OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Nord CE 5G is more compact and easier to handle, while Z60 Ultra is slightly bulkier but accommodates a larger display and battery. |
| Weight | 170g | 246g | Nord CE 5G is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use. Z60 Ultra is heavier, which may feel more premium but less pocket-friendly. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Z60 Ultra has better drop and scratch resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.8" AMOLED | Z60 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1116x2480 (400 PPI) | Similar sharpness, but Z60 Ultra has slightly more screen real estate. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z60 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 1500 nits | Z60 Ultra is far superior in bright sunlight, making it easier to read outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Z60 Ultra is a flagship-grade chipset, far more powerful for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 2,017,588 | Z60 Ultra is 5x faster—better for heavy apps, high-end games, and long-term use. |
| RAM Options | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB / 16GB / 24GB | Z60 Ultra offers extreme multitasking capabilities, ideal for power users. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2”) | 50MP (f/1.6, 1/1.49”) | Z60 Ultra’s larger sensor and wider aperture capture more light, better for low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Z60 Ultra’s ultrawide is vastly superior, with higher resolution and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP (f/3.3) | Z60 Ultra has superior zoom capabilities, absent on Nord CE 5G. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 12MP (under-display) | Nord CE 5G has a higher-resolution front camera, but Z60 Ultra has a cleaner look with under-display tech. |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @120fps | Z60 Ultra is far superior for videography, with higher resolution and smoother slow-mo. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | Z60 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 80W | Z60 Ultra charges much faster (likely 0-100% in ~35 min vs. ~1hr for Nord CE 5G). |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ More compact and lightweight – Better for small hands and portability.
✅ Higher-resolution selfie camera – Better for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.
✅ Lower price (typically) – A budget-friendly mid-ranger with decent performance.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Strengths
✅ Far superior performance – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 makes this a true flagship in speed and efficiency.
✅ Much better display – Larger, brighter, and smoother with 120Hz refresh rate.
✅ Professional-grade cameras – Better main, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, plus 8K video.
✅ Huge battery & fast charging – 6000mAh + 80W charging ensures all-day endurance.
Trade-offs
- Nord CE 5G lacks a telephoto lens and has lower brightness.
- Z60 Ultra is heavier and bulkier, which may not suit everyone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Budget-conscious users who want a good mid-range phone.
- Light users who prioritize portability and decent performance.
- Selfie lovers who prefer a high-resolution front camera.
Best for ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Power users & gamers who need top-tier performance.
- Photography enthusiasts who want 8K video & a telephoto lens.
- Heavy multitaskers who benefit from 24GB RAM.
- Outdoor users who need super-bright screen visibility.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
Do you need flagship-level performance?
- Yes → Z60 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is leagues ahead).
- No → Nord CE 5G is sufficient for everyday use.
Is camera quality a top priority?
- Yes → Z60 Ultra (better main, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras).
- No → Nord CE 5G still takes decent photos.
Do you prefer portability or battery life?
- Portability → Nord CE 5G (lighter, slimmer).
- Battery life → Z60 Ultra (6000mAh + 80W charging).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
I would choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra.
Why?
- Performance is unmatched (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. an older mid-range chip).
- Superior cameras (better low-light, 8K video, telephoto lens).
- Bigger, brighter, smoother display (120Hz + 1500 nits).
- Massive battery with ultra-fast charging (6000mAh + 80W).
While the Nord CE 5G is a solid budget-friendly option, the Z60 Ultra is a true flagship in every way—making it the better long-term investment for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts.
If budget is no constraint, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear winner.
If you want a lighter, cheaper phone for casual use, the Nord CE 5G is still a decent pick.
Which would you choose? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
