OnePlus has strategically populated the mid-range market with the Nord series, and the Nord 2 Lite and Nord CE 2 Lite 5G represent a fascinating case study in product differentiation. Despite sharing the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 33W charging, these phones target slightly different user priorities, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience, the OnePlus Nord 2 Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer identical core performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695, the Nord 2 Lite’s positioning suggests a more refined software experience and potentially better long-term support, justifying its often slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Dusk, Blue Tide | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | - | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
OnePlus Nord 2 Lite
- Identical Snapdragon 695 5G performance
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more refined design (typically)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance dependent on software tuning
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Identical Snapdragon 695 5G performance
- Generally more affordable
- Good value for money
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- May feature more cost-cutting measures
Display Comparison
Both the Nord 2 Lite and CE 2 Lite 5G are expected to feature 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED displays, a common configuration in this price bracket. However, detailed specifications regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage (DCI-P3), and PWM dimming frequency are crucial differentiators. While not specified in the provided data, OnePlus typically employs different panel suppliers for its 'Lite' and 'CE' series, potentially leading to variations in color accuracy and outdoor visibility. The absence of LTPO technology means neither phone will offer adaptive refresh rates for improved battery efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the marketing emphasis often differs between the 'Nord' and 'CE' lines. The Nord 2 Lite typically receives more attention to camera features. While both likely feature a primary camera, the image processing algorithms and secondary lens configurations (ultrawide, depth) could vary. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, which may result in less stable video recording and slightly softer images in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two. The real-world impact will depend on RAM management and software optimization. While RAM specifications aren't provided, the efficiency of the 6nm process node ensures reasonable thermal performance under sustained loads, making both phones capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The GPU performance will also be identical, limiting graphically intensive gaming to medium settings.
Battery Life
Both phones support 33W wired charging, promising relatively quick top-ups. However, battery capacity isn't specified. Assuming similar capacities (around 4500-5000 mAh, based on market trends), the 33W charging should deliver a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes. The Snapdragon 695 5G's efficiency contributes to reasonable battery life, allowing for a full day of moderate use. The actual battery endurance will depend on display brightness, network conditions, and app usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 Lite if you need a phone with a focus on consistent performance and a potentially smoother software experience, even if it means paying a small premium. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prioritize absolute value and are comfortable with potentially more aggressive cost-cutting measures in areas like software updates or long-term support. Both are excellent choices for users entering the 5G space on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Both the Nord 2 Lite and CE 2 Lite 5G, powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G, will be able to run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences. The chipset isn't designed for consistently high frame rates in graphically demanding titles.
❓ How reliable is the 5G connectivity on these phones?
The Snapdragon 695 5G modem supports both Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G frequencies (depending on regional availability). However, 5G performance is heavily dependent on network infrastructure and coverage in your area. Expect faster download and upload speeds in areas with strong 5G signals, but speeds will revert to 4G LTE when 5G is unavailable.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for both devices, and for how long?
OnePlus typically provides at least one major Android update and several security patches for its Nord series phones. However, the CE series often receives shorter software support compared to the standard Nord line. Expect the Nord 2 Lite to potentially receive updates for a longer period.
