OnePlus has refreshed its budget-friendly smartphone lineup with the introduction of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G, offering substantial improvements over its predecessors, including a larger battery and enhanced charging capabilities. Although it’s not confirmed if the device will be rebranded in the US as previous models were, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is a standout in the budget category.
The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, a choice that balances performance with cost to maintain an attractive price point. While a newer chipset could offer improved performance, OnePlus has opted to keep the SoC consistent with earlier models to maintain the phone’s competitive pricing structure.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite features 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and is available in 128GB and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage variants, both expandable via microSD. A significant upgrade for this model is the switch to a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, enhancing visual quality and responsiveness compared to the LCD panels used in previous versions. It also incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
The device retains the popular 3.5mm headphone jack and boasts an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. Depending on the region, the battery capacity varies, with India receiving a 5,500mAh battery and the EU capped at 5,100mAh due to shipping regulations. OnePlus’s Battery Health Engine technology promises to keep the battery at 80% capacity even after 1,600 charge cycles, roughly equating to four years of usage.
One of the highlights of the Nord CE 4 Lite is its charging technology, featuring 80W fast charging capabilities, though EU models do not include a charging brick in the box. The device also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to power other devices in a pinch.
Camera-wise, the Nord CE 4 Lite is equipped with a 50MP primary Sony sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, dropping the often-criticized macro camera of previous models. It also sports a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
The smartphone launches with Oxygen OS 14 based on Android 14 and is slated to receive two Android platform updates along with three years of security updates.
Pricing and Availability: In India, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite starts at approximately $240 for the 128GB model and around $275 for the 256GB version. European pricing is set at €329, and in the UK, the device will cost £299. Available colors include Super Silver, Mega Blue, and an exclusive Ultra Orange for the Indian market.
Pre-orders are now open in the EU, with sales starting on July 1, 2024. Promotions include a choice of free accessories with pre-orders and a €50/£50 discount on all purchases made until August 2, 2024.
