OnePlus’ Core Edition models focus on the essentials, but the latest Nord CE 3 Lite shows that it doesn’t mean “no frills”: The phone features a 108MP main camera. The company has also unveiled a sequel to its Nord Buds, now with ANC included.
OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite
The 108 MP camera of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is based on the 1/1.67″ ISOCELL HM6 sensor. It has 0.64 µm pixels that can be combined 9 to 1 for an output of 12 MP with an effective size in pixels of 1.92 µm (compared to 64 MP/0.7 µm on the Nord CE 2 Lite). This also allows for 3x lossless zoom (and up to 6x digital zoom). With both the CE and Lite labels, it shouldn’t surprise you that this is the only real camera on the back, the other two modules being a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor.
The Nord CE 3 Lite is powered by the same Snapdragon 695 as the 2022 model. This 6nm chip offers decent performance for the class, but it can’t compete with the 7-series Snapdragons or the new Dimensity chips. One of its biggest limitations is the 1080p @ 30fps limit on video recording, which seems unsuitable for a 108MP camera.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Snapdragon 695 with OxygenOS 13.1
At least this year, OnePlus has increased the base RAM to 8GB, and the OxygenOS 13.1 (Android 13) system can add 8GB of virtual RAM. Storage options are 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2, plus a hybrid microSD slot, which can hold a second SIM or up to a 1TB memory card.
In addition to the camera, OnePlus has also changed the screen of the Nord CE 3 Lite. It features a 6.72-inch FHD+ (20:9, 8-bit) resolution LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sample rate. It has a typical brightness of 550 nits and a peak 680 nits. The display is protected by a plate of Gorilla Glass (unknown version).
The phone has shrunk a bit and now measures 8.3mm thick (was 8.5mm). It still weighs the same 195g. There are two colorways at launch, Pastel Lime and Chromatic Grey.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite in Pastel Lime and Chromatic Grey
The 0.2mm shave didn’t affect the battery, which still has the same 5,000mAh capacity as before. In fact, the battery is the biggest upgrade since the camera: it now supports 67W SuperVOOC. This means that a 30-minute charge can bring a dead battery to 80% (compared to 50% with the model’s 33W system). previous). The new model got the SuperVOOC Endurance Edition, which prevents overcharging and slows down the aging of the battery: it should last 4 years of daily charging.
OnePlus has kept some of the features that make it a good value phone. We’ve already mentioned the microSD slot, it also has stereo speakers (with Ultra Volume mode at 200%) and a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones. The phone comes with a charger, a USB-C cable (USB 2.0, which is what the phone supports), and a pre-applied screen protector.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2
You can use the new Nord phone with wired headsets if you like, but many have switched to wireless. OnePlus Nord Buds 2 is for them, at least for those on a budget. Unlike the originals, these feature Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and can reduce background noise by 25dB. This affects battery life, buds can last up to 5 hours with ANC on (and the expected 7 hours with ANC off).
The good news is that the buds support fast charging and require 10 minutes for 5 hours of listening – keep in mind that this number is with the noise cancellation turned off. The case can provide a total of 27 or 36 hours of listening time, depending on ANC status.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2
Like their predecessors, these buds have 12.4mm drivers and support Dolby Atmos audio. There’s also a Dirac Tuner and Sound Master Equalizer on board (these can be accessed via the HeyMelody app). Connectivity is updated to Bluetooth 5.3 but the basics are the same with Fast Pair support and a 94ms gaming mode. Buds rely on the AAC codec for music.
The buds are IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, so they can shrug off rain and sweat. Their design is the same as the originals with short stems that house the touch controls. The Nord Buds 2 are available in Lightning White and Thunder Gray, and OnePlus has included emoji stickers in the retail packaging, so you can customize their look.
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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite will be delivered to European buyers starting April 25. For now we only see the 8/128GB configuration, priced at €330/£300. In India the phone is priced at ₹20,000 for the 8/128GB model and ₹22,000 for the 256GB version of archival, will go on sale on April 11.
The Nord Buds 2 can be yours for €70/£70 and are available immediately. In India the buds will be launched on 11th April with a price tag of ₹3,000.
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