Xiaomi Poco C75 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco C75 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite are two strong contenders vying for your attention. While both offer 5G connectivity, they take drastically different approaches to chipset selection and charging technology, creating a clear divergence in performance and user experience. This comparison will dissect these differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a more efficient processor, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G, built on a 6nm process, offers superior performance and power efficiency compared to the Poco C75’s Helio G81, and the 67W charging is a game-changer.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco C75 OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2024, October 262023, April 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, November 05Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm (6.77 x 3.06 x 0.32 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
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS 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 G81 Ultra (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 14, HyperOSAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
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
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB 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, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD67W wired, 80% in 30 min
Type5160 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, GoldPastel Lime, Chromatic Gray
Models2410FPCC5GCPH2467, CPH2465
Price$ 134.99 / € 135.00 / £ 94.99£ 169.98 / € 209.99
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)1.17 W/kg (head)     0.70 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.98 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Performance- AnTuTu: 412006 (v9) GeekBench: 2052 (v5) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Poco C75

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May offer slightly longer battery life due to potentially larger capacity (unconfirmed)
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Less powerful processor
  • Slower charging speed
  • Potential for thermal throttling during demanding tasks

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

  • Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 695 5G processor
  • Ultra-fast 67W charging
  • Better multitasking and gaming performance

  • Likely a higher price tag
  • May have slightly shorter battery life compared to Poco C75 (depending on capacity)
  • OnePlus's OxygenOS can be polarizing for some users

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the Poco C75’s Helio G81 suggests a focus on cost reduction, potentially impacting color accuracy and brightness. The Nord CE 3 Lite, benefiting from a more modern chipset, *may* have a slightly better display controller, but the real-world difference will likely be minimal. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and neither phone is expected to offer high refresh rates.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the chipset plays a role. The Snapdragon 695 includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Helio G81, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors; however, the quality of the primary sensor will be the deciding factor. We anticipate the Nord CE 3 Lite will offer a more consistent and refined camera experience due to the superior processing capabilities of its chipset. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility for detailed close-up photography.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Xiaomi Poco C75’s MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning the Nord CE 3 Lite will sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. The Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, also offer a performance advantage over the Helio G81’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This difference will be noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Nord CE 3 Lite will likely handle multitasking and app switching more smoothly.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W charging is a standout feature. Achieving 80% charge in just 30 minutes is a significant advantage over the Poco C75’s 18W charging. While the Poco C75 might have a slightly larger battery capacity (spec not provided), the Nord CE 3 Lite’s faster charging effectively mitigates any capacity difference. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Nord CE 3 Lite’s charging speed. The Snapdragon 695’s efficiency also contributes to better overall battery life, even with similar capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Poco C75 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and you value a lower upfront cost above all else. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and content consumption, and you appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Nord CE 3 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the Helio G81 in the Poco C75, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Nord CE 3 Lite compared to the 18W charging on the Poco C75 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Nord CE 3 Lite can charge from 0% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, while the Poco C75 will take well over an hour to reach a full charge. This means you can quickly top up your Nord CE 3 Lite during a short break, whereas the Poco C75 requires a much longer charging period.
❓ Does the Poco C75 support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
While not explicitly stated, Xiaomi typically includes VoLTE and VoWiFi support in their devices, even in the budget segment. However, compatibility depends on your carrier. It's best to check with your mobile provider to confirm support for these features on the Poco C75.
❓ Is the image processing on the Nord CE 3 Lite noticeably better in low-light conditions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695’s more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) excels in low-light scenarios. It can capture more detail, reduce noise, and produce brighter, more vibrant images compared to the Helio G81-powered Poco C75, which may result in softer and grainier photos in dimly lit environments.