The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C67 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite are two strong contenders. The C67 leverages MediaTek's Dimensity 6100+ for raw processing power, while the Nord CE 3 Lite opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695 5G, prioritizing a balance of efficiency and connectivity. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a well-rounded experience, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite emerges as the winner. Its 67W SuperVOOC charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 provides a stable, efficient platform for everyday tasks. However, the Realme C67’s Dimensity 6100+ offers a performance edge for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 14 | 2023, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 16 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min | 67W wired, 80% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunny Oasis, Dark Purple | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray |
| Models | - | CPH2467, CPH2465 |
| Price | About 390 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) |
Realme C67
- Potentially higher CPU performance with Dimensity 6100+
- Modern CPU architecture for smoother multitasking
- Competitive price point
- Slower 33W charging
- Less established brand reputation
- Image processing may be less refined
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- Qualcomm’s strong 5G modem performance
- More refined software experience (likely)
- Potentially lower CPU performance compared to Dimensity 6100+
- Slightly less efficient CPU architecture
- May be marginally more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display, but both utilize 6nm chipsets which contribute to efficient power consumption. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing, but given the price point, we can expect FHD+ LCD panels. The focus here shifts to processing power. The Realme C67’s Dimensity 6100+ will likely offer a smoother experience when rendering UI elements and scrolling through content, due to its more modern CPU architecture.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature a primary camera paired with depth and macro sensors. The quality will largely depend on the main sensor’s size and image processing algorithms. Given OnePlus’s history, the Nord CE 3 Lite likely benefits from more refined software processing, potentially leading to more consistent image quality. The Realme C67 may lean towards more vibrant, saturated colors, a common trait of Realme’s image tuning.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C67’s MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, peaking at 2.2 GHz. This configuration prioritizes peak performance. Conversely, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) employs Kryo 660 Gold and Silver cores, maxing out at 2.2 GHz, but with a lower clock speed on the efficiency cores (1.7 GHz). While both are 6nm, the Dimensity 6100+’s architecture suggests a slight advantage in multi-threaded workloads. However, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon typically excels in modem performance and 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving 80% charge in 30 minutes. The Realme C67’s 33W charging, while respectable, is considerably slower, taking 29 minutes to reach 50%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Nord CE 3 Lite mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. This translates to less time tethered to a charger, a crucial benefit for on-the-go users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C67 if you need a phone that excels in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously, and you don't mind slightly slower charging. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you prioritize rapid charging, a smoother overall user experience, and a more established brand reputation within the Android ecosystem. The Nord CE 3 Lite is ideal for users who value convenience and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 3 Lite struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 695 is a capable chipset, but it's not designed for ultra-high settings in demanding games. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth, playable experience. The Dimensity 6100+ in the C67 might offer slightly better performance in these scenarios, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Nord CE 3 Lite compared to the 33W charging on the Realme C67 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. While the Realme C67 takes nearly 30 minutes to reach 50%, the Nord CE 3 Lite hits 80% in the same timeframe. This means you can get a significant top-up in a much shorter period with the OnePlus, making it ideal for users who frequently need to quickly recharge their phone.
❓ Does the Realme C67 support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
Specific carrier aggregation support for the Realme C67 isn't detailed. However, MediaTek Dimensity chipsets generally offer good 5G connectivity. The Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 3 Lite is known for its robust modem and strong carrier aggregation capabilities, potentially offering slightly faster and more reliable 5G speeds in areas with good network coverage.
