Review of OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

Introduction
In the ever-evolving smartphone landscape, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite emerges as a distinctive entry-level option tailored for Asian and European markets, boasting a noteworthy shift to a 108MP main camera and expedited 67W SUPERVOOC charging.

Despite sharing commonalities with the Real me 10 Pro, including a 6.72-inch 120Hz display, a capacious 5000mAh battery, and the cherished headphone jack, the Nord CE 3 Lite forgoes exclusive OnePlus elements like the iconic alert slider, affirming its distinct identity in the competitive market.

Review of OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

•Quickly glimpsing the specifications of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite reveals a compelling array of features:
-Body: 165.5×76.0x8.3mm, 195g; Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back.

-Display: 6.72″ IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 391ppi.
-Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm): Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo  660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver); Adreno 619.

-Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; micro SDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
-OS/Software: Android 13, Oxygen OS 13.1.

-Rear camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
-Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm.

-Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
-Battery: 5000mAh; 67W wired, 80% in 30 min (advertised).
-Mice : Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); 3.5mm jack; stereo speakers.

•Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite shares a design reminiscent of the Real me 10 Pro, featuring a flat glass display adorned with a conspicuous central cutout for the front camera; although, subtle variations emerge, notably with the Nord CE 3 Lite appearing to boast thicker top bezels, potentially stemming from its slightly larger dimensions while maintaining an identical screen.

The absence of OnePlus’ signature alert slider on the right side of the Nord CE 3 Lite marks a departure from the brand’s usual design, a departure that may be attributed to the cost-conscious approach of this budget-friendly model or perhaps a shift in rebranding strategies, leaving enthusiasts missing a distinctive OnePlus feature.

-The left side of the phone houses the dual SIM tray, accompanied by a departure from the Real me 10 Pro’s design as the volume buttons find a new home on the left, a change that aligns the Nord CE 3 Lite with the familiar layout found in other OnePlus devices.

-At top of the phone, a discreet microphone discreetly resides, while a slender grille elegantly nestles between the display and the frame, multitasking as both an earpiece and a speaker.
-Beneath the phone, a secondary microphone discreetly rests alongside the companion loudspeaker, accompanied by the timeless 3.5mm headphone jack. Notably, a USB-C connector graces the space, facilitating data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds.

-The rear design of the phone closely mirrors that of the Real me 10 Pro, showcasing sizable dual circular camera modules. However, this iteration accommodates three cameras, and the flash has undergone a strategic relocation to a central position with a broader aperture.

In the economical realm of the Nord series, the CE 3 Lite proudly wears its plastic identity, from the frame to the rear cover, while showcasing a front adorned with Asahi Dragontrail Star glass, a commendable choice over the pricier Corning variant, featuring an upgraded oleophobic coating. Despite the refined front, the plastic back swiftly attracts smudges and proves more prone to scratches when compared to its glass counterparts.

The phone’s predominantly plastic composition exudes a satisfactory build quality, devoid of any noticeable flex or creaking, offering a reassuring sturdiness when gripped. However, it’s important to note that the device doesn’t come with specific claims regarding ingress protection or additional coatings.

The Nord CE 3 Lite reveals its character in either Chromatic Gray or the lively Pastel Lime, with the latter, initially appearing as a flat green in promotional materials, surprising onlookers with a dynamic iridescent finish that gracefully plays with the green hue under various lighting conditions.

•Display
The Nord CE 3 Lite ‘s 6.72-inch display boasts a 2400×1800 resolution and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, although the device tends to stick stubbornly to 60Hz or 90Hz in most apps, making the advertised 120Hz capability more of a rarity than a regular occurrence. Despite OnePlus claiming a peak brightness of 680 nits, real-world testing saw it reaching a close 619 nits, still sufficient for outdoor visibility. However, the absence of HDR support and the inconsistent implementation of dynamic refresh rates in various apps raise concerns about the device’s display performance.

•Charging
The Nord CE 3 Lite shares the Real me 10 Pro’s robust 5000mAh battery, and the familiar territory of battery life, the real intrigue-

lies in the touted improvement – an 80W charger supporting up to 67W. Despite wielding an 80W charger, the Nord CE 3 Lite charged akin to the Real me 10 Pro’s 33W pace, casting doubt on the advertised upgrade. A full charge clocking at 1 hour 11 minutes echoed the 10 Pro’s timeline, leaving the eagerly anticipated 67W capability dormant in our review unit, reminiscent of its predecessor’s behavior.