OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite Review: Budget 5G Champion with Vibrant Display and Super-Fast Charging

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is a testament to OnePlus’ commitment to bringing 5G connectivity and modern features to a budget-friendly price point. While it might not be the most powerful or feature-packed phone on the market, it excels in areas that matter to everyday users, making it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone.

Design & Build:

The Nord CE 4 Lite features a simple yet functional design with a plastic back and frame. Despite being made of plastic, it feels surprisingly sturdy and well-built. The Pastel Lime and Black Dusk color options add a touch of vibrancy and personality. The phone is comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic design and lightweight build.

Display:

The 6.59-inch IPS LCD display is a pleasant surprise for a budget phone. It’s bright, vibrant, and offers smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. Colors pop, and details are sharp, making it enjoyable for watching videos or browsing social media. The display is also surprisingly good in sunlight, ensuring you can use the phone comfortably outdoors.

Performance:

Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, the Nord CE 4 Lite delivers decent performance for everyday tasks. It handles social media, web browsing, and casual gaming with ease. While it might not be the best choice for power users or gamers who demand the highest performance, it’s more than sufficient for most users’ needs.

Camera:

The 108MP main camera is a highlight, capturing detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. It performs well for social media sharing and everyday photography. However, low-light performance is average, and the lack of an ultrawide lens limits its versatility.

Battery Life:

The Nord CE 4 Lite shines in the battery department, thanks to its massive 5000mAh battery. With moderate usage, you can easily get through two days on a single charge. Even with heavy usage, it should last a full day without issue. The 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging is incredibly fast, taking the phone from 0% to 100% in about 40 minutes.

Software & User Experience:

OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13, offers a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. It’s fast and responsive, with minimal bloatware. OnePlus is committed to providing software updates for the Nord CE 4 Lite, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Nord CE 4 Lite supports 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. It also has a headphone jack, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired audio. However, there’s no expandable storage or stereo speakers, which might be a drawback for some users.

Buying Recommendation:

• Who’s it for? Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large, vibrant display, long battery life, and fast charging. It’s also suitable for those who are looking for their first 5G phone.
• Pros: Excellent battery life and fast charging, smooth 120Hz display, capable main camera in daylight, 5G connectivity, clean software experience.
• Cons: Average low-light camera performance, no ultrawide lens, no expandable storage, no stereo speakers.
• Overall: The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is an excellent value proposition for those seeking a budget-friendly 5G phone with a great display and outstanding battery life. While it makes some compromises in the camera and audio departments, it excels in the areas that matter most to everyday users.