OnePlus Nord CE3 5G review

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The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is a mid-premium smartphone that boasts impressive specs, including 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 782 5G processor. The device features a stunning 6.7-inch Full HD+ display with HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate. A triple camera setup on the rear, led by a 50MP primary sensor, is accompanied by a 16MP front camera. With its sleek design and promising performance, this phone has garnered attention in the market, priced around Rs. 24,999.

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Key takeaways
The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts phenomenal battery life that lasts well over a day and a half.
The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G's display is its standout feature, offering vibrant colors, crisp details, and HDR support always.
The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts impressive camera capabilities with vivid images, excellent low-light performance, and sharp selfies always.
The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G's exceptional performance makes it a formidable mid-premium smartphone with outstanding speed and efficiency capabilities.

Build Quality and Design

The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts an impressive build quality that is both premium and visually appealing. The device's design language is inspired by nature, with a color scheme that reflects the hues of the sky and water. The Aqua Surge variant I had the chance to review features a beautiful blend of colors on its sides, which complements the handset's overall look. One of the standout aspects of this phone's design is its curved back, which makes it comfortable to hold in hand. The curvature also provides a unique grip that makes it easy to navigate and use for extended periods. Additionally, the camera module is thoughtfully placed at the top, adding to the device's sleek and modern appearance. The materials used are of high quality, giving the phone a solid feel without being too heavy. The SIM tray ejector pin, included in the box, is another thoughtful touch that adds to the overall build experience. While some may miss the slider button that was present on older OnePlus models, I believe this design decision was made for good reason, allowing for a more streamlined and minimalist approach. However, it's worth noting that the absence of a micro SD card slot might be seen as a drawback by those who need expandable storage options. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G's build quality and design, which are sure to appeal to fans of premium smartphones. The phone exudes a sense of sophistication and style that is hard to find in its price segment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts an impressive 5000mAh battery that can easily last for 1.5 to 2 days, making it a standout feature in its mid-premium segment. In my experience, this phone's battery life has been nothing short of phenomenal. With moderate usage, including gaming, social media scrolling, and occasional video streaming, I've found the battery to last well over a day and a half. The device's power-efficient processor, coupled with the optimized Oxygen OS, ensures that the battery drains at a relatively slow pace. But what truly sets this phone apart is its fast charging capabilities. With an 80W charger, the Nord CE3 5G can charge up to 95% in just half an hour. This means you can quickly top up your battery when on-the-go and be back to enjoying your favorite content or gaming experience in no time. While some might have expected a higher battery capacity with such a large phone, the 5000mAh power cell has proved to be more than sufficient for my needs. The IP54 rating also provides added peace of mind against accidental water exposure. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G's battery life is one of its strongest selling points, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and long-lasting smartphone experience.

Display

The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts an impressive display that sets the tone for an exceptional visual experience. The 6.7-inch Full HD+ screen is a treat to behold, with vibrant colors and crisp details that make every image and video pop. One of the standout features of this display is its ability to remain clear and visible even in direct sunlight. This is a testament to its high-quality AMOLED panel, which provides an immersive viewing experience whether you're watching movies or scrolling through social media. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, making it perfect for gaming or video playback. The display also supports HDR, further enhancing the overall visual quality. In terms of design, the display is curved from each side, providing a comfortable grip and easy navigation. The camera module is placed in a clever way, not detracting from the overall aesthetic. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, which adds an extra layer of durability to this already impressive display. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is a true highlight of this device, offering exceptional visuals and a premium feel that matches its price tag. * 6.7-inch Full HD+ resolution * HDR support * 120Hz refresh rate * Fluid AMOLED display * Gorilla Glass protection If you're in the market for a new smartphone with an exceptional display, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G should definitely be on your radar. Its impressive visual capabilities make it an excellent choice for anyone who values high-quality visuals and a premium feel.

Camera

The camera capabilities of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G are truly impressive. The device boasts a triple camera setup on its rear side, consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro camera. Up front, you'll find a 16MP selfie camera. The camera interface is clean and easy to navigate, offering options such as Wide Angle, Portrait Mode, and Ultra Steady mode for capturing smooth video footage. Night mode is also available for low-light photography. I was thoroughly impressed with the camera quality of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G. The colors are vivid and natural, with excellent skin tones and great dynamic range. In my tests, I captured stunning images in various lighting conditions, including indoor and outdoor shots. The device's ability to blur backgrounds and capture subtle details is noteworthy. One of the standout features of the camera system is its low-light performance. Even in dark environments, the Nord CE3 5G managed to capture clear and detailed photos with minimal noise or artifacts. This is a testament to the effective use of hardware and software by OnePlus. The front camera also delivers excellent results, producing sharp and vibrant selfies with great color accuracy. Portrait mode shots are particularly impressive, with smooth background blurring that enhances the subject's features. In terms of video recording, the Nord CE3 5G excels, offering smooth footage with minimal jitter or artifacts. The Ultra Steady mode is a game-changer for handheld video shooting, delivering stable and cinematic-like footage. Overall, the camera capabilities of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G are among its strongest features. With great image quality, impressive low-light performance, and excellent selfie capabilities, this device is well-suited for anyone looking to capture high-quality photos and videos on a daily basis.

