OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s name suggests that it is a cheaper version of the CE 4 aimed at users in the sub-20k range. The One Plus Nord CE 3 Lite is an improved version of its predecessor. The new model has an AMOLED screen, an upgraded rear camera, and a bigger battery.
It will be interesting how Nord CE 4 Lite 5G positions itself against the competition, given the recent surge in the middle segment.
Build
The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has the Nord’s typical design. The phone is made of plastic and has an aluminium frame. It was a good experience, but the edges of the phone were sometimes too round for the palm. The grey version has a solid look. The rear body, however, is susceptible to smudges and requires regular cleaning.
The two rear cameras are placed in a thin cylinder frame on the back. Front side is 100% screen, with a hole at the top for the selfie camera. On the right, you will find the power button as well as the volume controls. The SIM tray is on the left. The bottom of the phone has a 3.5mm headphone port, Type-C USB connector and speaker grille.
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a screen that is upgraded compared to the predecessor. The 6.67-inch display is AMOLED. The screen was 1,080×2,400 pixels with a 394ppi pixel density. The 120Hz refresh rate of the screen ensures smooth scrolling, responsiveness, and a 20:9 aspect ratio.
The display is 100% compatible with sRGB, and 100% Display P3 gamuts. With its 2,100 nits of peak brightness, the screen is bright enough to shine in any lighting condition. The screen uses 480Hz pulse-width modulation for backlight control. It is certified to playback HD content on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.
OS
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G comes with OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14 as standard and will receive major Android OS updates for two years.
Processor and Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor as its predecessor. This means that there are no significant improvements in performance over the previous model. The device is available in two storage configurations, 8GB RAM and either 128GB or256GB of internal memory.
Despite its older processor, Nord CE 4 Lite 5G provides reliable performance in everyday tasks. For basic tasks, users can expect a smooth experience. The Adreno GPU is able to handle the graphics requirements of the device, which allows for smooth gameplay on high-quality or moderate settings. However, frame rate drops can occur with more demanding games.
In the GeekBench benchmark test, this device scored a single core of 902 as well as a multicore of 2004. The GPU score is 1459, which indicates moderate graphics capability suitable for casual gaming or media consumption.
Camera
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G introduces some significant changes to the camera setup compared with its predecessor. The new Sony LYT600 sensor (also used in the Nord CE4), while it appears to be a reduction on paper from a 108MP sensor to a 50MP sensor, actually provides better performance.
A 2MP depth sensor is added to the rear camera for improved portraits. However, it does not have a macro mode. The 16MP front camera is responsible for selfies. However, it should be noted that there’s no ultra-wide lens.
The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G produces good quality photos. Images captured have a nice level of saturation, and the images are well-reproduced in terms of colour. Occasionally, you may see images that are over-sharpened.
The new sensor is able to capture more light than its predecessor. This shows a significant improvement, especially when the lighting is dim. It struggles with very low light situations and often softens details or distorts colours.
The selfie mode maintains a natural appearance without over-smoothing the skin, while portrait mode excels at edge detection and produces a pleasing bokeh.
The camera performance is average but competitive in its price range. Users who are looking for natural-looking photos and better low-light performance will find it a good choice.
For those who want a camera that is more versatile and offers a higher quality, the Moto Edge 50 Fusion may be worth considering. It costs 1-2k more, but it’s a good option. It all comes down to personal preferences and budget.
Battery
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G comes with a 5,500mAh lithium-ion battery, which provides all-day energy for moderate users. It is equipped with a fast charger of 80W, which can charge the phone in 40-50 minutes.
The battery is reliable in general, but extended use can heat the phone up. The impressive battery life makes it an ideal choice for those who want a long-lasting device.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is a mid-range device that offers some noticeable improvements over its predecessor, while still maintaining a competitive pricing point. The AMOLED screen is a welcome upgrade that provides users with a vibrant and smoother visual experience.
The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is a strong contender for its new camera and battery. A faster processor would have made a great addition to the device, especially as competition in the sub-20k price range is increasing. The phone is priced at Rs 19,999.
