Pro (better battery, performance).
- Travel vlogger: Nord CE 5G (4K recording, better selfies).
- Casual gamer & Netflix binger: Poco M6 Pro (bigger, smoother screen).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro.
Why?
- It’s newer with better battery life and charging (67W vs 30W).
- The 120Hz AMOLED + 1800 nits brightness is a huge upgrade for media consumption.
- OIS makes the main camera more reliable in real-world use.
- The 512GB storage option is a great future-proofing feature.
The only reasons to pick the Nord CE 5G are if you really need 4K recording, better selfies, or a smaller phone—but for most users, the Poco M6 Pro is the smarter buy.
