In 2023, OnePlus is making strides in the smartphone market with an impressive range catering to various price points. From mid-range marvels under 20K to flagship contenders under 35K, OnePlus has left no stone unturned.
One of their latest offerings, the OnePlus Nord CE 3, has garnered attention for its enticing features and performance. In this review, we will delve into what sets this phone apart in the competitive mid-range segment.
Unboxing Experience
Upon unboxing the Nord CE 3, you’re greeted with a sleek and lightweight phone. The package includes a blue case (matching the phone’s color), a quick guide, documentation, a SIM card tool, stickers, and access to the Red Cable Club. It’s worth noting that the phone comes equipped with an 80W SuperVOOC charger and a familiar red USB Type A to Type C charging cable.
Design and Build Quality
The Nord CE 3 features a plastic back, which, while glossy, is susceptible to scratches and fingerprints. It is advisable to use the included case for protection. The phone sports a flat display with slim bezels, giving it a modern and sleek appearance.
Display
The device boasts a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz. With 900 nits of brightness, this display delivers vibrant visuals. However, it’s essential to note that while HDR support is present, it’s not available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by the Qualcomm SD782 processor, which, despite being introduced the previous year, demonstrates remarkable stability and performance. AnTuTu scores of around 7L surpass its predecessor, the SD778G. A notable highlight is its exceptional resistance to CPU throttling, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Battery and Charging
The device packs a 5000mAh battery paired with 80W VOOC charging. This combination ensures extended battery life and rapid recharging, making it a dependable companion for daily use.
Software
Running on OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13, the Nord CE 3 guarantees a clean and fluid user experience. It offers two years of major updates (Android 14 and 15) and three years of security updates.
Multimedia and Audio
The smartphone impresses with its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive multimedia experience. The display’s quality, combined with excellent audio, ensures a top-notch media consumption experience.
Camera Performance
While the Nord CE 3 boasts a 50MP primary sensor and a 16MP selfie camera, it falls short in the camera department compared to some of OnePlus’s other offerings. The image quality is decent for selfies but less impressive for rear-camera shots. The secondary sensors, especially the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro, disappoint. Low-light photography is also subpar, despite the presence of OIS.
Additional Features and Connectivity
The Nord CE 3 comes with IP54 certification for dust and water resistance, Widevine L1 support for Full HD streaming, and NFC for contactless payments. However, it lacks a notification light and FM radio. The device offers a hybrid SIM card slot, allowing for either two SIM cards or one SD card and one SIM card, with expandable storage up to 1TB.
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OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specs
| Specifications | OnePlus Nord CE 3 |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+ |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L |
| RAM / Storage Space | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Camera Configuration | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4″, 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Front Camera Configuration | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charge | 80W wired, 1-61% in 15 min (advertised) |
| Connectivity | 2G,3G,4G,5G |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Colors | Aqua Surge, Gray Shimmer |
| OS | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
FAQs
- What’s the standout feature of the OnePlus Nord CE 3’s performance?
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts exceptional resistance to CPU throttling, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted gaming experience.
- How long does the battery of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 last, and how fast does it charge?
With a 5000mAh battery and 80W VOOC charging, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers extended battery life, lasting up to 1-1.5 days on a single charge, and rapid recharging for quick usage.
- Tell me more about the display of the OnePlus Nord CE 3.
The device features a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with dynamic refresh rates from 60Hz to 120Hz, providing vibrant visuals and a modern viewing experience.
- Is the OnePlus Nord CE 3’s camera up to par with its competitors?
While the primary 50MP sensor delivers decent results, the secondary sensors, particularly the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro, leave much to be desired. Low-light photography is also subpar despite the presence of OIS.
- What sets OxygenOS 13.1 apart from the OnePlus Nord CE 3?
OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13, offers a clean and fluid user experience, devoid of third-party apps and bloatware. It promises two years of major updates (Android 14 and 15) and three years of security updates.
- Does the OnePlus Nord CE 3 have any unique features?
Yes, the device stands out with its exceptional haptic feedback, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and IP54 certification for dust and water resistance.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is a solid mid-range smartphone with standout features like impressive performance, stable CPU operation, and rapid battery charging. The display and multimedia capabilities also shine. However, the camera performance leaves something to be desired. If you can overlook its camera limitations, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 proves to be an attractive option in the mid-range market.