Description
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Review
Launched in July 2023 and available since July 11, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has quickly made a name for itself in the budget-friendly 5G segment. Priced at approximately KSh 29,000 in Kenya, this device offers a solid mix of performance, design, and features that cater to users looking for a great all-rounder without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at what this device offers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite specs and price in Kenya
Category | Details |
---|---|
Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Launch | Announced: 2023, July 05; Status: Available, Released 2023, July 11 |
Body | Dimensions: 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.96 x 0.32 in); Weight: 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM, IP54, dust and splash resistant |
Display | Type: Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
Size: 6.74 inches, 109.2 cm² (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) | |
Resolution: 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) | |
Protection: Dragontrail Glass | |
Platform | OS: Android 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 14 |
Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | |
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | |
GPU: Mali-G710 MC10 | |
Memory | Card Slot: No |
Internal: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, UFS 3.1 | |
Main Camera | Triple: 50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro) |
Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama | |
Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | |
Selfie Camera | Single: 16 MP (wide) |
Features: HDR | |
Video: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | |
Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers |
3.5mm Jack: No | |
Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
Bluetooth: 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | |
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | |
NFC: Yes | |
Infrared Port: Yes | |
Radio: No | |
USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | |
Features | Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
Battery | Type: Li-Po 5000 mAh |
Charging: 80W wired, 60% in 15 min, 100% in 32 min | |
Misc | Colors: Misty Green, Tempest Gray |
Models: CPH2491, CPH2493 | |
Price | KSh 29,000 |
Design and Display
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite features a modern and sleek design with a 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED display that boasts vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. Whether scrolling through social media, gaming, or watching videos, the display remains fluid and sharp with its 1240 x 2772 pixel resolution. The 1450 nits peak brightness ensures the display is bright and clear even under direct sunlight.
The device is protected by Dragontrail Glass on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, adding extra durability to the device. It’s also IP54-rated, which is resistant to dust and splash, a useful feature for users prone to accidental spills or drops.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, which is built on a 4nm process. This powerful octa-core processor includes a Cortex-X2 core clocked at 3.05 GHz, three Cortex-A710 cores at 2.85 GHz, and four Cortex-A510 cores at 1.80 GHz, ensuring smooth performance for both everyday tasks and demanding applications. The device also comes with the Mali-G710 MC10 GPU, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks like gaming with ease.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers two storage options: 128GB with 8GB RAM and 256GB with 16GB RAM. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast read/write speeds, which translates into quicker app launches, file transfers, and overall system performance. However, there is no microSD card slot for expandable storage, so you’ll need to make your choice based on your preferred storage size.
Camera Performance
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is quite impressive for its price range. The triple-camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, offering sharp and detailed images, even in low-light conditions. The camera supports Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and multi-directional PDAF for fast and accurate focus. Accompanying the main sensor is an 8 MP ultrawide lens with a 112˚ field of view, ideal for capturing wide landscapes or group shots. The third camera is a 2 MP macro sensor that allows for close-up photography.
The rear camera system supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps and 1080p at 30/60/120fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring smooth video footage. On the front, the 16 MP selfie camera delivers sharp and clear self-portraits with an f/2.4 aperture.
Battery and Charging
One of the standout features of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is its impressive battery and charging speed. The device is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery that should easily last a full day with moderate usage. When it’s time to recharge, the 80W wired charging allows the device to reach 60% charge in just 15 minutes and a full 100% in approximately 32 minutes — an extremely fast charging speed for a phone at this price.
Software
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite runs on Android 13, with the company’s OxygenOS 14 providing a clean and user-friendly interface. OnePlus promises up to 3 major Android updates for this device, ensuring that it will remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for a few years.
Other Features
The device comes equipped with an under-display fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, as well as sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. Unfortunately, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, but Bluetooth 5.3 support provides wireless connectivity for headphones and other devices.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a great option for users looking for a budget-friendly 5G phone that delivers strong performance, a great display, fast charging, and a capable camera setup. Its impressive MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and fast 80W charging make it a solid competitor in the mid-range market. While it lacks expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, its overall performance and value for money make it a great choice for anyone on a budget.
Pros:
- Smooth 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display
- 5G connectivity
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset
- Fast 80W charging (100% in 32 minutes)
- 50 MP main camera with OIS and 4K video recording
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Price: Around KSh 29,000 in Kenya
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