Did you know that India’s base of 5G users grew by 290% throughout 2023? Over 125 million subscribers are ready to upgrade their devices. The user demand is off the charts, especially with the 2024 flagship offering blowing market expectations.
The phone is equipped with a Snapdragon processor compatible with 5G. Aimed towards gamers and young professionals who need smooth multitasking, the phone also has a 5000mAh battery, perfect for day-long streaming on your favorite Netflix shows.
Despite being launched in late March, the phone is tremendously popular due to premium features that come at half the price of rivals. This phone is special because the display is equipped with 120Hz AMOLED, bringing movies and apps to life. Refuel device with 67W fast charging, allowing users to charge on the go. Users are raving about the clean software experience which lacks standard bloatware. The device has a stunning 5G experience under MSRP pricing of ₹25,000, making it a complete game-changer phone for 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Introduced at a competitive price for India’s value-sensitive demographic
- Supports seamless 5G connectivity with a Snapdragon chipset
- 67W fast charging outpaces most mid-range competitors
- AMOLED 120Hz refresh rate screen improves media consumption experience
- Android software running at launch was optimized for the device
- Strong indicators of pent-up demand in metro regions from the initial sales
Overall Review of OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G Overview
The Nord family welcomed a new member, the CE4 Lite 5G, expecting the device to have appealing offerings compared to the cost. The cellphone is customized for Indian customers looking for value for their money.
Xiaomi and Realme will definitely be feeling the heat after this from OnePlus. The Nord series has established a name for itself regarding performance and reliability.
Market Placement in the Nord Series
The range of features in the CE4 Lite 5G places it within the more affordable options OnePlus offers. The phone maintains Nord phones’ signature smooth software experience and 5G readiness but sacrifices some elements to make it more budget-friendly.
Like all the other lower-tier models of the Nord handsets, it lacks some embellishing details but grants the key feature of 5G capability without additional frills.
Evolution From CE3 Lite
The additional features of the new model are:
- Reduced energy usage of Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 67W SUPERVOOC charging increased from 33W
- Improved camera software for low-light conditions
These improvements work towards resolving the issues from the previous model. The addition of the new processor also allows for more multitasking because of the 8GB RAM.
Mid-Range Market Strategy
OnePlus’s strategy for 5G-timers focuses on:
- 5G band prioritization for Indian networks
- Premium-tier charging speed
- The signature OxygenOS smooth experience
This approach is advantageous for CE4 Lite 5G in competition with Realme Narzo 70 Pro. OnePlus’s focus on practical use enables them to capture new customers in the vice market.
Design & Build Quality
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is among the lightest 5G smartphones and looks slim with a rounded shape that aids grip, important for pedestrians in crowded Indian cities.
Physical Dimensions
Weight Distribution
Pointers on the physical characteristics of the product:
- Its volume is 195 grams
- Weight distribution feels balanced
- The way the product is held means users stop feeling it slipping out of their hands. Improved one-hand scrolling and photo shooting
Material Choices
OnePlus decided on a polycarbonate frame with a matte finish and a grained texture. This finish works well for India’s muggy weather as it doesn’t attract fingerprints. The phone’s rear has cool gradient effects that look nice from different perspectives.
Color Options
- Mega Blue: A bright cyan with metallic reflections
- Super Silver: A silver-mirrored finish, highly reflective
- Ultra Gray: A discreet matte surface
Durability Features
- Strong corners to safeguard against drops
- Corning Gorilla Glass for the screen
- Splash-resistant coating internally
These features aid the CE4 Lite 5G cope with everyday urban life. It deals with rain and dust without a hitch.
Display Specifications
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G boasts a 6.72-inch LCD screen. The screen has a Full HD+ resolution and supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination helps achieve effortless visuals without overspending.
The AMOLED vs LCD Debate
While some devices, such as the Redmi Note 13 5G, use AMOLED screens, OnePlus opted for LCD. Here are the reasoning behind this decision:
- Better brightness (up to 680 nits) than budget AMOLEDs
- OLED screens get slightly more vibrant colors
- Improved power management means longer battery life
This option of LCD keeps the price of the phone under ₹20,000. It also maintains good color accuracy (16.7 million shades).
