Oppo A58 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo A58 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite are two strong contenders vying for your attention. While both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on value, they take different approaches to achieving it. The A58 relies on MediaTek's Dimensity 700, while the Nord CE 3 Lite opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its 67W SuperVOOC charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a slight edge in sustained performance and thermal management. While the A58 is a capable device, the Nord CE 3 Lite’s faster charging and more modern chipset provide a more compelling overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A58 OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 HSDPA 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-A, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, November 082023, April 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 10Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
 IP54-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6833 Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)-
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jack-Yes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (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
Charging33W wired67W wired, 80% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, VioletPastel Lime, Chromatic Gray
Models-CPH2467, CPH2465
PriceAbout 230 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 A58

  • Potentially lower initial price
  • Reliable MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset for basic tasks
  • Decent battery life for moderate usage

  • Slower 33W charging
  • Less efficient 7nm chipset compared to Snapdragon 695
  • Likely less refined camera processing

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

  • 67W SuperVOOC fast charging
  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset (6nm)
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Potential for software bloat (OnePlus history)
  • No significant display upgrades

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on premium features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. However, the absence of detailed display specs necessitates a reliance on brand reputation. OnePlus generally offers slightly better color calibration, while Oppo tends to prioritize brightness. The real-world difference will likely be minimal for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, both phones likely employ a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses. The usefulness of the 2MP macro lens on both devices is questionable. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Nord CE 3 Lite’s photos. The A58’s camera performance will be acceptable, but the Nord CE 3 Lite is likely to deliver more consistently pleasing results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) benefits from a more modern fabrication process compared to the Oppo A58’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This 6nm process generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance under load. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores are architecturally more advanced than the Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores. This means the Nord CE 3 Lite will likely handle demanding apps and games with slightly less throttling. The A58 will be adequate for everyday tasks, but the Nord CE 3 Lite offers a more future-proof experience.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer. The advertised 80% charge in 30 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Oppo A58’s 33W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up will greatly appreciate the Nord CE 3 Lite’s charging capabilities. The A58’s 33W charging is still respectable, but it simply can’t compete with the speed of SuperVOOC.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A58 if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid all-rounder for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you value fast charging, a more efficient processor for longer gaming sessions, and a generally smoother user experience. It’s the better option for users who are frequently on the go or enjoy mobile gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 3 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 6nm process helps with thermal throttling, allowing for longer gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 700 in the A58, which may experience more noticeable performance drops over time.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Nord CE 3 Lite compared to the A58’s 33W charging in real-world use?
The Nord CE 3 Lite can charge from 0% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, while the A58 will take significantly longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This difference is substantial for users who need a quick power boost before heading out.
❓ Does the Oppo A58 support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
While not explicitly stated, Oppo A58, being a relatively recent device, is highly likely to support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) for improved call quality and network connectivity. However, compatibility depends on your carrier.
❓ Is the camera on the Nord CE 3 Lite significantly better for low-light photography?
The Snapdragon 695’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable in low-light conditions, resulting in less noise and better dynamic range in photos taken with the Nord CE 3 Lite. While neither phone has a flagship-level camera, the Nord CE 3 Lite will likely produce more usable low-light images.