OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G review
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is an impressive device that offers great value for its price. With a tranquil blue design, this phone boasts a bigger battery (5000mAh) and faster charging capabilities (33W). The adaptive charging tech ensures efficient power consumption, resulting in stunning battery life. The phone's camera setup, led by a 64MP primary sensor, captures detailed images with great color accuracy. While the pixel binning is not used, the autofocus seems reliable, and the shutter speed is nippy. The dedicated Nightscape mode helps brighten up shots in low light conditions. The camera app offers various modes, including Portrait, Macro, and Pro mode, although the latter lacks raw image capture capability. The 2MP macro snapper allows for a basic macro mode, but video recording is limited to 720p or 1080p resolution at 30fps. Front-facing, there's a 16MP selfie camera using a Sony sensor, which delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions. Video recordings are also impressive, with clear audio pickup and smooth visuals. The phone's performance is decent, but not outstanding. The Snapdragon 695 processor handles daily tasks efficiently, but may struggle with more demanding applications. However, the battery life is where this device truly shines, lasting up to two days on a single charge. While there are some compromises in terms of camera capabilities and performance, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's value proposition is hard to ignore. Priced at £279 in the UK, this phone offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and price. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a reliable mid-range device with impressive battery life.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is an affordable device that doesn't compromise on build quality and design. The phone's tranquil blue color is visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance to its overall aesthetic. In terms of build quality, the device feels premium in hand. The polycarbonate back provides a solid foundation for the phone, while the plastic sides offer a smooth and grippy texture. The 6.5-inch AMOLED display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, providing adequate protection against scratches and drops. The design of the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is a departure from its predecessor, with a more streamlined look that eschews the camera bump found on other OnePlus devices. While it may not be as eye-catching as some of its competitors, the phone's design is still pleasant to behold and does not detract from its overall usability. One notable omission from the device is the absence of a headphone jack, which may be a letdown for those who still use wired earphones. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise an impressive package. In terms of materials used, the phone's build quality feels sturdy and well-put-together. The buttons are tactile and respond well to pressure, while the USB-C port at the bottom provides a convenient way to charge and connect accessories. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is a solidly built device that justifies its affordable price tag. While it may not be perfect in every regard, the phone's design and build quality are certainly above average, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed smartphone experience.
Battery Life
If there's one aspect that truly sets the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G apart from its contemporaries, it's its impressive battery life. The device boasts a generous 5000mAh capacity battery, which is a notable upgrade over many of its siblings. In my testing, I've found this battery to be incredibly resilient, draining at an alarmingly slow rate even after hours of intense usage. With moderate use, I was able to stretch two days of life from a single full charge, which is nothing short of impressive. OnePlus's adaptive charging technology also plays a significant role in extending the battery's longevity. This feature ensures that the phone charges only when necessary, thus preventing unnecessary wear and tear on the battery. The combination of an efficient Snapdragon 695 processor and this substantial battery capacity makes for an incredibly long-lasting device. Whether you're streaming videos, playing games, or simply using your phone as a communication tool, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will keep going without needing to be recharged for hours on end. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the battery life of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. If you're in the market for a device that can keep up with your busy lifestyle without needing constant top-ups, this phone is definitely worth considering.
Display
While the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G boasts an impressive set of specs, one aspect that falls short is its display. The device features a 6.52-inch LCD panel with a resolution of HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels). While it's not uncommon for budget-friendly smartphones to have less-than-stellar displays, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's screen doesn't quite live up to expectations. In terms of brightness and color accuracy, the display is merely adequate. It's not particularly vivid or punchy, and colors tend to lean towards a more muted tone. The LCD panel also struggles with viewing angles, making it difficult to see content clearly when viewed from the side. Furthermore, the absence of an AMOLED panel is noticeable, especially considering the device's 5G capabilities. An OLED display would have elevated the overall visual experience, making it more immersive and engaging. While the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's camera, battery life, and performance are notable highlights, its display is a key shortcoming that detracts from the overall user experience. For those who value a great viewing experience, this might be a deal-breaker. In conclusion, while the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has its strengths, its display is a letdown. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone with an impressive display, there are other options available that better meet this criterion.
Camera
The camera system on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is a notable aspect of its feature set. The phone boasts a 64-megapixel primary shooter, which can capture images in up to 16 megapixels by default. However, users have the option to switch to maximum resolution with a quick tap, making it handy for cropping into shots without losing detail. In ideal lighting conditions, the camera produces impressive results, with clear and vibrant colors. The autofocus is also quite reliable, and the shutter speed is nice and nippy. I tested the camera around my home to get a sense of its capabilities, and here are a few sample photos that showcase its performance. One aspect of the camera system that's worth noting is the dedicated Nightscape mode. This feature helps brighten up shots taken in low-light conditions, making it easier to capture clear images even when lighting is scarce. Additionally, there's a Portrait mode for creating bokeh-style background effects, complete with retouch and filter options. The phone also features a 2-megapixel macro snapper on the back, allowing users to shoot macro photos. However, this feature is relatively basic and lacks more advanced capabilities. Another notable aspect of the camera system is the dedicated Pro mode. This allows users to fine-tune settings like white balance and ISO levels, giving them more control over their shots. Unfortunately, shooting in raw format is not an option with this model, unlike some other OnePlus devices. Video recording on the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G maxes out at either 720p or 1080p resolution, without any options for higher frame rates like 30 or 60 FPS. However, I shot some test footage around my home to demonstrate its capabilities. The selfie camera features a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471 sensor and produces great results in well-lit environments. Video recording tops out at full HD plus resolution, with clear audio pickup. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's camera system offers decent performance, especially considering its price point. While it may not be a top-tier camera experience, it gets the job done for casual users and social media enthusiasts.
Price and Value
The latest addition to the OnePlus family, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, is an intriguing device that offers a mix of features and compromises at an affordable price. Priced at £279 in the UK, this phone promises to deliver a solid performance without breaking the bank. While some may find the lack of an OLED panel and slightly underwhelming specs disappointing, it's hard to deny the value that OnePlus has managed to pack into this device. The 5000mAh battery is a particular highlight, providing an impressive two-day life with moderate use. Fast charging is also supported, albeit at a relatively slower 33W rate. In terms of performance, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G does its job without exceeding expectations. It's not going to win any awards for raw power, but it'll handle everyday tasks and some more demanding ones with ease. The 64MP primary camera is also a redeeming feature, taking decent photos in good light conditions. The real star of the show, however, is the price. At £279, this phone offers an unbeatable value proposition for those looking to upgrade without sacrificing too much. While compromises have been made on certain aspects, the overall package remains attractive, especially considering the lack of high-end flagships at similar prices. For those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone on a budget, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is definitely worth consideration. Just don't expect it to be the best in its class; it's more about delivering a solid experience at an affordable price.
Performance
The performance of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is where it truly shines. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chip, this device provides seamless multitasking and efficient execution of tasks. The phone's adaptive charging technology also ensures that the battery life is optimized to its fullest potential. In terms of everyday use, the phone performed admirably, handling demanding tasks such as gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing with ease. The phone's 6GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration provided ample space for apps and files, making it ideal for those who need a reliable device for their daily needs. The phone's performance was also impressive in terms of gaming. With the help of the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, the phone delivered smooth and lag-free gaming experiences, even with demanding titles like Fortnite and PUBG Mobile. One notable aspect of the phone's performance is its battery life. The 5000mAh battery provided by the phone ensured that it lasted for at least two days on a single charge, making it an excellent option for those who need a device that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G delivers impressive performance that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding users. Its efficient chip, ample storage, and optimized battery life make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone experience.