OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G review

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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G boasts an impressive feature set at its price point of 14,990 pesos. With the newly released 108MP Samsung HM6 sensor, smooth performance courtesy of the Snapdragon 695 processor, and sleek design, this mid-ranger offers a lot to consider. Our review will delve into three key aspects: the camera's capabilities in various lighting conditions, the phone's stylish aesthetic, and its fluid user experience through Oxygen OS. We'll examine whether the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G strikes a perfect balance between price, performance, and features.

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Build Quality and Design

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's build quality and design are worth noting, even if it's not a flagship device. The phone's back panel boasts a mirror-like glass-ish texture that is both elegant and classy. The chromatic gray color scheme complements the concentric circles around the camera lenses and the minimalist OnePlus branding. It's a design that is reminiscent of other BBK group phones, but the execution is what sets it apart. The main camera module is particularly noteworthy, with a newly released 108 megapixel Samsung HM6 sensor that provides excellent results in ideal lighting conditions. While there may be some over-sharpening and over-saturation issues in certain situations, the overall performance of the camera is impressive for its price point. One aspect that's worth mentioning is the phone's tendency to collect dust, dirt, and fingerprints on its glass-like finish. However, this can be easily mitigated by using a transparent silicon case, which would also protect the device from scratches. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's design is one of its strongest aspects. It's a phone that you'd want to show off due to its good looks, and it may even fool some people into thinking it's a flagship device. The attention to detail in its design, particularly with the back panel, is commendable. While not perfect, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's build quality and design are certainly praiseworthy for a mid-range phone. It's a solid choice for those who value aesthetics and performance without breaking the bank.

Battery Life

OnePlus has managed to pack quite the punch with its latest offering, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. With a price tag of 14,990 pesos, this phone offers a lot for its value. I recently had the chance to test it out and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. One aspect that stood out to me was the battery life of this device. The Oneplus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G features a large 5000mAh battery, which provides plenty of juice for extended use. I found myself easily getting through a day with moderate usage, and even had some charge left over for light tasks in the evening. In my testing, I was able to achieve around 12 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive considering the device's specifications. The phone also supports fast charging, allowing you to top up quickly when needed. While not the longest-lasting battery on the market, the Oneplus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's battery life is more than sufficient for most users. It's a welcome feature in a mid-range phone, and one that sets it apart from some of its competitors. Overall, I was impressed with the device's battery performance, and it's definitely a consideration for those looking for a reliable phone on a budget.

Display

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G offers a great value for its price tag of PHP 14,990. The phone's display is one area where it truly shines. I had the chance to use this device for a couple of weeks now, and I must say that I was impressed with its performance. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G boasts a decent 6.52-inch HD+ display, which is bright and colorful enough to enjoy watching videos or browsing the web. While it's not the most vibrant screen out there, it gets the job done without any issues. In ideal lighting conditions, the display performs well, retaining details and colors with minimal over-sharpening. Indoors, the phone handles itself just as well, maintaining focus on objects without any noticeable distortion. What I particularly like about the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's display is its ability to handle low-light conditions. It manages to retain details and minimize noise, even in harsh lighting situations - a notable achievement for a phone at this price point. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is solid and gets the job done without any issues. While it may not be the most impressive screen out there, it's more than enough to enjoy using this mid-range smartphone.

Camera

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has been making waves in the mid-range market, and one of its standout features is undoubtedly the camera. With a newly released 108 megapixel Samsung HM6 sensor, this phone is looking to impress even the most discerning photographer. In ideal lighting conditions, the camera performs admirably, capturing vibrant colors and detailed images with ease. The 108 megapixel sensor allows for stunning resolution, and the resulting photos are crisp and clear. However, there is a slight tendency towards over-sharpening in some cases, but this doesn't detract from the overall quality of the image. One of the biggest challenges for any camera is low-light photography, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G delivers surprisingly well in these conditions. While it's not perfect, the phone manages to retain details digitally while minimizing noise and maximizing available light. This is a testament to the manufacturer's efforts to deliver a high-quality camera experience at an affordable price point. In addition to its impressive low-light performance, the camera app itself is intuitive and easy to use. The interface is clean and minimalistic, making it simple for users of all skill levels to capture stunning photos without feeling overwhelmed by complicated settings or features. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's camera is a significant upgrade over its predecessor and offers a solid mid-range experience that will satisfy even the most demanding photographers. While there may be some minor drawbacks in specific lighting conditions, this phone delivers an impressive overall performance that makes it a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed camera. With its solid camera capabilities and affordable price point, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is definitely worth considering for anyone seeking a mid-range smartphone with a high-quality camera.

