The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G has made its grand entrance into the competitive smartphone market, and it aims to continue the legacy of the Nord Series by offering budget-friendly options for consumers. With price points set at Rs 26,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs 28,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model, it presents a tantalizing prospect for smartphone enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G to see if it truly lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
First things first, let's talk about the pricing and variants of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G. This smartphone is available in two distinct configurations, catering to different user needs - 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM with a generous 256GB of storage. The price differentials place the 8GB variant at Rs 26,999 and the 12GB version at Rs 28,999. Prospective buyers also have the choice of selecting their preferred aesthetic with two captivating color options: Aqua Surge and Gray Shimmer. For this review, we had the privilege of testing the 12GB + 256GB model in the visually striking Aqua Surge hue.
The design of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G exudes a sense of familiarity, bearing a striking resemblance to other recent additions in the Nord Series, particularly evident in its eye-catching dual-circle camera arrangement. Notably, these camera modules come adorned with stainless steel surrounds, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding the lenses while adding a touch of elegance. At first glance, the device gives off the impression of a glass back panel, lending it a premium aura. It's worth mentioning that the Aqua Surge color variant is a sight to behold, radiating vibrancy. The device is equipped with a flat and robust plastic frame, and it proudly boasts an IP54 rating, making it resilient against certain environmental conditions. However, some might lament the absence of the iconic alert slider, a distinctive feature of previous OnePlus models.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display that's further enhanced by a commendable 120Hz refresh rate. While the chin bezel is slightly thicker compared to the other sides, it contributes to an almost symmetrical aesthetic, which is a noteworthy feature for a mid-range smartphone. This display achieves an impressive 93.4% screen-to-body ratio, optimizing the immersive viewing experience. Users are granted the flexibility to switch between various refresh rates, including 60Hz, 90Hz, and the buttery-smooth 120Hz. The display delivers a commendable visual experience, with colors appearing vibrant and punchy. Furthermore, the inclusion of dual stereo speakers elevates the multimedia consumption experience, offering immersive sound quality. It's also worth noting that the screen's brightness levels ensure excellent visibility even in outdoor settings. An added advantage is the Widevine L1 certification, enabling seamless streaming of content from popular platforms like Netflix.
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 782G processor, a capable mid-range chipset from Qualcomm. This chipset handles day-to-day tasks with remarkable ease, ensuring a smooth multitasking experience. Less demanding games, such as Subway Surfer, run seamlessly, but it's important to note that more graphically intensive titles like BGMI and Asphalt 9 may exhibit occasional lag.
In terms of software, the device runs on OxygenOS 13.1, which is built on the foundation of Android 13. It offers a bloatware-free experience, reminiscent of stock Android. OnePlus has made a commitment to providing two years of major Android updates along with three years of security updates, ensuring the device's longevity and relevance in the rapidly evolving smartphone landscape.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, promising extended usage without the constant need for recharging. It ships with an 80W SuperVooc fast charger, included in the package. Impressively, this charger can replenish the device's battery from a depleted state to a full 100% charge in approximately 40 minutes, a remarkable feat.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G's camera capabilities. The smartphone features a triple-camera setup headlined by a 50-megapixel OIS Sony IMX890 primary sensor. This primary sensor is complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro sensor.
In well-lit conditions, the primary camera excels at capturing images with accurate colors and ample details. Even in low-light scenarios, it manages to produce commendable images with respectable levels of detail. In summary, the camera performs admirably in low-light conditions, delivering results that align with its price range. The 8MP ultra-wide sensor, however, exhibits some distortion at the edges and may not always capture colors with perfect accuracy. Portrait mode shots impress with a pleasing bokeh effect and decent edge detection.
For selfie aficionados, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G features a 16MP punch-hole camera. This front-facing camera captures selfies with accurate skin tone representation and satisfactory image quality.
To wrap it up, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G presents a compelling proposition within its price segment. It checks most of the boxes that users typically expect from a smartphone in this category. However, the absence of the iconic alert slider might be a point of contention for some. Amidst a plethora of options in the same price range, choosing the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is a decision that is unlikely to result in regrets.
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