OnePlus Nord N20 5G vs Nord CE 3 Lite: The Ultimate Showdown

The OnePlus Nord series continues to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on value. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Nord N20 5G and the Nord CE 3 Lite. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging and generally improved features. While the N20 5G boasts a brighter display, the CE 3 Lite's charging speed and overall refinement make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N20 5G OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, April 282023, April 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 28Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g (6.10 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired67W wired, 80% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBluePastel Lime, Chromatic Gray
ModelsGN2200, CPH2459CPH2467, CPH2465
PriceAbout 120 EUR£ 169.98 / € 209.99
SAR-1.17 W/kg (head)     0.70 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 129h -
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Performance AnTuTu: 316974 (v8), 380672 (v9) GeekBench: 1945 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 412006 (v9) GeekBench: 2052 (v5) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • Brighter Display (647 nits)
  • Excellent Battery Life (129h endurance rating)
  • Sleek Design

  • Slower Charging (33W)
  • Less Versatile Camera
  • Older Software

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

  • Super-Fast Charging (67W)
  • More Modern Design
  • Improved Camera System
  • Newer Software

  • Slightly Less Bright Display
  • Potentially Shorter Battery Life (though charging compensates)

Display Comparison

The Nord N20 5G has a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, making it noticeably brighter than the CE 3 Lite's display. Both feature similar resolutions and refresh rates (typically 120Hz), but the N20 5G's brightness advantage is a plus for outdoor visibility. The CE 3 Lite's display is still good, but not as vibrant.

Camera Comparison

The Nord CE 3 Lite generally has a more versatile camera system, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor (typically 108MP vs. the N20 5G's 64MP). While both offer decent image quality, the CE 3 Lite often provides better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The N20 5G's camera is still capable, but not as impressive.

Performance

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 6GB/8GB of RAM. Performance will be largely similar for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, software optimization and overall system responsiveness might differ slightly, with the CE 3 Lite potentially feeling a bit smoother due to newer software.

Battery Life

The Nord N20 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 129 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Nord CE 3 Lite's 67W charging capability drastically reduces charging time, making it more convenient despite potentially slightly lower overall battery capacity. The CE 3 Lite can charge to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the OnePlus Nord N20 5G? It's a good option for those prioritizing a brighter display and slightly longer battery life (though the difference is minimal) and are less concerned about charging speed. Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite? It's ideal for users who value fast charging, a more modern design, and a generally more polished experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G has a higher endurance rating, suggesting longer battery life on a single charge. However, the Nord CE 3 Lite's 67W charging makes up for any potential difference in capacity.
❓ Is the Nord CE 3 Lite worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. The faster charging, improved camera, and more modern design of the Nord CE 3 Lite justify the price difference for most users.