Table of Contents
Introduction
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite has made quite an entrance into the budget smartphone market in India. Despite being labeled as a rebrand of the Realme 9 Pro, there are some aspects of this phone that deserve attention. Having used the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite for a solid 10 days, I’ve gathered insights on what I liked, what left me unimpressed, and whether this device is worth considering.
Design and Build of OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite
Let’s start with the design and build of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite. While it features a plastic build, the overall look is surprisingly appealing. The distinctive lines on the back give it a unique and pleasing aesthetic. Furthermore, the inclusion of a headphone jack and the provision of a protective case in the box add to its appeal. The device maintains a premium feel in line with OnePlus’s reputation, despite its budget-friendly positioning.
Camera Performance
One of the pleasant surprises with this phone is its camera performance. Equipped with a single 64-megapixel sensor, the phone manages to capture vibrant and sharp images in good daylight conditions. Even the 16-megapixel front selfie camera delivers consistent and pleasing results. While there can be occasional issues with skin tones in indoor lighting, this is a minor concern considering the phone’s price range. The absence of an ultra-wide-angle camera is a downside, especially for those who enjoy Instagram stories. Video recording is limited to 1080p, but the quality is decent, with no noticeable focusing issues.
Performance
Performance-wise, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite holds its ground. With 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, it handles casual gaming without overheating or app crashes. Day-to-day usage, including social media and web browsing, is fluid, with only occasional minor lags. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you may want to consider higher-end options.
Bloatware and Ads
One standout feature is the absence of bloatware and ads on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite. This is a breath of fresh air in a market where such intrusions have become commonplace. It’s worth noting that OnePlus has given users the option to pay a little extra to remove ads and bloatware, a choice many may find worthwhile.
Display
The device comes with a 1080p 120Hz IPS LCD display, a departure from OnePlus’s usual 90Hz AMOLED screens. Surprisingly, the LCD display holds its own, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals. While the difference is noticeable in low light and outdoor sunlight conditions, the overall display quality is commendable.
Software and UI
Unfortunately, the software and UI have their drawbacks. The absence of an alert slider may disappoint OnePlus loyalists, and switching between general, vibration, and mute modes can be cumbersome. Some users may also encounter issues with RAM management and UI performance, with occasional app reloads.
Connectivity and Battery Life
On the connectivity front, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite offers five 5G bands, even though the actual availability of 5G remains uncertain. Nevertheless, 4G+ connectivity is reliable, as confirmed with both Jio and Airtel SIM cards. The inclusion of Google Dialer is a welcome addition, enhancing the call recording experience. With a 5000mAh battery, the phone easily lasts a day and a half under medium to heavy usage, and the 33W fast charging ensures a swift recharge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is a compelling option for casual users seeking a OnePlus device or a phone free from bloatware and ads.. However, if you can overlook these considerations and prioritize other features, alternatives like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Moto G82 may also be worth exploring.
In the end, your choice depends on your specific needs and preferences, but the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite certainly has its merits in the budget smartphone segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Appealing design and build | Absence of an alert slider |
Good camera performance | occasional app reloads |
No bloatware and ads | Limited video recording quality (1080p) |
120Hz IPS LCD display | LCD display, not AMOLED |
Decent battery life |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite worth the price?
- The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite offers good value for money, especially for users who prioritize a clean software experience and decent camera performance.
2. Does the phone support 5G?
- Yes, it offers five 5G bands, although 5G availability may vary.
3. Can I remove ads and bloatware from the phone?
- Yes, OnePlus provides an option to remove ads and bloatware for a fee.
4. How is the battery life of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite?
- The phone’s 5000mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half under medium to heavy usage.
5. Are there alternatives to consider in the same price range?
- Yes, alternatives like the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Moto G82 offer different features and may be worth exploring based on your preferences.
Please note: Sometimes you may see variation in product price due to “different seller” or “offer ended”.
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