OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G Review: The Budget King (Almost)?

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G has arrived, promising a compelling mix of affordability and 5G connectivity. But does it truly deliver on its promise of being the budget king? Let’s dive in and find out.

Design & Display:

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G boasts a sleek design, reminiscent of its more premium siblings. The flat frame and smooth rear panel offer a comfortable grip. The 6.72-inch LCD display, though not AMOLED, offers vibrant colours and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid.

Performance:

Powered by the Snapdragon 695 processor, the Nord CE4 Lite 5G delivers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It handles multitasking smoothly and apps launch quickly. However, demanding games may push the device to its limits.

Camera:

The camera setup on the Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a mixed bag. The 108MP main sensor captures decent images in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light. The 2MP macro and 2MP monochrome sensors are mostly for show and don’t offer much practical use. However, the 16MP front camera is impressive, delivering sharp selfies for social media.

Battery & Charging:

The Nord CE4 Lite 5G packs a sizable 5000mAh battery, easily lasting a full day on a single charge. Fast charging at 67W ensures a quick top-up, going from 0 to 100% in about an hour.

Software & Features:

The Nord CE4 Lite 5G runs on OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13, offering a smooth and clean user interface. OnePlus has included several handy features like Smart Launch, App Lock, and a dedicated Gaming Mode.

Price & Availability:

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is priced competitively in the budget segment, making it a tempting proposition for value-conscious buyers.

Verdict:

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a compelling option for budget-minded users seeking a reliable and stylish 5G smartphone. It delivers a decent combination of features, performance, and battery life. However, the camera performance could be better, especially in low-light conditions.

Pros:

Affordable price
Sleek design
Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display
Long-lasting battery with fast charging
OxygenOS 13.1 delivers a clean and smooth user experience

Cons:

Camera performance is average, especially in low-light
Limited storage options
Gaming performance is not top-tier

Final Verdict:

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a solid budget phone that ticks most of the boxes. While it might not be the absolute “budget king”, it delivers excellent value for money and offers a reliable experience for everyday use. If you’re looking for a phone with a great display, long battery life, and a budget-friendly price tag, the Nord CE4 Lite 5G is worth considering.