OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi A1+ – Detailed Comparison
These two budget-friendly phones cater to different audiences—OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a mid-range performer while the Redmi A1+ leans toward the entry-level segment. Below is a structured breakdown of their differences and what they mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | Nord CE 5G is slimmer and lighter (170g vs. 192g), making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame, glass front | Plastic body | Neither has premium materials, but Nord CE 5G feels slightly more refined. |
| Weight | 170g | 192g | Nord CE 5G is 22g lighter, better for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.52" IPS LCD | Similar size, but AMOLED vs. LCD means Nord CE 5G has deeper blacks, better contrast, and better visibility in sunlight (700 nits vs. unknown for A1+). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | 90Hz on Nord CE 5G makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1600 (269 PPI) | Nord CE 5G is significantly sharper (41% more pixels), making text and images crisper. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) | Nord CE 5G is vastly superior—3x faster in benchmarks (385K vs. 95K Antutu). A1+ is best for basics only. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 2GB | Nord CE 5G allows for smooth multitasking, while A1+ struggles with more than a few apps open. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 32GB | A1+ has very limited storage (32GB), while Nord CE 5G offers ample space. Neither has expandable storage. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP mono | 8MP (f/2.0) | Nord CE 5G’s 64MP sensor takes sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low light. Ultrawide lens is a bonus. A1+ has very basic camera capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE 5G’s 16MP front cam is much better for video calls and selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE 5G supports 4K and high-frame-rate slow motion, making it better for content creators. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A1+ has a larger battery, but Nord CE 5G’s AMOLED and efficient chipset help offset the difference. |
| Charging Speed | 30W fast charging | 10W charging | Nord CE 5G charges 3x faster (0-60% in ~30 minutes vs. ~1.5 hours for A1+). |
Connectivity & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Nord CE 5G has better wireless connectivity. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Nord CE 5G is future-proof with 5G; A1+ is 4G-only. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (Go Edition) | Nord CE 5G has a cleaner, more customizable OS. A1+ uses lightweight Android Go, which is less feature-rich. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Wins In:
✔ Performance (faster chipset, more RAM, better multitasking)
✔ Display (AMOLED, 90Hz, higher resolution)
✔ Camera (64MP main sensor, 4K video, better selfies)
✔ Charging Speed (30W vs. 10W)
✔ Future-proofing (5G support, better software updates)
Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Wins In:
✔ Battery Life (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh, though efficiency is worse)
✔ Price (likely much cheaper, but at the cost of performance)
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✅ Power users & multitaskers (better performance, more RAM)
✅ Mobile gamers (Snapdragon 750G handles games better than Helio A22)
✅ Photography & video enthusiasts (64MP camera, 4K recording)
✅ Those who want a smoother display (90Hz AMOLED)
Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1+?
✅ Budget-conscious users (if price is the main factor)
✅ Casual users (basic calls, texts, social media)
✅ Those who prioritize battery life (5000mAh, though slower charging)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
Do I need good performance, or is basic functionality enough?
- Nord CE 5G for speed, A1+ for bare essentials.
How important is display quality?
- Nord CE 5G’s AMOLED and 90Hz make a big difference.
Do I want a future-proof phone (5G, better cameras, updates)?
- Nord CE 5G is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a tight budget? A1+ if cost is critical, but Nord CE 5G is worth stretching for.
- Social media & photography lover? Nord CE 5G’s superior camera wins.
- Needs long battery life? A1+ has a bigger battery, but Nord CE 5G charges faster.
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
Winner: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Even though the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is newer and has a larger battery, the Nord CE 5G is a far better phone overall—faster performance, better display, superior cameras, and 5G support. The only reason to pick the A1+ is if you’re on an extremely tight budget and don’t care about performance or camera quality.
For most users, the Nord CE 5G is the smarter long-term investment, offering a premium experience at a mid-range price. If you can stretch your budget, it’s the clear winner.
