OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X6: A Practical Showdown
These two mid-range smartphones cater to slightly different audiences—while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G was a solid 2021 contender, the Xiaomi Poco X6 (2024) brings newer hardware and refinements. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.2 × 74.3 × 8 mm | Both are slim and compact; Poco X6 is slightly taller. |
| Weight | 170g | 181g | Nord CE 5G is lighter (~11g difference). |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Poco X6 has better drop and scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic optical sensor | Basic optical sensor | Similar performance, neither has ultrasonic. |
- Verdict: The Poco X6 is slightly bulkier but offers stronger glass protection. OnePlus retains a sleeker, lighter feel.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | Poco X6 is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1220x2712 (446 PPI) | Noticeably sharper text and detail. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on Poco X6. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1800 nits (peak) | Poco X6 is far better in sunlight. |
- Verdict: The Poco X6 dominates with a brighter, smoother, and sharper display—ideal for streaming and gaming.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Poco X6 is much more efficient and faster. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 603,400 | ~57% better performance for multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Poco X6 handles gaming better. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8/12GB | Poco X6 skips the weaker 6GB base model. |
- Verdict: The Poco X6 is a clear winner, offering better efficiency, gaming, and future-proofing.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5100mAh | Poco X6 lasts longer on a charge. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 67W | Poco X6 charges over twice as fast. |
- Verdict: The Poco X6 wins again—bigger battery, way faster charging.
Cameras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | 64MP (f/1.79, OV64B) | Same sensor, similar daylight quality. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP (usable) | 8MP (higher-res sensor) | Poco X6’s ultrawide is slightly better. |
| Macro Camera | ❌ None | 2MP (gimmicky) | Neither is great, but Poco X6 has one. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 16MP (OV16A1Q) | Similar performance. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (no OIS) | 4K@30fps (with OIS!) | Poco X6 has stabilization advantage. |
| DxOMark Score | 84 (Photo: 89) | ❌ Untested | Nord CE 5G has proven camera tuning. |
- Verdict:
- OnePlus has a slight edge in photo processing (DxOMark-tuned).
- Poco X6 has OIS for videos, making it better for vlogging.
- Neither has an outstanding secondary camera setup.
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 13 | Poco X6 is newer with better support. |
| Max OS Updates | Up to Android 13 | Up to Android 16 | Poco X6 will get longer updates. |
| Audio | Single speaker, no Dolby | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Poco X6 is better for movies/music. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Slightly better wireless performance. |
- Verdict: Poco X6 wins with newer software, better speakers, and longer updates.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✔ Lightweight & compact
✔ Tuned camera processing (better photos in some cases)
✔ Wide-angle camera (more useful than the Poco’s 2MP macro)
Xiaomi Poco X6 Strengths
✔ Better display (higher res, 120Hz, 1800 nits brightness)
✔ Faster performance (~57% better benchmark score)
✔ Bigger battery & 67W charging (vs. 30W on Nord CE 5G)
✔ OIS for video stabilization
✔ Longer software support (Android 16 vs. Android 13 max)
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
- Lightweight phone lovers (170g vs. 181g).
- Casual photographers who prefer OnePlus’s color science.
- Budget-conscious users (if found at a steep discount).
Who Should Buy the Poco X6?
- Gamers & power users (faster chipset, better cooling).
- Media consumers (bigger, brighter, 120Hz screen).
- People who need fast charging (67W vs. 30W).
- Future-proof buyers (longer software updates).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I prioritize battery life and charging speed? → Poco X6
- Do I care more about performance (gaming & multitasking)? → Poco X6
- Do I want a lighter phone with decent cameras? → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Xiaomi Poco X6.
Why? It’s newer, faster, has a better display, longer battery life, faster charging, and extended software support. The only real advantage the OnePlus has is a slightly more refined camera, but the Poco X6’s OIS and ultrawide improvements make it competitive.
Unless you really prefer OnePlus’s OxygenOS or find the Nord CE 5G at a significant discount, the Poco X6 is the better buy in almost every way. 🚀
