The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a budget smartphone that punches above its weight, delivering a compelling combination of 5G connectivity, a fluid 120Hz display, and a massive battery, all wrapped in a stylish package. While it’s not perfect, it offers impressive value for its price.
Design & Build: A Familiar Yet Stylish Choice
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G sports a design language reminiscent of its predecessors, with flat edges and a glossy plastic back. It’s available in two vibrant colors: Pastel Lime and Chromatic Gray. The phone feels surprisingly solid and well-built, though the glossy back is prone to fingerprints and smudges. It’s also quite light and comfortable to hold, making it easy to use for extended periods.
Display: Smooth Scrolling and Vivid Colors
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. Scrolling and animations are buttery smooth, creating a premium feel that’s rare in this price range. The colors are vibrant and punchy, and the display gets reasonably bright for most conditions. However, the HD+ resolution is lower than what you’d find on more expensive phones, so text and images might not be as sharp.
Performance: Snapdragon 695 5G for Everyday Use
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset powers the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, providing enough muscle for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it handles most tasks smoothly. The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for multitasking, although more demanding games might experience some lag.
Camera: 108MP Shooter with Mixed Results
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G boasts a 108MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. In well-lit conditions, the main sensor captures detailed photos with vibrant colors. However, low-light performance is a noticeable weakness, with images often appearing grainy and lacking detail. The 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait shots, but the macro lens isn’t particularly useful. The 16MP front-facing camera is good enough for selfies and video calls.
Battery Life: Endurance Champion
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G truly shines in the battery department, thanks to its massive 5000mAh battery. With moderate usage, you can easily get through two full days on a single charge. Even with heavier usage, you can comfortably go a full day without needing to recharge. The 67W SuperVOOC charging is another highlight, fully charging the phone in just over 30 minutes.
Software & User Experience: Smooth and Intuitive OxygenOS
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G runs on OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13. It’s a clean and intuitive interface with a near-stock Android experience. OxygenOS is well-optimized, offering a smooth and responsive user experience. However, OnePlus’s software update policy for this device isn’t the best, with only one major Android update and three years of security updates guaranteed.
Connectivity & Additional Features: 5G Ready, But No NFC
As the name suggests, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G comes with 5G connectivity, future-proofing your device for faster mobile data speeds. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. However, one notable omission is NFC, which means you won’t be able to use this phone for contactless payments.
Buying Recommendation
Who’s It For? The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is ideal for budget-minded users who prioritize 5G connectivity, long battery life, and a smooth display experience. It’s also a good choice for those who are okay with average camera performance and don’t require NFC for contactless payments.
Pros:
- Affordable 5G connectivity
- Impressive battery life with 67W fast charging
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Clean and intuitive OxygenOS
- Decent daylight photography with 108MP main camera
Cons:
- Mediocre low-light camera performance
- No NFC
- HD+ display resolution
- Limited software update policy
Overall: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a solid budget smartphone that offers excellent value for its price. If you’re looking for a 5G phone with a smooth display, a massive battery, and fast charging, and can overlook its few shortcomings, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is worth considering.
| Feature | Specification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G | |
| Release Date | April 2023 | |
| Dimensions | 165.5 mm x 76 mm x 8.3 mm | |
| Weight | 195 g | |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | |
| Colors | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray | |
| Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz | |
| Screen Size | 6.72 inches | |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | |
| Hardware | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | |
| RAM | 8GB | |
| Storage | 128GB | expandable |
| Camera | Main: 108 MP | |
| Depth: 2 MP | ||
| Macro: 2 MP | ||
| Front: 16 MP | ||
| Video | 1080p@30fps | |
| Software | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 | |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 | |
| SIM | Nano-SIM, Dual SIM |
Roshan Kumar Sahoo is a multifaceted journalist with expertise in entertainment-related news, sports , tech, and international relations. His ability to navigate these diverse fields allows him to provide readers with a rich blend of content, from the latest entertainment buzz to cutting-edge sports technology and insightful analysis of global affairs. Roshan’s writing is characterized by its depth, accuracy, and engaging style, making him a trusted voice across multiple domains.
