OnePlus Nord N20 SE vs Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when faced with similar models. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE and Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both offer compelling features at mid-range prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G edges out the N20 SE thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, 5G connectivity, and more modern processor architecture. While the N20 SE boasts slightly faster charging, the CE 2 Lite 5G's overall performance makes it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Nord N20 SE OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - GlobalHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global1, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM-
Launch
Announced2022, August 052022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 08Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoUnspecified
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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue Oasis, Celestial BlackBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
ModelsCPH2469CPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

OnePlus Nord N20 SE

  • Faster charging (slightly)
  • Potentially lower price

  • Slower processor
  • No 5G
  • Older chipset architecture

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • Faster processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
  • 5G connectivity
  • More modern chipset

  • Slightly slower charging
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.59-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The CE 2 Lite 5G might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel technology, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Refresh rate is likely 120Hz on the CE 2 Lite 5G and 90Hz on the N20 SE.

Camera Comparison

The N20 SE typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The CE 2 Lite 5G also has a 64MP main camera, but likely a different ultrawide and macro setup. Image quality is likely comparable in good lighting, but the CE 2 Lite 5G's newer image processing capabilities might provide slightly better results in low-light conditions. Both phones have a 16MP front-facing camera.

Performance

This is where the CE 2 Lite 5G shines. The Snapdragon 695 5G is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the CE 2 Lite 5G. The N20 SE's Helio G35 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. The N20 SE has a slight edge in charging speed with 33W wired charging, claiming 50% in 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes. The CE 2 Lite 5G also has 33W wired charging, but charging times may be slightly longer due to the more efficient chipset.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize fast charging and don't need 5G. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is ideal for those seeking a smoother, faster experience with 5G capabilities and a more modern chipset, even if it means slightly slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and 5G connectivity, the CE 2 Lite 5G is worth the investment. The Snapdragon 695 5G offers a significant upgrade over the N20 SE's chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day. The N20 SE charges slightly faster, but the CE 2 Lite 5G's more efficient chipset might offset this in real-world usage.