OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is the latest budget offering from the popular smartphone brand, promising blazing-fast 5G speeds at a budget-friendly price. But is it enough to stand out in the crowded mid-range market? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, covering its key features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Lightning-Fast Performance:
The heart of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is the powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This translates to smooth day-to-day performance, whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing casual games. And of course, the star of the show is the 5G connectivity, ensuring lightning-fast downloads, lag-free streaming, and a future-proof experience.
A Crisp Visual Feast:
The 6.43-inch AMOLED display boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and navigating a smooth and enjoyable experience. Colors are vibrant and sharp, thanks to the AMOLED technology, providing excellent viewing angles and perfect for consuming video content.
Capture Memorable Moments:
The triple-camera system on the back, featuring a 108 MP main sensor, delivers decent pictures in well-lit conditions. While not on par with flagship cameras, it captures enough detail and color accuracy for everyday photography. The 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth sensor add some versatility, allowing you to capture close-up shots and portrait effects.
Power Through Your Day:
The large 5000mAh battery ensures you won’t run out of juice throughout the day. Even with moderate usage, it easily lasts over a day, and even heavy users will likely make it to bedtime with some charge left. Additionally, the 33W fast charging gets you back on track quickly, taking the battery from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Sleek Design with Some Compromises:
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G sports a sleek and minimalist design with a plastic back and a flat frame. While not as premium as some metal-bodied competitors, it feels light and comfortable to hold. However, the plastic does attract fingerprints and scratches more easily.
OxygenOS: A Clean and Fast Software Experience:
The phone comes pre-installed with OxygenOS 13.1, known for its clean interface, minimal bloatware, and fast updates. This ensures a smooth and lag-free user experience, making the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G a joy to use.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G: The Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G capabilities, smooth performance, and a long-lasting battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a solid option. It delivers good value for its price, offering a decent camera, a vibrant display, and the future-proof advantage of 5G connectivity. However, keep in mind the plastic build and less impressive camera compared to some rivals.
Key Points to Consider:
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Price: Starts at ₹19,999 (India)
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Launch Date: October 26, 2023
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Specifications: Snapdragon 680, 8GB RAM, 5000mAh battery, 6.43″ 90Hz AMOLED display, 50MP triple-camera system
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Reviews: Generally positive, praising performance, battery life, and OxygenOS, but noting the plastic build and average camera
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite: The 3 Lite offers 5G connectivity and a slightly larger battery, while the 2 Lite has a better camera and a more premium design
- Other Comparisons: Consider options like the Samsung Galaxy M53 5G and Realme 9 Pro 5G for similar specs and pricing
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G: Technical Specifications in Detail
Display:
- 6.43-inch AMOLED display
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+)
- Refresh rate: 90Hz
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Processor and Memory:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Processor
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable up to 1TB with microSD card)
Camera:
- Rear Camera System:
- Main sensor: 108MP
- Macro lens: 2MP with f/2.2 aperture
- Depth sensor: 2MP with f/2.4 aperture
- Front Camera: 16MP
Connectivity:
- 5G SA/NSA
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
- NFC
- USB Type-C port
Battery and Charging:
- 5000mAh battery
- 33W SUPERVOOC charging
- Full charge from 0 to 100% in about 50 minutes
Operating System:
- OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13
Sensors:
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Proximity sensor
- Compass
Audio:
- Dual stereo speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Other Features:
- In-display fingerprint scanner
- Face unlock
- Dual SIM card slots
- Dedicated microSD card slot
Dimensions and Weight:
- Height: 165.5mm
- Width: 76.0mm
- Thickness: 7.9mm
- Weight: 195g
Available Colors:
- Pastel Lime
- Chromatic Gray
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a strong contender in the affordable 5G smartphone segment. While it doesn’t have the most powerful camera or the most premium build, it shines with its smooth performance, long battery life, and clean software experience. If you prioritize 5G connectivity and value, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is definitely worth considering.