The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Play10C and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their core components – from chipsets and charging speeds to overall value – to determine which device delivers the most for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a smoother overall experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is the clear winner. Its 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 offers a slight edge in sustained performance. However, the Honor Play10C remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 08 | 2023, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released Exp. release 2025, August 12 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.61 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 1010 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 67W wired, 80% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray |
| Models | NIC-AN00 | CPH2467, CPH2465 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | £ 169.98 / € 209.99 |
| SAR | - | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.70 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 412006 (v9)
GeekBench: 2052 (v5)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Honor Play10C
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset for gaming and demanding tasks
- Likely less refined software experience
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
- 67W SuperVOOC charging for rapid replenishment
- More capable Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Higher price compared to the Honor Play10C
- May have slightly shorter battery life (depending on capacity)
- OnePlus's software can be polarizing for some users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs are missing, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite's larger market presence suggests a potentially higher peak brightness, improving outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it's difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Snapdragon 695’s image signal processor (ISP) generally offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the OnePlus would be a significant advantage, but is unconfirmed. Expect both to include a standard macro lens, which are often of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) utilizes Kryo 660 Gold and Silver cores, offering a balanced approach to performance and efficiency. The Honor Play10C’s MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) features Cortex-A76 and A55 cores. While clock speeds (2.4GHz vs 2.2GHz) favor the Dimensity 6300 on paper, the Snapdragon 695’s architecture generally provides better sustained performance and GPU capabilities, making it more suitable for moderate gaming. The Snapdragon 695 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized software support.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W charging is a game-changer. Achieving 80% charge in just 30 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Honor Play10C’s slow 15W charging. While the Honor Play10C may have a slightly larger battery capacity (spec not provided), the Nord CE 3 Lite’s rapid charging effectively mitigates any capacity difference. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the OnePlus’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play10C if you need a functional 5G smartphone with a focus on affordability and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or quick charging. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you prioritize rapid charging, a slightly more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits. The Nord CE 3 Lite caters to users who value convenience and minimizing downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Dimensity 6300 in the Honor Play10C will struggle more with sustained performance in graphically intensive games.
❓ How long does it *really* take to charge the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite from 0% to 100%?
While OnePlus claims 80% in 30 minutes, a full 0-100% charge with the 67W SuperVOOC charger typically takes around 45-50 minutes. This is still significantly faster than the Honor Play10C, which will take well over two hours with its 15W charger.
❓ Does the Honor Play10C support 5G roaming internationally?
5G band support varies by region. While the Honor Play10C supports 5G, it's crucial to verify compatibility with the 5G bands used by your carrier in the countries you plan to travel to. Check Honor's official specifications for detailed band information.
❓ What kind of storage does the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite use, and is it expandable?
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite utilizes UFS 2.2 storage, which is a decent standard for this price range. It also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional space.
