The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G represents OnePlus's ambitious attempt to capture the budget smartphone market while maintaining its reputation for quality. Positioned as the most affordable entry in OnePlus's lineup at its launch, this device promises 5G connectivity, reliable performance, and the OnePlus experience at an accessible price point. But does it manage to stand out in an increasingly competitive segment, or does it get lost in a sea of compelling alternatives? Our comprehensive review examines every aspect of this budget contender to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: Balancing Aesthetics and Practicality
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G features a plastic frame and back with a glass front, measuring 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm and weighing 195g. Available in two color options—Black Dusk and Blue Tide—the device offers a visually appealing design with a textured finish near the camera module that creates color-shifting effects under different lighting conditions 11. The Blue Tide variant particularly stands out with its gradient from deep blue to turquoise with yellow highlights 8.
Display Performance: LCD Versus AMOLED Debate
The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G sports a 6.59-inch IPS LCD with Full HD+ resolution (2412 x 1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate—higher than the 90Hz found on the more expensive Nord CE 2 5G. The display offers a pixel density of approximately 401 PPI and covers 84.1% of the front surface with slim side bezels and a slightly thicker chin 19.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
At its core, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset built on a 6nm process, coupled with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The device offers 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable via microSD card using the hybrid SIM slot 14.
Camera System: Capabilities and Limitations
Close-up shots exhibit pleasant background blur, and portrait mode manages decent edge detection. The macro camera delivers passable results for its class but remains limited by its 2MP resolution. Low-light performance is average, with images lacking sharpness and detail in darker areas. Night mode improves brightness and shadow detail but requires holding steady for 3-4 seconds 11.
Software Experience and Update Policy
The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G runs OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12. The software experience reflects OnePlus's integration with Oppo, featuring elements of ColorOS while maintaining some distinctive OxygenOS characteristics 811.