Refresh Rate Performance
- Scrolling through social media feels smooth
- Gaming at 90fps showed minimal frame drops
- Touch sampling rate reaches 240Hz for quick responses
Outdoor Visibility
680 nits peak brightness makes the screen readable under the sun. We tested this by going outdoors in Mumbai afternoon:
“Map navigation stayed visible even without maxing out brightness, although the colors were quite washed-out.”
Screen Protection
OnePlus claims to use Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version). So far, all scratching tests against keys and coins have yielded positive results. Tell us how you feel about using a provided screen protector case for safety risks against dropping.
Performance Breakdown
As for its cost, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G has robust power compared to its pricing. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and features optimized software. This section will explore the device’s performance in everyday activities, gaming, and multitasking.
Summary of Snapdragon 695 5G
Snapdragon 695 is based on a 6nm process. It performs slightly worse than its rivals, scoring around 410K on AnTuTu v10 (~15% lower than some competitors). But in practical use, it holds up quite nicely:
- Apps: Social media applications like Instagram (1.2 seconds), WhatsApp (0.8 seconds), YouTube (1.5 seconds)
- 4K Video Playback: Maintains steady frame rate of ~30fps with minimal frame drops
- Scrolling: No lag over two hours of social media platforms
Gaming
In BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), the phone keeps 40fps on HD settings for 25 minutes. Longer gaming sessions show:
- Device Heating: Caps at 42°C after an hour and a half
- Frame Rate: 93% consistency during squad battles
- Quick Resume Time: ~2.8s from a static screen
Ram Management
With 8GB LPDDR4X and other configuration options pushing the value higher to 16GB virtual, the Snapdragon 695 proved potent in active memory retention:
- 15 Chrome Tabs: Spotify, Google Maps, 0 app reloads
- Camera App: Maintains background for 45 minutes
- Game Quick-Switch: BGMI to WhatsApp in under 0.5s
Verdict: OxygenOS 13.1 ensured smooth multitasking for 72 hours, especially helpful for those balancing work and games throughout the day. While not industry-leading, the Snapdragon 695 can easily handle fast-paced lifestyles and demands.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G makes the most sense for users seeking speed and dependability in the mid-range. It surpasses the Realme Narzo 70 Pro and Redmi Note 13 5G with its class-leading 67W SUPERVOOC charging.
Performance is coupled with a highlight of OxygenOS 13.1, which is its clean software. Everyday activities run seamlessly, and the camera does an adequate job capturing pictures during the day while performing poorly under low light settings.
Great for gaming and watching videos, the 6.7-inch LCD display excels in clarity while being power-efficient. Users will enjoy the 5G capabilities of the Snapdragon 695 chip, though it falls short for gaming enthusiasts.
The device is a great option as 5G becomes available in India due to its slim form factor and large 5000mAh battery. Additionally, the device costs below ₹20,000, making it a great budget option.
Standing out amongst the competition in April 2024, the Nord CE4 Lite is a fantastic option for students and multitaskers, as well as those looking to switch from 4G.
FAQ
What are the updates on OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G from CE3 Lite version?
The Nord CE4 Lite 5G has a new Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, 67W SUPERVOOC charging, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera. It also includes Smart 5G network switching for better battery life.
What display technology does the Nord CE4 Lite 5G use?
It has a 6.72″ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. OnePlus focuses on smooth scrolling and outdoor visibility at this price.
Will the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G work with Jio and Airtel 5G networks?
Yes, it supports n78 and n41 5G bands. This makes it work well with Jio True 5G and Airtel 5G Plus. It shows 300-400Mbps speeds in cities with carrier aggregation.
How does the camera perform in low-light conditions?
The 50MP main sensor with Night Mode 2.0 captures more light than the CE3 Lite. It does better than Realme Narzo 70 Pro in twilight.
What is the actual charging time for the 5000mAh battery?
The 67W charger charges to 0-80% in 30 minutes and fully in 47 minutes. This is faster than Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G’s 33W charging.
Does OxygenOS 13.1 include bloatware?
The UI is clean with only 7 preinstalled third-party apps. OnePlus guarantees two Android updates alongside three years of security updates.
