OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: In-Depth Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G and ZTE Axon 40 Ultra cater to different audiences—one offers a balanced mid-range experience, while the other pushes flagship-level performance. Below, we break down the key differences, real-world implications, and which device suits which user best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is slightly larger, making it less pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 170g | 204g | Nord CE 5G is much lighter for comfortable one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame | Likely metal/glass | ZTE feels more premium, but Nord offers better grip. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G – Better for portability, lightweight design.
- Axon 40 Ultra – Heavier but likely more premium materials.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.8" AMOLED | ZTE’s larger screen is better for media but less compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1116x2480 (400 PPI) | Slightly sharper text on Nord, but negligible in practice. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling & gaming on ZTE. |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE trounces Nord in outdoor visibility. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G – Good for everyday use, decent brightness.
- Axon 40 Ultra – Superior for media, gaming, and outdoor use.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | ZTE is 2–3x faster in benchmarks. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 8/12/16/18GB | ZTE handles heavy multitasking better. |
| Storage Options | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB/1TB | ZTE offers far more storage flexibility. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 1,061,300 | ZTE is a powerhouse for gaming & productivity. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G – Good for casual users (social media, light gaming).
- Axon 40 Ultra – Best for power users, gamers, and heavy multitaskers.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | ZTE captures more light, better detail. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.25 | 64MP, f/2.3 | ZTE’s ultrawide is far superior in quality. |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 64MP, f/3.5 | ZTE has optical zoom, Nord relies on digital. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.0 (under-display) | ZTE has a cleaner front design. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | ZTE is far better for video creators. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G – Decent daylight photos, limited versatility.
- Axon 40 Ultra – Flagship-level camera system with pro features.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE lasts longer, especially with a bigger screen. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 65W | ZTE charges twice as fast. |
| Wireless Charging | ❌ No | ❌ No | Neither supports wireless charging. |
Takeaway:
- Nord CE 5G – Average endurance, slow charging.
- Axon 40 Ultra – Better battery life, much faster charging.
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths ✅
- Lighter & more compact – Easier to handle.
- Decent mid-range performance – Good for casual users.
- Lower price – More affordable.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Weaknesses ❌
- Weaker chipset – Struggles with heavy tasks.
- Basic camera system – No telephoto, average ultrawide.
- Slower charging & smaller battery – Lags behind ZTE.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths ✅
- Flagship performance – Faster chip, more RAM, better storage.
- Superior camera – 64MP triple cam, 8K video.
- Bigger, brighter 120Hz display – Ideal for media & gaming.
- Faster charging & bigger battery – More convenient.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Weaknesses ❌
- Heavier & bulkier – Less comfortable for some.
- Likely more expensive – Not a budget-friendly option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G?
✔ Casual users – Social media, light gaming, everyday tasks.
✔ Budget-conscious buyers – Decent specs for the price.
✔ Those who prefer a lightweight phone – Better ergonomics.
Who Should Buy the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
✔ Power users – Heavy multitasking, gaming, productivity.
✔ Photography enthusiasts – Pro-grade camera system.
✔ Media consumers – Big, bright 120Hz AMOLED screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
Do I need a high-performance phone?
- Yes → ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- No → OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Is camera quality a priority?
- Yes → ZTE (64MP triple cam, 8K video)
- No → OnePlus (basic but functional)
Do I want a lightweight phone?
- Yes → OnePlus (170g)
- No → ZTE (204g, premium build)
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
If I were buying today, I’d pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra—but with a caveat.
Why?
- Performance is king – The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is far ahead of the Nord’s 750G.
- Camera versatility – A true flagship-level setup with telephoto, ultrawide, and 8K video.
- Display & battery – 120Hz AMOLED + 5000mAh + 65W charging is a winning combo.
Exception: If I were on a tight budget or valued lightweight ergonomics above all else, I’d consider the Nord CE 5G.
Bottom line: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better phone in nearly every way—if you can afford it.
