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 rangethe 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 setupsand 5G connectivitybut 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.
While the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is more budget-friendlythe iQOO Z9s Pro 5G comes with some advantages that may justify the extra cost.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1080×2412 resolutionoffering HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and immersive visuals. The display achieves 1100 nits of peak brightnessmaking it usable in bright outdoor conditions.
Weighing 186g and with a thickness of 8.4mmthe North CE 4 has a solid build but is slightly bulkier than the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipsetthe OnePlus Nord CE 4 ensures seamless performance across gaming, multitasking, and daily use. It includes:
The expandable storage is a significant advantage for users who need more space for apps, media, and documents.
The Nord CE 4 supports 4K video recording at 30fpsoffering sharper video quality than the iQOO Z9s Pro 5Gwhich maxes out at 1080p 60fps.
The 100W fast charging ensures the Nord CE 4 charges significantly fastermaking it ideal for users who want minimal downtime.
The North CE 4 lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and IP ratingmeaning it’s not officially water-resistant.
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G has a marginally larger 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 1080×2392 resolutionHDR10+ support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The biggest highlight is its 4500 nits peak brightnessmaking 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 North CE 4making it a better option for those who prefer a slim and lightweight device.
Running on the same Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipsetthe iQOO Z9s Pro 5G delivers similar performance levels. However, its storage is fixed at 128GBwith no expandable storage option.
If you need more storage space, the lack of a microSD slot could be a drawback.
The camera setup is almost identical to the Nord CE 4but the video recording capabilities are slightly weakeras the iQOO Z9s Pro only supports 1080p at 60fps.
The iQOO Z9s Pro 5G has slightly slower charging at 80Wbut still offers fast recharges compared to competitors.
Similar to the North CE 4the iQOO Z9s Pro 5G lacks a headphone jack and water resistance.
| 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 |
Both smartphones offer great performance for the pricebut the OnePlus Nord CE 4 edges out with faster charging, expandable storage, and better video recording capabilities.
