OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite vs Google Pixel 7a: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chip provides a smoother, more responsive experience, and its camera consistently delivers excellent results. However, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite offers significantly faster charging and represents a strong value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite | Google Pixel 7a |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 24 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 02 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2100 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, OxygenOS 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 100% in 50 min 5W reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5110 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Super Silver, Mega Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | CPH2619, CPH262 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite
- 80W SuperVOOC charging is incredibly fast.
- More affordable price point.
- Reverse wired charging for accessories.
- Snapdragon 695 is less powerful than the Tensor G2.
- Display likely lacks the brightness and color accuracy of the Pixel 7a.
Google Pixel 7a
- Google Tensor G2 offers superior performance.
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing.
- Refined software experience with guaranteed updates.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Higher price tag.
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an unstated value for the Nord CE4 Lite. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and Google’s color calibration expertise will provide a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Nord CE4 Lite’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a focus on cost reduction in this area.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image processing. The Nord CE4 Lite likely relies more on hardware specifications, and without detailed information, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities beyond basic photography. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Nord CE4 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). The Tensor G2 features a tri-cluster configuration with Cortex-X1 prime cores clocked at 2.85 GHz, offering significantly higher peak performance for tasks like video editing and gaming. The Snapdragon 695, while capable for everyday use, will struggle with more demanding applications. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor G2 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 7a’s performance advantage is further bolstered by potentially faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x vs LPDDR4x on the Nord CE4 Lite).
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the Nord CE4 Lite compensates with its incredibly fast 80W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 50 minutes. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While the Pixel 7a’s battery endurance suggests it can last a full day for most users, the Nord CE4 Lite’s rapid charging allows for quick top-ups, mitigating concerns about battery life. The 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a is a convenience feature, while the Nord CE4 Lite offers 5W reverse wired charging, useful for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite if you need blazing-fast 80W charging and prioritize value above all else. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and don’t demand the absolute best performance. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a refined software experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and a more powerful processor for demanding tasks, even if it means slower charging and a higher price tag.