The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G sits comfortably in the budget-friendly segment, offering a blend of modern features and affordability. But does it skimp on quality to achieve that price point? Let’s delve into its key aspects to see if it delivers the “little more than you expect” that OnePlus promises.
Design and Display:
Sporting a sleek and lightweight plastic body, the Nord CE 2 Lite comes in two eye-catching color options: a mesmerizing Blue Tide and a classic Black Dusk. The 6.59-inch display boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth visuals, although it’s an LCD panel instead of the more premium AMOLED. This might be a compromise for some, but it helps keep the cost down.
Performance and Battery:
Under the hood, the phone packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, which offers decent performance for everyday tasks and even handles light gaming well. While it won’t break any benchmarks, it provides a lag-free experience for most users. The 6GB/8GB RAM options ensure smooth multitasking, while the 128GB storage might feel limiting for heavy media users. Thankfully, there’s a microSD card slot for expansion.
The star of the show is the massive 5000mAh battery. Combined with the energy-efficient display, it easily delivers all-day use and even extends into the next day for moderate users. The 33W fast charging gets you back on track quickly when needed.
Camera:
The triple camera system on the Nord CE 2 Lite consists of a 64MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the megapixel count might sound impressive, the lack of an ultrawide lens is a miss for some. Photos from the main sensor are decent in good lighting, but struggle in low-light situations. The macro and depth sensors add some versatility but might not be used frequently by everyone.
Software and Features:
The phone runs OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12, offering a clean and user-friendly interface with some additional customization options. It’s refreshing to see a near-stock Android experience in this price range. Notably, it lacks some features found in higher-end OnePlus phones, like the alert slider.
Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a dedicated microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a welcome sight for audio enthusiasts.
Verdict:
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G strikes a balance between affordability and features. It offers a smooth display, long battery life, decent performance, and a clean software experience. However, the camera system and lack of some premium features might hold it back for some users.