Price and Value

As I delve into the unboxing experience of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G, one aspect stands out - its price. Priced around Rs. 24,999 with offers, this device offers an impressive array of features, making it a compelling option in the mid-premium segment. The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G boasts a robust spec sheet, including 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, making it ideal for heavy users. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures seamless performance, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782 5G processor delivers exceptional speed. The phone's design is sleek, with a colorful silicon case that complements its premium look. While some may find the lack of micro SD card support a drawback, it's a trade-off for the excellent camera capabilities and snappy performance. The triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, excels in capturing stunning images, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the Fluid AMOLED display with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate provides an immersive visual experience. One of the standout aspects of this phone is its value proposition. For a price tag of Rs. 24,999, it's hard to find a device that offers such an impressive set of features. The inclusion of a 5000mAh battery with fast charging support and stereo speakers further adds to its appeal. In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is a mid-premium powerhouse that checks most boxes for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. Its price makes it an attractive option in this segment, offering excellent value for those willing to overlook some minor compromises.

Performance

The performance of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is truly impressive, making it a formidable mid-premium smartphone. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782 5G processor, this device delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. In our tests, the Antutu benchmark score was a staggering 639,000, which is significantly higher than many recent smartphones we've reviewed (ranging from 500,000 to 600,000). This demonstrates that the Nord CE3 5G can handle demanding tasks with ease, including gaming and multitasking. The device's performance is further enhanced by its UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR4X RAM, which ensures seamless data transfer and efficient processing. The addition of virtual RAM expansion technology (RAM VITA) allows users to add double the RAM capacity, making it possible to run up to 24 applications simultaneously in the background. The Oxygen OS 13.1 operating system provides a smooth user experience, with minimal lag and a clutter-free interface. The UI is designed to be intuitive, with default settings that are easy on the eyes. Additionally, the device's Fluid AMOLED display offers a seamless viewing experience, making it perfect for movies, gaming, or general use. Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G delivers outstanding performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient mid-premium smartphone. Its impressive specs and capabilities make it a strong contender in the market, offering great value for its price (around Rs. 24,999).

Pros

1. The handset looks very premium, especially in the exciting color option Aqua Surge

2. The design is similar to newly launched OnePlus smartphones with a fingerprint-resistant back

3. You can add double the RAM through virtual RAM RAM VITA technology

4. The display quality is great with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display

5. The camera quality is above average to excellent, capturing natural skin tones, good colors, and impressive dynamic range

Cons

1. There is no micro SD card option in this handset

2. No audio jack in this OnePlus Nord CE3 5G smartphone

3. No slider button on the power button

4. The weight of the device is around 184 grams, which might feel heavy for some users

5. Missing the slider button may take some time to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to it

FAQ

Structure
Width:
75.5
Height:
162.7
Depth:
8.2
Weight:
184
Usable surface:
89 %
Materials:
Plastic
Colors:
Blue
Gray
Hardware
Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G
CPU:
1×2.7GHz Cortex
A78 +3×2.2GHz Cortex
A78 +4×1.9GHz Cortex
A55
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
6
Frequency:
2.700000047683716
64 Bits:
GPU:
Adreno 642L
RAM:
8
Type:
LPDDR4X RAM
Capacity:
128
Type:
UFS Storage 3.1
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Gravity sensor:
Audio:
Dolby Atmos
Antutu Score:
635774
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 79% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Sony IMX890
Sensor size:
1/1.56"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.8
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle lens:
Resolution:
8
Sensor:
Sony IMX355
Sensor size:
1/2.8"
Type:
CMOS BSI
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.2
Pixel size:
1.14 µm
Macro lens:
Resolution:
2
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Phone front cameras
Resolution:
16
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Flash:
LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 240 fps
Rear camera features:
4K Video
Digital zoom
Triple camera
Digital image stabilization
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Autofocus
Touch focus
Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF)
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
Screen
Diagonal:
6.7
Type:
AMOLED
Aspect ratio:
20:9
Resolution in pixels:
1080 x 2412 px
Resolution quality:
FHD+
ppi:
394 ppi
Density:
High Density
Others:
Hole-punch Notch
2160 Hz PWM
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Touch sampling rate 240 Hz
Brightnes 500 cd/m² (typ)
Peak brightness - 1100 cd/m²
Max brightness HBM - 900 cd/m²
TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification
HDR10+
DCI-P3
Full sRGB standard
sRGB standard
10 Bits panel
2.5D curved glass screen
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
Battery
Capacity:
5000
Type:
Lithium
Fast charge:
Yes, 80.0W
Others:
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, WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.2LE
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
LE (Low Energy)
APT-x
LDAC
SBC
AAC
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1)
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: