OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: A Budget-Friendly 5G Contender
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite positions itself as a budget-conscious option in the 5G smartphone market. Let’s delve into its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software, and competition to see if it lives up to the “Lite” moniker without sacrificing essential features.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite
Design and Display: A Familiar Yet Appealing Look
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite doesn’t stray far from the design language of its predecessors. The plastic back, while not the most premium feeling material, keeps the weight down and comes in a few color options – rumors suggest Black, Blue, and a gradient finish. The glossy finish might attract fingerprints, so consider a case if that bothers you.
The front is dominated by a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display. AMOLED technology offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast compared to LCD panels, making it a win for content consumption and multimedia. The display boasts a sharp Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling through menus, playing games, and navigating the user interface.
OnePlus has also included a feature called Aqua Touch, which supposedly enhances touch responsiveness when the screen is wet. While this could be useful in rainy conditions, some reviews suggest its effectiveness might be inconsistent.
Performance: Capable But Not Cutting-Edge
This is perhaps the area where the “Lite” in the Nord CE 4 Lite’s name becomes most evident. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, a processor that’s been around for a while. While not the most advanced chip, it can handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and using productivity apps without much trouble.
However, demanding gamers and power users might find it wanting. The Snapdragon 695 struggles with graphically intensive games at high settings, and some reviewers have reported occasional lag during intense use.
The phone comes with RAM options ranging from 6GB to 8GB, which is sufficient for multitasking. Storage options are likely to be 128GB and 256GB, allowing you to choose based on your storage needs.
Cameras: A Mixed Bag
The camera system on the Nord CE 4 Lite is a bit of a mixed bag. On the back, you’ll find a dual-camera setup consisting of a primary 50-megapixel Sony IMX600 sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a secondary 2-megapixel depth sensor.
The primary sensor is a saving grace. OIS helps reduce blur in photos and videos, particularly in low-light conditions. Reviews suggest that the camera can capture decent photos in good lighting, with good detail and colour reproduction. However, low-light performance is average, and the 2-megapixel depth sensor feels like a filler rather than a useful addition.
The front-facing camera for selfies is rumoured to be either 8-megapixel or 16-megapixel, depending on the region.
Battery Life and Charging: Long-Lasting and Speedy
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite packs a respectable 5500mAh battery. This, coupled with the power-efficient Snapdragon 695 processor, should translate to good battery life. Most users can likely expect a full day of use on a single charge, with moderate to heavy usage.
OnePlus is known for its fast charging technology, and the Nord CE 4 Lite doesn’t disappoint. It supports 80W SUPERVOOC charging, which can significantly top up the battery in a short amount of time. The phone even comes with an 80W charger in the box, a welcome addition that some competitors might lack. Additionally, the phone boasts 5W reverse charging, allowing you to use it to wirelessly charge other devices that support Qi wireless charging.
Software: Clean and Up-to-Date
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite runs OxygenOS 14.0, based on the latest Android 14 operating system. OxygenOS is known for its clean and near-stock Android experience, with minimal bloatware and a focus on customisation options. This ensures a smooth and bloatware-free user experience. Additionally, with Android 14, you’ll benefit from the latest security patches and features from Google.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite vs. The Competition
Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G
The Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G is a strong competitor with a similar price tag. It offers a slightly faster MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, a larger 64MP primary camera sensor, and a 120Hz LCD display. However, it comes with a smaller 5000mAh battery and slower 65W fast charging.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Another contender is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. It boasts a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 processor, a slightly better 108MP primary camera, and a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. However, it might be slightly pricier than the Nord CE 4 Lite and comes with a slower 67W fast charging solution.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a solid option with a well-rounded package. It features a reliable Samsung Exynos 1280 processor, a versatile triple-camera system with a 48MP primary sensor, and a beautiful Super AMOLED display. It also boasts Samsung’s One UI software known for its polish and feature set. However, it might have a slightly smaller battery (around 5000mAh) and slower charging compared to the Nord CE 4 Lite.
Verdict: A Capable Budget 5G Option
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite offers a compelling proposition for budget-minded users seeking a 5G smartphone. It features a large and vibrant AMOLED display with a smooth refresh rate, a decent camera system for everyday use, a long-lasting battery with blazing-fast charging, and a clean software experience based on the latest Android version.
However, keep in mind its limitations. The processor might not be ideal for demanding users or gamers, and the camera system, while decent, isn’t class-leading.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If a powerful processor and camera are paramount, consider the Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. If brand reputation and a refined software experience are important, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G might be a better fit.
But if you prioritize a long-lasting battery, fast charging, a smooth display, and a clean software experience at a competitive price, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite emerges as a strong contender in the sub-₹20,000 segment.
