In the world of smartphones, OnePlus has gained a reputation for delivering premium devices at competitive prices. Two of their recent releases, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G and the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G, have generated quite a buzz. In this in-depth comparison, we will dissect these two phones across major parameters to help you make an informed choice.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Introduction
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G and OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G both belong to the Nord series, known for its affordability and impressive specifications. Before we delve into the detailed comparison, let’s take a quick look at the prices of these two smartphones:
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a smartphone. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is priced at Rs. 26,998, while the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G is more budget-friendly at Rs. 19,999. This significant price difference may influence your decision, but it’s essential to consider the specifications and features each phone offers for the price.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Performance
Performance is a critical factor to consider when evaluating smartphones. It encompasses the chipset, RAM, and overall processing power.
Chipset
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset, while the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. Here’s a brief comparison:
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G

Chipset: Snapdragon 782G
- CPU: Octa-core (2.7 GHz, Single-core Kryo 670 + 2.2 GHz, Tri-core Kryo 670 + 1.9 GHz, Quad-core Kryo 670)
- Architecture: 64-bit
- Fabrication: 6nm
- GPU: Adreno 642L
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X
OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G:

- Chipset: Snapdragon 695
- CPU: Octa-core (2.2 GHz, Dual-core Kryo 660 + 1.7 GHz, Hexa-core Kryo 660)
- Architecture: 64-bit
- Fabrication: 6nm
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X
Performance Verdict: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G has a slight edge in terms of processing power with its Snapdragon 782G chipset. However, both phones offer excellent performance for day-to-day tasks and gaming.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Display
The display is a crucial element for the overall user experience. Let’s compare the display specifications of these two smartphones:
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G:
- Display Type: Fluid AMOLED
- Screen Size: 6.7 inches (1080×2412 pixels, 394 PPI)
- Aspect Ratio: 20.1:9
- Brightness: 950 nits
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G:
- Display Type: IPS LCD
- Screen Size: 6.72 inches (1080×2400 pixels, 392 PPI)
- Aspect Ratio: 20:9
- Brightness: 680 nits
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Display Verdict: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G boasts a Fluid AMOLED display with higher brightness, better color reproduction, and a slightly higher resolution compared to the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G. However, both phones offer a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for a responsive and enjoyable display experience.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Camera
Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone buyers. Let’s compare the camera setups of these two OnePlus devices:
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G:
- Rear Camera: Triple 50 MP (Wide Angle, f/1.8), 8 MP (Ultra-Wide Angle, f/2.2), 2 MP (Macro, f/2.4)
- Front Camera: Single 16 MP (Wide Angle, f/2.4)
OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G:
- Rear Camera: Triple 108 MP (Wide Angle, f/1.7), 2 MP (Depth Sensor, f/2.4), 2 MP (Macro, f/2.4)
- Front Camera: Single 16 MP (Wide Angle, f/2.4)
Camera Verdict: The OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G boasts a higher megapixel count for its primary rear camera, which may result in more detailed photos. However, the camera quality also depends on software processing and other factors, so real-world performance may vary. Both phones have a 16 MP front camera for selfies.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Battery
Battery life is crucial for a smartphone’s usability throughout the day. Let’s compare the battery specifications of these devices:
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G:
- Battery Capacity: 4500 mAh
- Charging Speed: 65W Warp Charge
OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G:
- Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Charging Speed: 33W Warp Charge
Battery Verdict: The OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G has a larger battery capacity, which could result in longer screen-on time compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G. However, the Nord CE 3 5G charges faster with its 65W Warp Charge technology.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Storage
Storage capacity is essential for storing apps, photos, and videos. Both phones offer 128 GB of internal storage.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Software
Both phones run on OnePlus’ OxygenOS, which is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G ships with OxygenOS 12, while the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G comes with OxygenOS 11, with potential updates in the future.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Connectivity
Both phones support 5G connectivity, ensuring compatibility with the latest high-speed networks. They also feature Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for seamless connectivity.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Design and Build
The design of a smartphone can significantly impact your preference. Both phones feature a slim profile with a modern aesthetic, but the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G has a glass back, while the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G opts for a plastic back to reduce costs. The choice of material affects the overall feel and durability of the device.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Additional Features
Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and come with stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G offers IP68 water and dust resistance, which the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G does not have. This means the Nord CE 3 5G can withstand exposure to water and dust to a certain extent.
Conclusion
In summary, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G and OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G cater to different segments of the market. The Nord CE 3 5G offers slightly better performance, a superior display, and water and dust resistance. On the other hand, the CE 3 Lite 5G is more budget-friendly, has a larger battery, and boasts a higher-megapixel primary camera.
Your choice between these two phones should depend on your priorities and budget. If you value performance and display quality and don’t mind paying a bit extra, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option with a larger battery, the OnePlus CE 3 Lite 5G offers good value for money. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision.