Oppo A5 Energy vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A5 Energy and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid feature set without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches – Oppo focuses on efficient processing with the Dimensity 6300, while OnePlus opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more refined software experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite emerges as the winner. Its 67W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 provides a familiar and well-optimized platform. However, the Oppo A5 Energy offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a potentially more power-efficient chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A5 Energy OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2025, March 182023, April 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 21Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.8 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.49 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g or 196 g (6.84 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionCrystal Shield GlassCorning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 15, ColorOS 15Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, BLE Audio5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, 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-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 33W UFCS, PD67W wired, 80% in 30 min
Type5800 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsFlower Pink, Mocha Brown (Mocha Chocolate), Jade Green (Moss Green)Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray
ModelsPKV110CPH2467, CPH2465
PriceAbout 150 EUR£ 169.98 / € 209.99
SAR-1.17 W/kg (head)     0.70 W/kg (body)
Tests
Performance- AnTuTu: 412006 (v9) GeekBench: 2052 (v5) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo A5 Energy

  • Potentially better power efficiency with Dimensity 6300
  • UFCS/PD charging compatibility
  • Competitive price point

  • Slower charging speeds compared to Nord CE 3 Lite
  • Oppo’s ColorOS may not appeal to all users

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

  • Significantly faster 67W charging
  • Snapdragon 695 offers good 5G and gaming performance
  • Cleaner software experience (closer to stock Android)

  • Potentially lower battery life compared to A5 Energy
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a flagship-level display. Details on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but both target the budget segment. The key difference lies in charging technology, not display prowess. Expect similar viewing experiences, with color accuracy and brightness likely being average for this price point. Bezels are expected to be comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses (the usefulness of the latter is questionable). The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally well-regarded, potentially offering slightly better image processing in challenging lighting conditions. Oppo’s image processing tends to favor vibrant colors, while OnePlus aims for a more natural look. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests limited low-light performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A5 Energy’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) utilizes a 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This architecture prioritizes efficiency, potentially leading to better battery life during sustained use. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) employs 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver cores. While the clock speeds are slightly higher, the Snapdragon 695 is known for its strong 5G modem and generally good gaming performance. The Dimensity 6300’s newer architecture *could* offer improved per-watt performance, but real-world gains will depend on software optimization. RAM configurations are likely similar, impacting multitasking capabilities equally.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W wired charging is a significant advantage, promising an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime compared to the Oppo A5 Energy’s 45W wired and 33W UFCS/PD charging. While the A5 Energy might have a slightly larger battery capacity (details missing), the faster charging of the Nord CE 3 Lite effectively mitigates any capacity difference for most users. The UFCS/PD support on the A5 Energy offers wider compatibility with chargers, but the speed advantage goes to OnePlus.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A5 Energy if you prioritize long-term battery life and efficient multitasking, and are comfortable with Oppo’s ColorOS. This phone is ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you value rapid charging, a smoother software experience (closer to stock Android), and a slightly more robust gaming capability. This phone suits users who frequently consume media and occasionally engage in mobile gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Oppo A5 Energy struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact is a particularly demanding title. Expect to play at lower graphics settings and potentially experience some frame drops. The Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 3 Lite will likely offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite compared to the 45W charging on the Oppo A5 Energy in real-world use?
The 67W charging on the Nord CE 3 Lite can realistically charge the phone from 0% to 80% in around 30 minutes, while the A5 Energy’s 45W charging will likely take closer to 60-75 minutes for the same level of charge. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and for a longer period?
OnePlus generally has a better track record for providing timely software updates and longer support cycles compared to Oppo. While both brands are improving, OnePlus is likely to offer more Android version updates and security patches over the lifespan of the Nord CE 3 Lite.