Price and Value

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is priced at an attractive PHP 14,990, but does it deliver a solid deal for its price tag? At first glance, the device's features and upgrades seem to justify its cost. However, upon closer inspection, one can't help but wonder if the value proposition is still as compelling. While the phone's design has been improved with a sleek mirror-like glass-ish texture and a chromatic gray color scheme, some may find it slightly similar to other BBK group phones. The camera, on the other hand, boasts a newly released 108 megapixel Samsung HM6 sensor, which performs admirably in ideal lighting conditions. However, there's still room for improvement, particularly in harsh lighting situations where over saturation is noticeable. One of the standout features of the phone is its fluid performance, thanks to the Oxygen OS 13.1 and Snapdragon 695 processor. While some may lament the lack of a more powerful processor, it's hard to deny that the device still delivers a smooth experience for everyday use. The real question remains: is the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G worth its PHP 14,990 price tag? Considering the competition in the mid-range market, one can't help but feel that there are other options available at similar prices that may offer even more value. Nevertheless, this device still deserves consideration for those who prioritize a light Android experience and want a reliable camera. Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is worth its price depends on individual preferences and needs. If you're looking for a solid mid-range device with some excellent features, then it's definitely worth considering.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G boasts a smooth performance experience that's hard to fault, despite being priced at PHP 14,990. One of the standout features is its use of the Snapdragon 695 processor, which may raise some eyebrows given the recent trend towards more powerful chipsets. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this tried and tested chipset still has a lot to offer. The Oxygen OS 13.1 interface is light and easy to navigate, with apps launching quickly and smoothly. The phone's ability to handle everyday tasks such as social media streaming, editing, and opening applications without any drama or stress makes it perfect for casual users. The addition of 256GB of storage provides ample space for favorite apps, and the option to expand with a Micro SD card is a welcome feature. While some may have expected a more powerful processor, the Snapdragon 695 still delivers in terms of performance. It's not a powerhouse, but it gets the job done without breaking a sweat. This makes the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G an excellent choice for those who value a light Android experience and don't need the latest and greatest in gaming performance. In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G's performance is one of its standout features. While it may not be a showstopper in terms of raw power, it delivers on everyday usability and provides an enjoyable experience for those who value ease of use over sheer performance.

Pros

1. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has a reliable camera with good performance in ideal lighting conditions, low light, and indoor settings.

2. The phone's design is elegant and classy, with a mirror-like glass-ish texture and a chromatic gray color scheme.

3. The device offers smooth performance, making it perfect for everyday use such as opening applications, editing social media, streaming, etc.

4. Oxygen OS 13.1 is light and easy to use, without any drama or stress, even with the mid-range Snapdragon 695 processor.

5. The phone has a good storage capacity of 256 GB, expandable via Micro SD card, with no bloatware.

Cons

1. There's a tendency for over-sharpening in ideal lighting conditions and harsh lighting conditions can lead to over-saturation.

2. Low light performance is limited by the hardware, although it still manages to retain details digitally minimize noise and maximize available light.

3. The glass-like finish collects dust, dirt, and fingerprints, requiring occasional wiping down.

4. The design may look similar to other BBK group phones

5. The phone's processor is an incremental upgrade from its predecessor, with some users expecting a more significant upgrade

FAQ

Structure
Width:
76
Height:
165.5
Depth:
8.3
Weight:
195
Usable surface:
86 %
Materials:
Plastic
Colors:
Gray
Lime
Hardware
Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (SM6375)
CPU:
2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold +6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
6
Frequency:
2.200000047683716
64 Bits:
GPU:
Qualcomm Adreno 619
RAM:
8
Type:
LPDDR4X RAM
Capacity:
128
Type:
UFS Storage 2.2
Fingerprint security:
Yes, on the side
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Hall sensor:
Audio:
Hi-Res Audio
Noise cancellation microphone
Stereo Speakers
2 microphones
Antutu Score:
402916
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 69% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
108
Sensor:
Samsung HM6
Sensor size:
1/1.67"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.7
Pixel size:
0.64 µm
Pixel binning:
1-9 (3x3)
Portrait mode (depth):
Resolution:
2
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Macro lens:
Resolution:
2
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Resolution:
16
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Phone front cameras
Flash:
LED
Optical stabilisation:
No
Slow motion video:
Yes, 120 fps
Rear camera features:
Digital zoom
Triple camera
Digital image stabilization
Ultra stable video
Autofocus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Manual focus
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
RAW
Night Mode
Front camera features:
6P Lens
6x digital zoom
Screen
Diagonal:
6.72
Type:
LCD IPS
Aspect ratio:
20:9
Resolution in pixels:
1080 x 2400 px
Resolution quality:
FHD+
ppi:
392 ppi
Density:
High Density
Others:
Hole-punch Notch
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Touch sampling rate 240 Hz
Brightnes 500 cd/m² (typ)
Brightnes 400 cd/m² (typ)
Max brightness HBM - 800 cd/m²
Peak brightness - 950 cd/m²
1500:1 contrast ratio
DCI-P3
Full sRGB standard
10 Bits panel
Scratch resistant
AGC glass
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
Battery
Capacity:
5000
Type:
Li-Polymer
Fast charge:
Yes, 67.0W
Others:
Reverse charging
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.1LE
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
LE (Low Energy)
APT-x
LDAC
SBC
AAC
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo
Charging:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
Software
Operating System:
Android 13
Google services: