When I first got my hands on the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite, I was excited about what this mid-range smartphone could offer. With features like a Snapdragon 695 processor, AMOLED display, and 5G connectivity, it seemed like the perfect balance of affordability and performance. However, as I delved deeper, I realized that while it excels in some areas, it falls short in others. Let me share my honest experience with this handset.
Design and Build Quality
The design is sleek and lightweight, making it easy to hold. However, the plastic back panel feels like a step down compared to the glass or metal finishes seen in other phones within the same price range, like the Galaxy A52 or Realme 10 Pro. The back is prone to fingerprints, and the overall build doesn’t feel as durable as I would expect.
While the power button integrates a fingerprint reader, it’s not as responsive as I hoped. I found myself struggling with failed unlock attempts, which can be frustrating when you’re in a hurry. The volume buttons are slightly flimsy, and the lack of an IP rating for water and dust resistance makes me hesitant about durability.
Display
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is one of the phone’s highlights, with a Full-HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling feels smooth, and colors appear vibrant. But the peak brightness falls short, especially in bright sunlight. Watching HDR content is also a letdown due to inconsistent brightness levels.
For gamers and binge-watchers, the display provides decent visuals, but the lack of HDR10+ support, a feature competitors like Poco F3 offer, makes it feel less premium. I also noticed slight color distortion when viewing from certain angles, which impacted the overall experience.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset, the phone handles day-to-day tasks well. However, when I pushed it with demanding games like BGMI, it struggled to maintain consistent frame rates at high settings. Casual gaming is fine, but if you’re into graphics-intensive games, this phone might not be for you.
In benchmarking tests like AnTuTu and Geekbench, the scores were average compared to rivals in the mid-range segment. Multitasking is smooth, thanks to LPDDR4X RAM, but heavy apps occasionally cause the phone to lag. The lack of significant processor improvements from its predecessor makes it less appealing for those looking for a performance upgrade.
Camera Performance
The 64MP primary camera delivers sharp photos in daylight, but the dynamic range isn’t great, with highlights often blown out. Low-light photography is another weak point. While it has a night mode, it doesn’t perform as well as alternatives like the Realme 10 Pro, with noticeable grain and color distortion.
Selfies taken with the 16MP front camera are decent but tend to oversmooth skin tones, making them look unnatural. The macro mode feels more like a gimmick, as the images lack sharpness and detail. I also missed having optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother video recording.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5000mAh battery provides all-day usage under moderate tasks, but heavy usage drains it faster than I expected. Charging is quick with the 33W fast charger, but it’s nowhere near the speeds offered by some competitors with 67W or 120W charging. If you’re always on the go, this might feel like a compromise.
Over time, I noticed the battery backup reducing slightly after a few months of use, which raises concerns about long-term durability. For a mid-range device, I expected more optimization in this area.
Software Experience
Running on OxygenOS, the software experience is clean and user-friendly. However, there are noticeable bugs, like delayed app launches and occasional crashes. While OnePlus has a reputation for timely updates, the Nord CE 5 Lite hasn’t received regular security patches, which undermines trust in the brand’s commitment to long-term support.
The lack of Android 14 out of the box is another disappointment. While the promise of updates is there, competing brands like Samsung and Google offer better software support even for their mid-range devices.
Audio and Connectivity
The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is a plus, but the loudspeakers lack depth and clarity. When watching videos or playing games, I often felt the sound was hollow and lacked bass. Call quality is reliable, but the phone struggles with consistent signal strength in areas with weak coverage.
For a 5G-enabled phone, the connectivity experience was satisfactory, though it’s worth noting that some bands may not be supported in certain regions, which limits its future-proofing appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Slim and lightweight design.
- Decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Clean OxygenOS interface with minimal bloatware.
- 5G support at an affordable price.
Cons:
- Plastic back panel feels less premium.
- Low-light camera performance is subpar.
- Battery optimization needs improvement for heavy users.
- Lack of HDR10+ support for media consumption.
- Inconsistent software updates and long-term support.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to Galaxy A52, Realme 10 Pro, and Poco F3, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite feels like a mixed bag. While it has a few standout features, the competition offers better cameras, faster charging, and more polished displays at a similar price point.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite is a decent choice for casual users looking for a mid-range phone with a vibrant display and clean UI. However, for those who prioritize camera performance, gaming, or premium build quality, better alternatives exist in the market. While the phone delivers on some fronts, it doesn’t fully justify its price tag in a competitive mid-range segment.
FAQs
Does the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite support expandable storage?
Yes, it supports microSD cards, but the slot is hybrid, meaning you’ll need to choose between dual SIMs or extra storage.
Is the camera good for low-light photography?
The camera struggles in low-light conditions, with noticeable grain and color distortion. It’s not ideal for night-time photography.
How is the gaming performance?
Casual games run smoothly, but for graphics-intensive games like BGMI, you may experience frame drops and heat issues during extended sessions.
Does the phone have an IP rating?
No, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite does not have an IP rating, so it’s not officially water or dust-resistant.
How often does OnePlus release updates for this phone?
While OnePlus promises regular updates, the Nord CE 5 Lite hasn’t received consistent patches, which could be a concern for long-term users.
