Ulefone Note 18 Pro vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

The Ulefone Note 18 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite represent compelling options in the competitive budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches. The Ulefone prioritizes exceptional battery endurance, while the OnePlus focuses on faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects these trade-offs to help you choose the right phone for your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and minimizing charging frequency, the Ulefone Note 18 Pro emerges as the winner. Its remarkable 52:36h battery endurance significantly outweighs the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s faster charging, especially for those away from power outlets for extended periods.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Note 18 Pro OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2024, November2023, April 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 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
Weight211.6 g (7.48 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G91 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 14Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.64µm, PDAF 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚, (ultrawide), 1/2.8"-
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@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingNo
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
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired67W wired, 80% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 5450 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsLustrous Black, Moonlit White, Titanium GrayPastel Lime, Chromatic Gray
Models-CPH2467, CPH2465
Price-£ 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)
EU LABEL
Battery52:36h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (103 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Ulefone Note 18 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (52:36h endurance)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Older, less efficient chipset (Helio G91)
  • Slower charging speed (18W)

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

  • Faster and more efficient chipset (Snapdragon 695)
  • Ultra-fast charging (67W, 80% in 30 min)
  • More responsive user experience

  • Likely shorter battery life
  • May require more frequent charging

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, but given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels. However, the focus here isn't display quality, but rather the impact of the chipsets on driving the display efficiently. The Snapdragon 695's 6nm process should offer slightly better power efficiency when rendering graphics, potentially leading to marginally longer screen-on time despite the Ulefone's overall battery advantage.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the chipset difference hints at superior image processing capabilities on the OnePlus. The Snapdragon 695 includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Helio G91. This means better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the OnePlus’s ISP will extract more detail and produce more visually appealing photos. The absence of details on sensor size makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the chipset advantage favors the OnePlus.

Performance

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Ulefone Note 18 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G91 (12nm). The 6nm process allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer a performance edge over the Helio G91’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the OnePlus. The Ulefone will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the OnePlus is the better choice for demanding users.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Note 18 Pro’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance – a remarkable 52:36 hours. This is significantly longer than what most smartphones offer. While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s battery capacity is not specified, its 67W charging capability is a major draw, promising an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. However, faster charging doesn’t negate the need to charge frequently. The Ulefone’s longevity means fewer trips to the charger, making it ideal for users who prioritize convenience and extended usage between charges. The 1000 cycle rating on the Ulefone also suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Note 18 Pro if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently travel and have limited access to charging. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you prioritize quick top-ups and a more responsive user experience thanks to its newer Snapdragon 695 chipset, and don't mind charging more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much faster is the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite in real-world usage compared to the Ulefone Note 18 Pro?
The Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus will feel noticeably snappier for tasks like opening apps, scrolling through social media, and playing graphically demanding games. The Helio G91 in the Ulefone is capable, but the 6nm process and Kryo cores of the Snapdragon 695 provide a clear performance advantage.
❓ Will the 67W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite significantly reduce the lifespan of the battery?
While fast charging generates more heat, OnePlus employs charging algorithms designed to mitigate battery degradation. However, consistently using ultra-fast charging *can* contribute to faster battery wear over the long term compared to slower charging. The Ulefone's 18W charging is gentler on the battery, and its 1000 cycle rating suggests a focus on longevity.
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 18 Pro suitable for gaming?
The Ulefone Note 18 Pro can handle casual gaming, but it won't deliver the same smooth experience as the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. The Helio G91 is less powerful than the Snapdragon 695, and may struggle with demanding titles at higher settings. The long battery life, however, will allow for extended gaming sessions.