OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite hands-on review

Introduction

The Nord CE4 Lite is the latest entry-level model in the OnePlus lineup. The new model brings with it several improvements on paper over its predecessor, which we found to be lacking in many areas.

For starters, the CE4 Lite now has an AMOLED display, which is the first for this series of devices. The new model also has an updated main rear camera, a larger battery, as well as a faster charger in the box (in India at least).

OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite (India) specs at a glance:

• Body: 162.9x75.6x8.1mm, 191g; Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back; IP54, dust and splash resistant.
• Display: 6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2100 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 395ppi.
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm): Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver); Adreno 619.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
• OS/Software: Android 14, OxygenOS 14.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm, 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS; Front camera: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS.
• Battery: 5500mAh (India); 5110mAh (Int'l); 80W wired charging, 1-100% in 52 min (advertised), 5W reverse wired.
• Connectivity: 5G; Hybrid Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 5.1, aptX HD; 3.5mm jack.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers.

On the other side, OnePlus has made the decision to stick to the same Snapdragon 695 chipset as with the previous mode. That, along with the same memory and storage configuration, means some aspect of the device are unlikely to feel any different. Will that be a major issue or are the new features enough to carry this update? Let's find out.

Unboxing

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite comes in a typical black Nord box with blue and white lettering that is common for all Nord phones. Inside, you will find the phone, an 80W fast charger, a USB-A to C cable, a soft clear silicone case, and the usual paperwork.

The case that comes with the phone is very basic. It has a clear back and frosted sides. The headphone jack and USB ports have flaps that always get in the way when you're trying to plug something in. It's about time OnePlus got rid of these flaps on its phone cases considering there is basic water and dust resistance built into the phones.