Key Highlights
- 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- 5,500mAh battery with 80W charging
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Affordable 5G smartphone (Rs. 19,999)
In the ever-evolving world of budget smartphones, OnePlus has introduced its latest contender: the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. Priced at Rs. 19,999, this new model aims to capture the hearts of everyday users with its impressive upgrades and affordable price tag. Boasting an AMOLED display for vibrant visuals and a larger battery for extended use, the Nord CE4 Lite promises a premium experience without breaking the bank. But, does it truly stand out in a crowded market? Let’s explore the features and performance of the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite to see if it lives up to its hype in this review.
| Pros | Cons |
| AMOLED display | Old processor |
| Good design | Average camera |
| Great battery life |
What’s Inside The Box?
- OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G Handset (Mega Blue)
- 80W SUPERVOOC charger
- USB Type-C Charging Cable
- SIM Ejector Tool
- Protective Case
- Quick User Guide
- Safety Guide
- OnePlus Nord Sticker
- Red Cable Club Card
Design
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G features a sleek and minimalist boxy design, with slightly rounded corners and flat edges that make it comfortable to hold. At 191 grams and a thickness of 8.1mm, the handset feels a bit heavy, but not to the point of causing fatigue during use.
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is available in three colors: Mega Blue, Ultra Orange, and Super Silver. I have the Mega Blue variant, which can surely make someone blind. Personally, I found the color quite loud. The glossy back gets covered in fingerprints quickly, making it look messy after a while. Thankfully, OnePlus includes a clear protective case in the box to help keep it clean.
The button placement is pretty practical. The power button and volume rockers are on the right side, and the dual SIM slot is on the left. On the bottom, you’ll find the 3.5mm audio jack, primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and loudspeaker grill. The camera setup on the back is neatly arranged with a dual-camera module and an LED flash within a pill-shaped boundary. The iconic “1+” logo sits in the center, adding to its sleek look.
One feature I really appreciate is the IP54 certification for protection against water splashes and dust. It’s good to know that the phone has some official protection against everyday mishaps. However, the company continues to skip the alert slider, which is a feature I’ve come to expect from OnePlus phones, even in their budget models. I look forward to seeing it in future iterations.
There are a few additional features worth mentioning. The phone has an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is a bit slower than a capacitive one but still gets the job done. It also offers a stereo speaker setup, though it lacks Dolby Atmos and an infrared sensor. Overall, the Nord CE4 Lite has a premium feel and some nice features, even if it does have a few minor drawbacks.
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen with a sharp resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This means everything looks clear and detailed, whether you’re watching videos or browsing photos.
One thing that stands out is its brightness. It can reach up to 2100 nits in certain parts of the screen, which is great for watching HDR videos. In everyday use, I found it bright enough even in sunny conditions. The option to switch between 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates is handy; 120Hz makes scrolling through apps and playing games super smooth.
The display also supports Aqua Touch technology to improve touch responsiveness when the screen is wet. From my experience, this feature works decently, although it’s not perfect. Colors on the screen are vibrant, and you can choose between vivid and natural color modes to suit your preference.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite’s display is impressive for its price range. Whether you’re binge-watching shows or playing games, it delivers a sharp and enjoyable viewing experience.
Performance
Let’s talk about how the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G performs. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core chipset, which, while three generations old, proves to be reliable for everyday tasks. From switching between apps to handling calls and multimedia content, the Nord CE4 Lite performs smoothly. It can handle popular apps and games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds decently, although it struggles with newer, graphics-intensive games.
The smartphone, featuring 8GB of RAM and virtual RAM extension, along with 258GB in the top variant that I’m reviewing, offers decent responsiveness. It enhances app loading speeds and supports up to 26 apps running in the background seamlessly. For everyday use, whether it’s scrolling through social media, messaging, or making calls, the Nord CE4 Lite is a dependable companion.
On the software side, it runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14. The software experience is clean, with minimal bloatware (about nine pre-installed apps), including popular ones like Candy Crush and LinkedIn, all of which can be uninstalled. OxygenOS provides a relatively clean interface compared to other Chinese smartphones, though it could benefit from fewer pre-loaded apps.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G offers solid performance for everyday tasks, making it a practical choice for users who prioritize usability and reliability.
Camera
While many smartphones boast multiple camera setups, the Nord CE4 Lite 5G keeps it simple with a primary 50MP Sony LYT sensor with OIS, complemented by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 16MP front camera.
During my testing, the primary camera performed well in daylight, capturing clear images suitable for social media. However, details can be lacking when zoomed in. Portrait mode impresses with good edge detection and a decent bokeh effect.
In low light, the camera struggles a bit. Night mode helps but takes a few seconds to process, requiring a steady hand.
Coming to the front camera, which does well in daylight but falters in low light. It produces satisfactory bokeh shots with decent edge detection. Selfie enthusiasts might find the color accuracy off, with a warm hue in indoor shots. The front camera also offers smoothing features, which some may like, though I prefer editing options post-capture.
One downside is the lack of an ultrawide sensor, limiting you to digital zoom up to 10X, with noticeable quality loss after 5X zoom.
Video recording at 1080p/30fps is supported on both the rear and front cameras, with OIS and EIS for stability. However, OIS performance diminishes in low light conditions.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s cameras are suitable for everyday use and social media. But they may not meet the expectations of photography enthusiasts seeking advanced features or exceptional low-light performance.
Battery
With its 5500mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a powerhouse. On a typical day, it easily lasts a full day and can stretch to one and a half days with moderate use, perfect for staying connected without constantly hunting for a charger.
What’s more impressive is its 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. You can go from zero to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes, and a full charge takes just 50 minutes. This means less downtime and more time enjoying your phone.
Whether you’re a heavy user or just need something reliable, the Nord CE 4 Lite’s battery and fast charging make it a top contender in its class.
Giznext’s Final Verdict
Priced at Rs. 19,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model and Rs. 22,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G offers more than meets the eye. I really liked its sleek design with flat edges and the crisp AMOLED display that makes everything look sharp. The speakers are loud, and having a 3.5mm audio jack is a nice touch for enjoying music and videos.
For gaming, it does a decent job but could be better. The camera performs okay in daylight but isn’t the phone’s standout feature. However, if you’re into watching lots of content, the bright display and long-lasting battery make it a great choice.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a good buy for anyone looking for a reliable phone that won’t break the bank. It offers solid performance and nice features for everyday use.
