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This month it was my turn to test many basic and mid-range devices after months of testing only flagship and premium devices. Surprisingly many aspects of a device in this class have changed and I have no problem using it as an everyday device.
The device I will share my experience with is the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite which is their latest basic mid-range device. The device offers solid software but hampers my usage with sluggish performance. Why, let's read this article until the end?
SPECIFICATIONS
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
6.72″ LCD screen,
1080 x 2400 , 120Hz
Snapdragon 695 5G processor (6nm)
2x 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold chips
6x 1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver
Adreno 619 Graphics Chip
RAM 8 GB LPDDR4X
Virtual Memory 6/8 GB
Internal Storage 256 GB UFS 2.2
Micro SD
Main Camera 108MP f/1.7 Wide Angle
2MP f/2.4 Macro
2MP f/2.4 Depth Sensor
16MP f/2.4 Selfie Camera
5000 mAh battery
67W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System Side finger scanner
Sale Price RM 1099 (8/256 GB)
SCREEN
Don't be surprised when I say the experience of using the 6.72" LCD 120Hz OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite screen is more or less the same as the Realme C55 which is hundreds of ringgit cheaper. Either Realme's basic class devices are getting better or OnePlus wants to save costs by using basic device components on their latest devices.
I still don't like the thick bezel with the chin looking annoying. But I like the screen color which is bright, sharp and looks good for daily use. I have no problem watching videos on Netflix in HD resolution or quality videos on YouTube.
My issue is with the inconsistent 120Hz refresh rate. In the launcher and when using the Google or OnePlus app itself there is no problem but in other apps and in the settings it often gets stuck. I realize this is the same issue with any BBK Electronics device priced around RM1000 or below.
DESIGN
Lately when I look at mid-range devices from OnePlus, Oppo and Realme they all look more or less the same. Flat sides and screen and two rounded camera bumps on the back that protrude. The construction is more or less the same with trying to look premium and nice to hold. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite at first glance looks like a flagship device rather than an affordable device.
After a week of using this device the thick chin keeps disappearing and I can't complain more because it's a limitation of LCD technology. I am also grateful that it is 2023 that device manufacturers still include a 3.5mm audio jack port.
The device is easy to handle even though the back panel is smooth and easily catches fingerprint smudges. This is because the sides of the device are made of a matte finish that gives extra grip.
On top there is only one microphone hole, below the 3.5mm audio jack port, another microphone hole, USB-C port and audio grille. The right side only has a power button with a fingerprint scanner and a volume button on the left side. In terms of the design of this device there are no elements of the famous OnePlus design.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE – OxygenOS 13.1
Don't be surprised when I say this Nord CE 3 Lite is the first OnePlus device to run Oxygen OS 13.1 operating system. Their flagship device OnePlus 11 is still using the old version. This is a OnePlus gimmick proving that a basic mid-range device like this can also enjoy the same software experience as a flagship device.
The Snapdragon 695 5G chip is actually still the same as the Nord CE 2 Lite. But 8GB RAM memory with 8GB RAM virtual memory support makes Nord CE 3 Lite a 16GB RAM device at a price of around RM1000. This to some extent makes this device able to operate at a smoother rate and unlike the Realme C55.
Oxygen OS is undeniably not much different from ColorOS and Realme UI. But there are still some elements of Oxygen OS that make it a good operating system for Android devices. Just don't expect to be able to enjoy a truly smooth and fast "fluid" experience like on a regular Nord device or a OnePlus flagship device.
Using the device becomes less smooth when the 120Hz refresh rate is inconsistent and the touch is sometimes so sensitive that what I don't want to press is stressed. But this issue happens randomly and around two weeks of use I experienced this problem around less than 10 times.
OnePlus has also included many interesting features and functions to try to attract people to use this device. But many of these changes happen in the background such as fixing bugs, strengthening security and ensuring system stability.
There are some interesting features that I noticed included in this device namely;
Air Gestures – Palm gesture control to answer or mute phone calls.
