OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi A3x: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious buyers, but they target different user priorities—one offers premium mid-range features, while the other focuses on affordability. Let’s break them down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 168.4 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Nord CE 5G is smaller and lighter (170g vs. 193g), making it easier to handle. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi A3x has better scratch resistance, but Nord CE 5G’s AMOLED may compensate with durability. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (in-display) | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are usually faster & more reliable than budget in-display ones. |
Verdict:
- Nord CE 5G wins for portability.
- Redmi A3x wins for durability (Gorilla Glass 3) and fingerprint sensor.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.71" IPS LCD | AMOLED = deeper blacks, better contrast; LCD = larger but less vibrant. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1650 (268 PPI) | Nord CE 5G is sharper, better for reading/text clarity. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (peak) | No data (likely dimmer) | Nord CE 5G is far better in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, but AMOLED gives Nord CE better motion clarity. |
Verdict:
- Nord CE 5G dominates—better colors, brightness, and sharpness.
- Redmi A3x only wins in size, if you prefer a larger (but lower-quality) screen.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Unisoc T603 (22nm) | Snapdragon is faster, more efficient (better battery optimization). |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 385,000 | 239,000 | Nord CE 5G is 61% faster—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 3/4GB | Nord CE 5G’s higher RAM means less app reloading and smoother performance. |
Verdict:
- Nord CE 5G is the clear winner—better chip, more RAM, smoother experience.
- Redmi A3x struggles with basic tasks due to weaker hardware.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE 5G has 8x more resolution, better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (Yes) | None | Nord CE 5G offers more versatility for landscapes/group shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE 5G is 3x sharper for selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE 5G supports higher-quality video. |
Verdict:
- Nord CE 5G wins in every camera metric—resolution, versatility, and video.
- Redmi A3x is only good for basic photos (no ultrawide, poor selfies).
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi A3x has 11% more battery, but Nord CE may last longer due to efficiency. |
| Charging Speed | 30W fast charging | 10W slow charging | Nord CE 5G charges 3x faster (0-100% in ~1hr vs. ~2.5hrs). |
Verdict:
- Redmi A3x has a bigger battery, but Nord CE 5G charges much faster.
- If you prioritize fast charging, Nord CE is better.
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ Better display (AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits)
✅ Stronger performance (Snapdragon 750G vs. Unisoc T603)
✅ Superior camera (64MP main, 4K video)
✅ 30W fast charging (vs. 10W on Redmi)
Xiaomi Redmi A3x Strengths
✅ Bigger battery (5000mAh)
✅ Gorilla Glass 3 protection
✅ Side-mounted fingerprint (faster than in-display)
Key Trade-Offs
- Nord CE 5G has a smaller battery but compensates with faster charging.
- Redmi A3x has a weaker chipset & camera but costs less.
3. Who Should Buy Which?
🔹 OnePlus Nord CE 5G is for you if:
✔ You want a premium mid-range experience at a budget.
✔ You care about gaming, speed, and camera quality.
✔ You prefer AMOLED over LCD displays.
🔹 Xiaomi Redmi A3x is for you if:
✔ You strictly need a basic, affordable phone.
✔ You prioritize battery life over performance.
✔ You don’t care about high-resolution cameras or fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Key Questions to Decide:
- "Do I care about display quality and performance?" → Nord CE 5G (AMOLED + Snapdragon).
- "Is battery life my #1 priority?" → Redmi A3x (5000mAh).
- "Do I need a good camera?" → Nord CE 5G (64MP vs. 8MP).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Gamer? → Nord CE 5G (better chip, display).
- Light user on a budget? → Redmi A3x (cheaper + big battery).
- Photography lover? → Nord CE 5G (no contest).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Why?
- AMOLED display (far superior to IPS LCD).
- Snapdragon 750G (much faster than Unisoc T603).
- 64MP camera & 4K video (Redmi A3x’s 8MP is outdated).
- 30W fast charging (vs. sluggish 10W on Redmi).
The Redmi A3x is only worth it if you absolutely need the cheapest phone possible—otherwise, the Nord CE 5G is the better long-term investment with far better performance, display, and camera quality.
