The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite (India) and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Nord CE4 Lite focuses on rapid charging and affordability, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus aims for a more premium experience with a brighter display and a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and a brighter, more vibrant display, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 1097 nit display offer a noticeable upgrade over the Nord CE4 Lite’s Snapdragon 695 and less-bright panel, justifying the price difference.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 24 | 2024, July 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June 28 | Available. Released 2024, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2100 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| OS | Android 14, OxygenOS 14 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 100% in 52 min
5W reverse wired | 50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min |
| Type | 5500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Super Silver, Mega Blue, Ultra Orange | Black, Grey |
| Models | CPH2621 | A142P |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 269.90 / ₹ 22,599 |
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite (India)
- Extremely fast 80W charging
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potentially limited long-term software support
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Powerful Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset
- Bright and vibrant 1097 nit display
- Longer battery life (16:34h active use)
- Slower 50W charging compared to Nord CE4 Lite
- Higher price tag
- Glyph Interface may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 1097 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Nord CE4 Lite. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration (based on Nothing’s design philosophy) provide a more immersive viewing experience. The Nord CE4 Lite’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more cost-optimized panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the chipset difference suggests the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will benefit from a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Nord CE4 Lite’s Snapdragon 695 ISP is adequate for everyday photography, but likely won’t match the capabilities of the Dimensity 7350 Pro. We can assume both phones will feature multi-camera setups, but the image quality will likely lean in favor of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm), while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm). The Dimensity 7350 Pro, with its Cortex-A715 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores at 2.2 GHz. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 7350 Pro also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. This means the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving an active use score of 16:34 hours. While the Nord CE4 Lite’s battery capacity is unknown, its 80W wired charging is a key advantage, achieving a full charge in just 52 minutes. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus takes 56 minutes for a full charge with its 50W charging. The faster charging of the Nord CE4 Lite is beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s longer runtime offers greater peace of mind for all-day use.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite (India) if you absolutely prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and are on a strict budget. Its 80W charging is a standout feature. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you value a smoother user experience, a brighter and more detailed display, and longer sustained performance for tasks like gaming and video editing. The Dimensity 7350 Pro offers a significant leap in processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a 4nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance. The 4nm node is a key advantage over the 6nm Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE4 Lite.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite compare to other phones in this price range?
80W charging is exceptionally fast for this price segment. It allows the Nord CE4 Lite to reach 100% charge in just 52 minutes, significantly faster than most competitors offering 33W or 67W charging. This is a major selling point for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 7350 Pro noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both chipsets handle basic tasks like browsing and social media adequately, the Dimensity 7350 Pro provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and editing photos or videos. The extra processing power is particularly beneficial for demanding applications.
