OnePlus Philippines just released its latest addition to its NORD series, the OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite 5G, which is only priced at PHP 17,999.
Fortunately, OnePlus provided us with a review unit to test. This morning, we uploaded a brief unboxing video, and now, I’ll share our initial impressions with you.
The company called this device an “entry-level smartphone” although it should be a midrange device for its price. Compared to its predecessor, the upgrades are relatively minor. But before we talk about its hardware and features, I just noticed something about its inclusions.
The NORD CE4 Lite supports faster charging, but if you watched our unboxing video, you’ll notice it doesn’t come with the 80W SUPERVOOC adapter. It’s unclear why OnePlus chose not to include one.
In the first sale of this device, it comes with a free TangoJet adapter. However, it’s different from the SUPERVOOC adapter, you might want to consider purchasing one separately from the OnePlus or OPPO store.
Design and Build Quality
Moving on to its design, the phone features a fresh new look compared to its predecessor and it is available in Super Silver and Mega Blue. Personally, I love the Mega Blue colorway since it looks cooler and more vibrant with its Mega Man-inspired shade compared to Super Silver which seems quite plain.
Both colorways feature a mirror-like back design, making them prone to fingerprints and smudges. However, if you have sweaty hands like I do, it’s better to buy the Mega Blue colorway since smudges are less noticeable. As for the frame, I think it is made of aluminum with a matte finish.
On the sides, you’ll find the hybrid SIM tray on the left, and the volume rockers and power button on the right. At the bottom, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, USB-C port, and the main stereo speaker. The secondary speaker is located at the top.
This phone is quite slim and weighs just 191g, making it comfortable to hold. Interestingly, even though it has a larger battery capacity, it is still 4g lighter than its predecessor.
Display
One of the upgrades of this device is the display, from IPS LCD, the NORD CE4 Lite now comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that has FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, in-display fingerprint scanner, and supports up to 2,100nits max brightness.
This device also boasts its Aqua Touch feature that OnePlus first introduced on its higher-end OnePlus 12. These features basically enhance touch registration and make sure it remains precise and accurate even if your hands are a little sweaty and if it indeed gets wet.
In our review, we’ll explore how well it performs for multimedia and entertainment, particularly given its impressive up to 300% volume mode and dual stereo speakers.
Camera
The OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite’s camera setup now uses a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for its main camera, while it is paired with a 2MP mono lens. The selfie shooter on this device is still the same, which is a 16MP camera.
I’m excited to test its camera, especially with all the hype from OnePlus. However, it’s worth noting that it can only shoot video at 1080p@30fps.
Additionally, OnePlus mentioned that the camera features an Aspherical Lens (ASPH), which helps reduce common issues such as aberrations, distortion, and a limited field of view.
What’s inside the OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite 5G?
Just a reminder, there is not much new or upgrades in NORD CE4 Lite’s hardware since OnePlus is still using the 6nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 octa-core 5G chipset, which we’ve seen in the previous two NORD CE Lite models.
I don’t understand why OnePlus didn’t even use a more recent chipset because the Snapdragon 695 is already a little behind. Compared to its competitors, its performance is somewhat lacking. Hopefully, next time OnePlus will use a more powerful and recent chipset to make the device stand out.
This device still features 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage. As for software, it already runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box.
As for the battery, it boasts a larger 5,500mAh battery capacity and faster 80W SUPERVOOC charging as well as 5W reverse charging support that you can use to charge your other devices, especially earbuds.
It’s just that, I wish they had at least included an 80W SUPERVOOC adapter to make it more worth buying.
OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite 5G Specifications
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,100nits max brightness
- CPU: 2.2GHz 6nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM: 8GB + 8GB Extended RAM
- ROM: 256GB UFS 2.2, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card slot
- Rear Camera: 50MP Sony LYT-600 (OIS)+ 2MP depth lens + Dual LED flash
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5,500mAh, 80W SUPERVOOC charging
- OS: OxygenOS 14, Android 14
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi, 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, Dual SIM (nano), 3.5mm headphone jack
- Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope
- Colors: Super Silver, Mega Blue
- Weight: 191g
- Dimensions:162.9mm (H) × 75.6mm (W) x 8.1mm (D)
- Others: In-display fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock, USB-C, IP54 rating, NFC, Hi-Res Audio, Dual speakers, Aqua Touch, Noise Cancellation support
Price and availability
OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite – PHP 17,999 | Shopee link | Lazada link
This new OnePlus NORD CE4 Lite is now available in all OnePlus kiosks, designated multi-brand stores, and online in the OnePlus flagship store on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Aside from online platforms’ vouchers, you can enjoy a PHP 1,000 off voucher that is redeemable until August 15.
There are also freebies worth at PHP 2,500, available while stocks last, including a TangoJet Adapter, earbuds, and a OnePlus clear phone case.
Buy one now while the freebies are still available. Currently, we are testing it, so stay tuned to our in-depth review!
