OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G vs Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nord CE 2 5G edges out the Lite 5G thanks to its significantly faster processor and quicker charging. However, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers a more budget-friendly option with a decent display and camera, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 17 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 22 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 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 | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | IV2201 | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster Processor
- 65W Fast Charging
- Slightly Better Display
- Good Camera Performance
- Slightly Smaller Battery
- Potentially Higher Price
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Larger Battery Capacity
- More Affordable
- Decent Camera
- 5G Connectivity
- Slower Processor
- 33W Charging
- Less Vibrant Display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the Nord CE 2 5G generally has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Lite 5G's display is perfectly adequate but doesn't quite reach the same level of visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Nord CE 2 5G boasts a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. While the megapixel count is higher on the CE 2 5G, image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is slightly better on the CE 2 5G due to its more powerful processor assisting image processing. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
This is where the Nord CE 2 5G truly shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 695 5G in the Lite 5G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the CE 2 5G. The Lite 5G is still capable for everyday tasks, but it may struggle with more demanding games or multitasking.
Battery Life
The Nord CE 2 5G has a 4500mAh battery and supports 65W SuperVOOC charging, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a 5000mAh battery but only supports 33W charging. While the Lite 5G has a larger battery capacity, the CE 2 5G's faster charging makes it more convenient overall.
Buying Guide
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and fast charging. It's a good choice for gamers and those who frequently use demanding apps. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who still want 5G connectivity and a respectable camera experience without breaking the bank.