iQOO Z9s Pro vs OnePlus Nord CE 4: Which Mid-Range Smartphone Should You Choose?

When choosing a mid-range smartphone, especially under ₹25,000, the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 are two strong contenders. Both devices offer solid performance, excellent displays, and attractive designs, so deciding between the two is challenging. However, depending on your priorities—whether it’s gaming, camera quality, battery life, or overall user experience—one may suit you better than the other. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Overview: Which One Should You Choose?

If gaming performance and battery life are your top priorities, the iQOO Z9s Pro might be the better choice. It excels in delivering a smooth gaming experience and offers a larger battery with faster charging. The unique design with a leather finish also adds a premium touch.

On the other hand, if camera performance and overall software experience are more important to you, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 could be the better option. It handles dynamic range better in photos, offers a more refined software experience, and has better 4K video recording capabilities.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics to see how each phone stacks up in various categories.

Design and Build Quality: A Battle of Styles

When it comes to design, both the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 bring something different to the table.

• iQOO Z9s Pro: The Z9s Pro stands out with its unique leather-back variant in orange, offering a premium feel that’s uncommon in this price range. For those who prefer a more conventional look, there’s also a white variant with a plastic body. Despite its 5,500 mAh battery, the phone maintains a slim profile, making it comfortable to hold. However, one downside is the use of Scott Sensation glass instead of Gorilla Glass, which could be less durable in the long run.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: The Nord CE 4 opts for a more standard design with a plastic back, which, while not as flashy as the Z9s Pro, feels solid and well-built. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to use one-handed. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass provides added protection against scratches and minor impacts, which is a significant plus.

Verdict: If you value unique design and a premium feel, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the winner. However, if durability is more important to you, the OnePlus Nord CE 4’s Gorilla Glass protection makes it a safer bet.

Performance and Gaming: iQOO Takes the Lead

For many users, performance is a crucial factor, especially if you’re into gaming or multitasking. Both the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 are powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which ensures excellent performance across various tasks. But there are some key differences:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: This device is optimized for gaming, featuring a 3,000 mm² vapor chamber cooling system that helps keep temperatures in check during long gaming sessions. Whether you’re playing PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, the Z9s Pro handles it smoothly without any significant heating issues. Additionally, the 4D game vibration and motion controls further enhance the gaming experience. However, one limitation is the lack of 90 FPS gaming support, which some competitors offer.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: While the Nord CE 4 also delivers solid performance, it lacks the advanced cooling system found in the Z9s Pro. This means the device may get warmer during extended gaming sessions, although it still performs well for everyday tasks and less demanding games.

Verdict: For gaming enthusiasts, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the better choice, thanks to its superior cooling and gaming features. However, if gaming isn’t your primary concern, the Nord CE 4 still offers excellent performance for everyday use.

Display: A Close Contest

Both the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 feature 6.67-inch AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. But there are subtle differences that may sway your decision:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: The Z9s Pro’s display is bright, with a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it easy to use outdoors under direct sunlight. The Full HD+ resolution and HDR10+ support ensure excellent color reproduction, perfect for streaming content. However, one issue is the occasional stuttering during 4K video playback, which can be frustrating for those who watch a lot of high-resolution content.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: The Nord CE 4 matches the Z9s Pro in terms of brightness and resolution, providing an equally impressive visual experience. However, it has a slight edge in handling 4K video playback smoothly, making it the better option for media consumption.

Verdict: If you frequently watch high-resolution content, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 might be the better choice due to its smoother 4K playback. Otherwise, both displays are top-notch and will serve you well.

Camera Performance: The Nord CE 4 Shines

Camera performance is often a deciding factor for many smartphone buyers, and here, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 takes the lead:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: The Z9s Pro sports a 50 MP Sony IMX 8882 sensor, which delivers sharp images with good color reproduction. However, it struggles with dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The ultra-wide camera, while decent, tends to produce overly punchy colors, and the portrait mode, though competent, sometimes renders skin tones unnaturally. The front camera is focused on beautification, which may not appeal to everyone, and it lacks 4K video recording.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: The Nord CE 4’s camera setup is more balanced. It handles dynamic range better, ensuring well-exposed photos in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide camera is consistent in color reproduction, and portrait shots look natural with accurate skin tones. The selfie camera offers 4K video recording and better stabilization, making it the superior choice for both photos and videos.

Verdict: If camera quality is your top priority, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is the clear winner, offering better dynamic range, more consistent ultra-wide shots, and superior video capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging: iQOO Takes the Crown

Battery life is another critical factor, and here, the iQOO Z9s Pro stands out:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: Equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery, the Z9s Pro offers impressive longevity, easily lasting a full day even with heavy use. You can expect over 7 hours of screen-on time, making it ideal for power users. The 80W fast charging is another highlight, allowing you to charge from 0 to 50% in just 23 minutes, which is among the fastest in this segment.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: The Nord CE 4’s 4,500 mAh battery, while smaller, still provides a full day of usage for most users. However, its screen-on time of around 6-7 hours falls short of the Z9s Pro. The 67W fast charging is quick, but not as fast as the Z9s Pro.

Verdict: For those who prioritize battery life and fast charging, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the superior choice. However, the Nord CE 4 still offers respectable battery performance for most users.

Software and User Experience: OnePlus Has the Edge

The software experience can significantly impact your day-to-day usage, and this is where the OnePlus Nord CE 4 shines:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: The Z9s Pro runs on iQOO’s custom skin, which is feature-rich but may feel a bit bloated for some users. While it offers plenty of customization options, the user interface can be overwhelming, especially if you prefer a cleaner experience.
• OnePlus Nord CE 4: The Nord CE 4, on the other hand, runs OxygenOS, known for its clean and near-stock Android experience. The software is smooth, intuitive, and free from unnecessary bloatware, making it a joy to use daily. Regular software updates from OnePlus also ensure you get the latest features and security patches.

Verdict: If you value a clean and smooth software experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is the better option. The Z9s Pro’s software is feature-packed but may not be to everyone’s taste.

Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 ultimately comes down to your priorities:

• Choose the iQOO Z9s Pro if:
  • You’re a gamer who needs superior performance and cooling.
  • You want a longer-lasting battery with faster charging.
  • You prefer a unique design with a leather finish.
• Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 4 if:
  • Camera quality is your top priority, especially for selfies and videos.
  • You prefer a clean, bloat-free software experience.
  • You want smoother 4K video playback and better dynamic range in photos.

Both devices offer excellent value for their price, but your choice should align with your specific needs. The iQOO Z9s Pro excels in gaming and battery life, while the OnePlus Nord CE 4 shines in camera performance and software experience. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a solid mid-range smartphone that won’t disappoint.