OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite Review: New Display, Same Chipset

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite has arrived in India, succeeding last year’s Nord CE 3 Lite. This latest addition to the OnePlus family boasts some upgraded specifications and a refreshed design. Positioned in the fiercely competitive budget segment, this smartphone competes with others that feature OLED displays, 5G connectivity, and fast charging capabilities. Over the past few days, we’ve put the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite to the test to determine if it has what it takes to stand out.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite Pricing in India

In India, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite starts at Rs. 19,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 256GB storage model is available for Rs. 22,999. The colour options include Mega Blue, Super Silver, and Ultra Orange.
For this review, the 8GB+256GB variant was provided, including a TPU case, an 80W SuperVOOC charger, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. This comprehensive package ensures that users have everything they need to get started with their new device right out of the box.

Design and Build Quality

The Mega Blue variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite features a plastic back panel and flat plastic edges with a metallic finish. The phone’s slightly rounded corners and flat edges offer a comfortable grip. Weighing 191g, the device feels a bit heavy but remains manageable without causing hand fatigue. The smooth, reflective rear panel resists fingerprints and smudges effectively. This model, like its predecessor, has a vertically aligned rear camera setup but now features a new pill-shaped design encompassing the lenses and dual LED flash. At the bottom edge, you’ll find a 3.5mm audio jack, a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille. Another speaker is located on the top edge. The power and volume buttons are positioned on the right side, while the SIM card tray is on the left. The phone is IP54 rated, with the provided cover including inbuilt protection for the audio and charging ports. The IP54 rating ensures the device can withstand splashes of water and dust, offering some peace of mind for everyday usage. The provided TPU case adds an extra layer of protection, making it a handy inclusion for users who want to keep their device in pristine condition.

Specifications and Software

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite introduces two significant upgrades over its predecessor: an OLED display and a primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). It features a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. With automatic brightness enabled, the display reaches up to 1,200 nits, an improvement over last year’s LCD screen model. Powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset for the third consecutive year, this model includes 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. This combination provides ample memory and storage for most users, ensuring smooth multitasking and sufficient space for apps and media. It runs on Android 14 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS 14 overlay. OnePlus has not yet specified the software support timeline for this device, though the predecessor is slated for two major Android updates and an additional year of security patches. This suggests that the Nord CE 4 Lite will likely receive similar support, keeping it updated with the latest features and security enhancements. Connectivity options remain the same as the Nord CE 3 Lite, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, 5G, 4G LTE, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. However, NFC for contactless payments is not included. This omission might be a drawback for users who frequently use NFC-enabled payment methods.
The battery capacity has increased to 5,500mAh, supporting 80W SuperVOOC charging. This means users can expect longer battery life and faster charging times, making it convenient for those who are always on the go. Thanks to the OLED display, the device now features an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.