The mid-range smartphone segment in India is getting increasingly competitive, with brands offering premium features at affordable prices. Among the top contenders in the ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 range, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 and iQOO Z9s Pro 5G stand out as feature-packed 5G smartphones with powerful processors, vibrant AMOLED displays, and high-resolution cameras.
Both smartphones come with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, dual 50MP camera setups, and 5G connectivity, but key differences in battery charging speed, display brightness, and storage expandability may influence your decision. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which device is the best 5G smartphone under ₹30K.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 vs iQOO Z9s Pro 5G: Price Comparison
| Model | Amazon Price | Flipkart Price | Croma Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord CE 4 | ₹21,998 | ₹22,079 | ₹21,999 |
| iQOO Z9s Pro 5G | ₹22,998 | ₹23,838 | Not Available |
While the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is more budget-friendly, the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G comes with some advantages that may justify the extra cost.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G: Features & Specifications
1. Display & Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1080×2412 resolution, offering HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and immersive visuals. The display achieves 1100 nits of peak brightness, making it usable in bright outdoor conditions.
Weighing 186g and with a thickness of 8.4mm, the Nord CE 4 has a solid build but is slightly bulkier than the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G.
2. Performance & Storage
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 ensures seamless performance across gaming, multitasking, and daily use. It includes:
- 8GB RAM + 8GB Virtual RAM
- 128GB Storage (Expandable up to 1TB via Hybrid Slot)
The expandable storage is a significant advantage for users who need more space for apps, media, and documents.
3. Camera System
- 50MP Primary Camera with OIS
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
- 16MP Front Camera
The Nord CE 4 supports 4K video recording at 30fps, offering sharper video quality than the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G, which maxes out at 1080p 60fps.
4. Battery & Charging
- 5500mAh battery
- 100W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging
- Reverse Charging Support
The 100W fast charging ensures the Nord CE 4 charges significantly faster, making it ideal for users who want minimal downtime.
5. Connectivity & Features
- 5G Support
- Bluetooth 5.4
- USB-C 2.0
- Infrared Blaster
- No 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- No Official Water Resistance Rating
The Nord CE 4 lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and IP rating, meaning it’s not officially water-resistant.
iQOO Z9s Pro 5G: Features & Specifications
1. Display & Design
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G has a marginally larger 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 1080×2392 resolution, HDR10+ support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The biggest highlight is its 4500 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays in the segment.
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G is thinner (7.49mm) and lighter (185g) compared to the Nord CE 4, making it a better option for those who prefer a slim and lightweight device.
2. Performance & Storage
Running on the same Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G delivers similar performance levels. However, its storage is fixed at 128GB, with no expandable storage option.
- 8GB RAM + 8GB Virtual RAM
- 128GB Storage (No MicroSD Slot)
If you need more storage space, the lack of a microSD slot could be a drawback.
3. Camera System
- 50MP Sony IMX882 Primary Camera with OIS
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
- 16MP Front Camera
The camera setup is almost identical to the Nord CE 4, but the video recording capabilities are slightly weaker, as the iQOO Z9s Pro only supports 1080p at 60fps.
4. Battery & Charging
- 5500mAh battery
- 80W Flash Charge
- Reverse Charging Support
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G has slightly slower charging at 80W, but still offers fast recharges compared to competitors.
5. Connectivity & Features
- 5G Support
- Bluetooth 5.4
- USB-C
- No 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- No Official Water Resistance Rating
Similar to the Nord CE 4, the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G lacks a headphone jack and water resistance.
Key Differences: OnePlus Nord CE 4 vs iQOO Z9s Pro 5G
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 4 | iQOO Z9s Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1100 nits | 6.77-inch AMOLED, 4500 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB + 128GB (Expandable) | 8GB + 128GB (No Expansion) |
| Primary Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 1080p @ 60fps |
| Battery | 5500mAh | 5500mAh |
| Fast Charging | 100W SUPERVOOC | 80W Flash Charge |
| Weight & Thickness | 186g, 8.4mm | 185g, 7.49mm |
| Storage Expansion | Yes (Up to 1TB) | No |
| Infrared Blaster | Yes | No |
Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 4 if you prioritize faster 100W charging, expandable storage, and 4K video recording.
- Choose the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G if you prefer a slimmer design, a much brighter display, and don’t need expandable storage.
Both smartphones offer great performance for the price, but the OnePlus Nord CE 4 edges out with faster charging, expandable storage, and better video recording capabilities.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
