iQOO Z9s Pro vs OnePlus Nord CE4: Which Smartphone Offers Better Value Under Rs 25,000?

Credit : 91mobiles

The Indian smartphone market is bustling with options, especially in the mid-range segment, where consumers are looking for the best value under Rs 25,000. Two of the most talked-about smartphones in this category are the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE4. Both devices come packed with competitive features, but which one truly stands out? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to determine which smartphone offers more bang for your buck.

iQOO Z9s Pro vs OnePlus Nord CE4: A Quick Look at the Specifications

Before delving into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at the key specifications of both devices:

Feature	iQOO Z9s Pro	OnePlus Nord CE4
Display	6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,800 nits	6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,100 nits
Dimensions	163.7 x 75 x 7.4 mm	162.5 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm
Weight	185g/190g	186g
Software	Android 14-based Funtouch OS	Android 14-based OxygenOS
Rear Camera	50MP primary (OIS), 8MP ultrawide	50MP primary (OIS), 8MP ultrawide
Selfie Camera	16MP	16MP
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Battery & Charging	5,500mAh, 80W fast charging	5,000mAh, 100W fast charging
Storage	8GB/12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage	8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage
Colours	Luxe Marble, Flamboyant Orange	Orange, Light Green, Blue, Black

Price in India: Budget-Friendly Options

When it comes to pricing, both phones are positioned similarly, making them direct competitors:

• iQOO Z9s Pro: Starts at Rs 24,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, going up to Rs 28,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model.
• OnePlus Nord CE4: Priced identically at Rs 24,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and Rs 26,999 for the 256GB storage variant.

Design: Elegance and Durability

The iQOO Z9s Pro flaunts a sleek design with a curved body and a metal frame. It offers two unique finishes: Luxe Marble with a glossy pattern and Flamboyant Orange with a vegan leather back. This gives it a premium feel, especially with the IP64 rating, which offers better protection against dust and water splashes.

The OnePlus Nord CE4, on the other hand, has a plastic body with a glass-like finish, available in Celadon Marble and Dark Chrome. While it lacks the IP64 rating, its design is still attractive and feels solid in hand.

Display: Bright and Smooth

Both smartphones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro takes the lead with its 1,800 nits peak brightness, making it easier to use under direct sunlight. The addition of Scott α Glass protection gives it an edge over the OnePlus Nord CE4, which lacks additional display protection.

Performance: Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring a snappy performance. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro offers up to 12GB of RAM, providing an advantage in multitasking and handling heavy apps. The OnePlus Nord CE4, with 8GB RAM, still performs admirably but might lag slightly behind when juggling multiple applications.

In benchmark tests, the OnePlus Nord CE4 scored slightly higher on AnTuTu with 8,19,347 points compared to the iQOO Z9s Pro's 8,03,223 points. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro edged out in multi-core performance on Geekbench with a score of 3,074, compared to the Nord CE4's 2,950.

Cameras: A Close Call

Both phones are equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens. In terms of camera performance, the differences are minimal, making it a tie in this department. Both devices capture detailed photos in various lighting conditions, and the 16MP front cameras ensure sharp selfies.

Battery and Charging: Speed vs Capacity

Battery life is a crucial factor for most users. The iQOO Z9s Pro packs a 5,500mAh battery, which should easily last a day with moderate use. However, its 80W charging speed is slightly slower compared to the OnePlus Nord CE4's 100W charging, which can fully charge the device in just 35 minutes.

Software: User Experience

Both smartphones run on Android 14, with the iQOO Z9s Pro using Funtouch OS and the OnePlus Nord CE4 featuring OxygenOS. The software experience is subjective, but OxygenOS is generally preferred for its cleaner interface and smooth user experience. The iQOO Z9s Pro offers additional AI-powered features like AI Photo Enhance and AI Erase, which can be useful for photography enthusiasts.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

After comparing all the key aspects, it’s clear that both the iQOO Z9s Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE4 are solid contenders in the sub-Rs 25,000 segment. However, your choice should depend on your specific needs:

• Choose the iQOO Z9s Pro if you prioritize design, display protection, and additional RAM for multitasking.
• Opt for the OnePlus Nord CE4 if you value faster charging, a cleaner software experience, and slightly better benchmark scores.