Dirac Audio Tuner – An alternative to Dolby Atmos with sound levels that can reach 200%.
RAM Expansion – Adding virtual memory from 4GB to 8GB makes the device have RAM up to 16GB.
Special Features – Additional features and functions similar to Oppo and Realme flagship devices such as Flexible Windows, Smart Sidebar, Split Screen and more.
Wallpaper & Style – Android 13 Material You customization feature that can change the color theme according to the color tone of the background image and more.
BENCH MARK
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G is a good chip for a basic mid-range device. As far as lightweight, productivity applications and 5G connectivity go, this chip is undeniably well-suited to many affordable devices. On OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite this chip is matched with 8GB RAM (+8GB virtual RAM) LPDDR4X memory and 256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage. The latest version of the software is Oxygen OS 13.1 which has not been used in any other OnePlus device.
The first one I tested was Marvel Snap which was pretty good at high settings + 60fps but not impressive after over 10 game sessions. Movement is still stuck and random time lags still occur. Asphalt 9 however is smooth on high settings and gives quite a satisfying experience.
Geekbench 6
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 876/1972
Samsung Galaxy A34– 1032/2254
AnTuTu 3D
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 400,999
Samsung Galaxy A34 – 474,409
3DMark
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 1209
Samsung Galaxy A34 – –
TELEPHONY And GPS
Although the device supports 5G I did not have the opportunity to test this network on the Nord CE 3 Lite. But the 4G connectivity with VoLTE as well as VoWiFi on this device is great. Not only does the phone call have a clear voice, the Internet access is also fast and stable with GPS and there is no problem locking the location for good turn-by-turn directions.
CAMERA
OnePlus this time brings a 108MP camera on their Nord CE device. This is the only camera that is really useful, important and surprisingly has quite satisfactory quality for a device in its class. Although I noticed that the device took some time to post-process because the final result did not immediately come out after capture.
The other two 2MP sensors on this device are useless to me at all. As if not contributing or helping to further improve the quality of the device's camera. The zoom is only digital and there is no stabilization or system that beautifies the picture. An ultra-wide-angle mode is also not included.
The colors produced by the camera of this device are actually beautiful and sharp. In some situations the details are also well preserved. Portrait mode sometimes turns out to be a result that you yourself did not expect this device to produce. The selfie camera on this device is also great with clear details and not too soft. This is a basic mid-range device with a decent camera.
BATTERY
The 5000mAh battery on this device is pretty good. The device can last for a long time which is almost around 7 hours 30 minutes SOT for more than one day of use. I'm gaming, active with the camera, social media apps and more and every day I'll have around 10% battery left before recharging. SuperVOOC 67W charging is also fast which means 30 minutes of charging is enough for a full day of use.
AUDIO
It's up to you to believe it or not because the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite doesn't have a good speaker. It doesn't offer satisfactory audio with bass that goes nowhere and details that are so uncontrolled that sometimes the sound breaks. But in Netflix it supports "Spatial Audio" or spatial audio that gives an immersive user experience.
IN THE BOX
Here is what is received in the box with purchase.
1x OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
1x 67W Charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Silicone protective frame.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
I understand what OnePlus is trying to do with this Nord CE 3 Lite. They want to maintain the flagship user experience offering on basic mid-range devices by providing more up-to-date software. But if the optimization is not done well for it to run on non-flagship chips, it will be difficult for people to accept it. Thankfully the 108MP camera on this device looks nice and neat and can be used for sharing to social media.
Even though the software is solid, if the performance is poor, it's useless. For the price of RM1099 you get a phone with the latest software, a good camera, a long lasting battery and fast charging it's a good value. This basic mid-range device is perfect for teenagers who are still in school or those who want a backup device.
Pro
Simple design but the finish looks premium.
Acceptable performance.
A good 108MP camera for a RM1099 device.
67W fast charging and long-lasting battery.
Cons
The screen is not very fast and the chin is thick.
Bad audio.
A useless 2MP camera.
The latest software is quite heavy for a non-flagship chip.