As the mid-range smartphone market heats up, OnePlus aims to deliver exceptional value with its latest release, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G. Positioned as a more affordable sibling to the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G, this new model targets users in the competitive 20K segment. As we all know, the Nord CE Lite series is an entry-level OnePlus device and has been a best-seller for the company for years now.
However, the Rs. 20k segment is heating up with the entry of iQOO, CMF, Lava, and others, so, users are getting more choices in the same range. Let’s dive into the key features, design, display, OS, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life to see how the Nord CE 4 Lite stacks up against the competition:
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G Review: Affordable Excellence in the Mid-Range Segment
Key Features of OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G
- AMOLED Display: 6.67-inch with 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC
- Camera Setup: 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor
- Battery: 5,500mAh with 80W fast charging
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14
Design: Sleek and Sturdy
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G maintains the clean, modern aesthetic typical of the Nord series. Featuring a plastic build with an aluminium frame, the phone feels sturdy in hand, though the rounded edges may not provide the most comfortable grip. Our review unit came in this unique Ultra Orange variant that looks great and enhances the style appeal.
The device sports a dual-camera setup housed in a thin cylindrical frame on the back, and the front is dominated by an all-screen design with a punch-hole camera. The power button and volume rockers are conveniently located on the right, and the SIM tray is on the left. The bottom edge houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Type-C USB port, and a speaker grille.
Display: Vivid and Smooth
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G‘s 6.67-inch AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from its predecessor which used to feature LCD. With a resolution of 1,080×2,400 pixels and a pixel density of 394 ppi, the screen is sharp and vibrant. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, making everyday interactions pleasant and fluid.
Supporting 100% sRGB and Display P3 color gamuts, the display excels in various lighting conditions, thanks to its impressive 2,100 nits peak brightness. Certified for HD playback on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, this display is perfect for media consumption. I enjoyed watching YouTube and Netflix continuously and there’s obvious improvement screen quality than its predecessor.
Operating System: Up-to-date and Reliable
Shipping with OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14, the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G promises a seamless and intuitive user experience. OnePlus guarantees two years of major Android OS updates, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements.
However, this time I noticed four bloatware games pre-installed this time and is quite surprising to see from OnePlus. Also, there were LinkedIn and Fitbit pre-installed as well.
Performance: Dependable but Unchanged
Powered by the same old Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G offers decent performance for everyday tasks. Available in two storage configurations—8GB of RAM with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage—the device handles multitasking with ease. The Adreno 619 GPU supports moderate to high-quality gaming, though you might experience occasional frame rate drops in demanding titles.
In GeekBench tests, the device achieved a single-core score of 910 and a multi-core score of 2087, indicating reliable performance for its price range. While the processor remains unchanged from its predecessor, it still delivers a satisfactory user experience.
Camera: Quality Over Quantity
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor, a departure from the 108MP sensor in the previous model. This change, however, improves image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The camera setup is complemented by a 2MP depth sensor, which doesn’t make a lot of sense, rather an ultra-wide camera could have really been useful.
Photos captured with this device exhibit excellent color reproduction and good saturation. The new sensor improves light capture, making low-light photography more feasible. Selfies taken with the 16MP front camera look natural, and the portrait mode excels in edge detection.
Audio & Connectivity: Massive Improvement
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G now features dual stereo speakers, that not only improve the sound output but also the quality of the audio as well. Gone are the days when you could barely listen with the single speaker on its predecessor, now, you can boost the audio up to 300%, making the phone a powerhouse in terms of media consumption.
In terms of connectivity, I faced no issues while using my primary Jio 5G sim on this phone and overall, in terms of Bluetooth and other connectivity features, the phone should very well suffice you.
Battery: Long-lasting with Fast Charging
With a 5,500mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G ensures all-day power with moderate usage. The 80W fast charging capability is a standout feature, allowing the phone to charge fully in just 40-50 minutes. While extended use can cause some heating, the overall battery performance is impressive.
Verdict: A Balanced Mid-Range Contender
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G positions itself as a balanced and affordable mid-range option. Its vibrant AMOLED display, solid camera performance, and long-lasting battery make it a compelling choice in the 20k segment. Apart from having an old SoC, this phone almost checks all the boxes you could ask for in a budget phone.
While an upgraded processor would have enhanced its appeal, the device still delivers reliable performance and excellent value for money. Starting at ₹19,999, the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is a strong contender for budget-conscious users seeking quality and reliability.
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