Highlights
- OnePlus has launched the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G, alongside the OnePlus Nord 3 5G and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2R, at their Summer Launch event.
- Priced starting at Rs. 26,999, the Nord CE3 features a 6.7-inch fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Runs on Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, the device has a triple camera setup, led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W SUPERVOOC charging.
The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G has been officially launched alongside the OnePlus Nord 3 5G and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2R at the company’s Summer Launch event.
The Chinese smartphone maker, OnePlus introduced the Nord CE3 at a starting price of Rs. 26,999. In case you are wondering whether this phone is worth considering, we are here to clear all your doubts.
In this blog, we are sharing our OnePlus Nord CE3 5G First Impression while taking a deeper look at its feature, specifications and performance.
So, let’s start with a quick overview.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 is sporting a 6.7-inch fluid AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz.
The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of internal storage. It runs Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1 out-of-the-box.
Furthermore, Nord CE 3 gets a triple camera unit, led by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary sensor. Complimenting this is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens, which is a classic feature in almost every OnePlus phone.
The three cameras are housed in two circular modules on the top-left side of the rear panel. There is also an LED Flash alongside the lens and a OnePlus branding in the centre of the back panel.
OnePlus has packed a 5,000mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC charging support, enabling users to fully charge their device in just 15 minutes.
The smartphone is available in two colour options, which include Aqua Surge and Gray Shimmer.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Key Features
- 7-inch Fluid AMOLED Display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm)
- Up to 12 GB RAM + RAM-Vita
- Up to 256 GB of Internal Storage
- Triple Rear Camera Setup – 50MP Sony IMX890 + 8 MP Ultra Wide + 2 MP Macro
- 5000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC chargers
- OxygenOS 13.1
- TUV SUD 48-month Fluency Rating A
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Fluid AMOLED Display with 120Hz refresh rate
● 50MP Sony IMX890 Primary sensor with OIS ● Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio (wired + wireless) ● 5000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC chargers ● TUV SUD 48-month Fluency Rating A |
● Regular Design
● No IP Rating ● Average front camera |
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Design
- Flat edges and the curved rear cover help Nord CE3 fit smoothly in the palm of your hand.
- It has two shiny metal rings to protect the camera and a glitzy diamond-shaped flash for added bling.
- Nord CE3 comes with a built-in IR remote that can run everything from your TV to your air conditioner.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 have a clean yet eye-catching design concept. It combines edginess and ergonomics while providing a seamless user experience.
With its flat edges and subtly curved rear cover, this smartphone effortlessly fits into the palm of your hand, making it comfortable and easy to use.
Nord CE3 comes in two colour variants, Aqua Surge and Gray Shimmer. Both variants, especially the Gray variant have a glossy dark finish that gives off extremely premium vibes. Both variant back panels come with increased fingerprint resistance.
The presence of protective metal rings surrounding the camera module at the back of the Nord CE 3 adds a touch of elegance but it also serves the practical purpose of safeguarding the camera lenses.
The camera module doesn’t stick out too much and blends into the back without any large camera house. Right next to the lens is the glitzy diamond-shaped flash that provides a delightful touch of bling.
As far as materials used, the back panel is made using glossy plastic which can scratch a bit easier. The phone has a moderate thickness of about 8.2mm and weighs 184g, which makes it a pretty lightweight device.
As for other design elements, the bottom of the device houses a dual SIM tray, microphone, Type-C port, and a single speaker.
And you’ll find an IR Blaster, microphone, and another speaker, providing a balanced audio experience at the top. The power button is on the right side of the phone, while the volume rockers are positioned on the left.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Display and Multimedia Experience
- 7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 93.4% Screen-to-body ratio and 2160 Hz PWM Dimming8
- Dual stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos® HiRes Audio for a bold, dynamic listening experience that hits in all the right ways
- X-axis linear motor enhancing touch response and 4D haptic vibration for ultra-immersive gaming
At first glance, the OnePlus Nord CE3 offers an impressive display and multimedia experience with immersive audio capabilities.
The device features a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring stunning visuals and ultra-responsive touch interactions.
With a screen-to-body ratio of 93.4%, the Nord CE3 maximizes the display area, providing an immersive viewing experience. The minimal bezels and large display size create an expansive canvas for content consumption, whether it’s watching movies, playing games, or browsing the web.
The display supports HDR10+, delivering vibrant colours and enhanced contrast for a lifelike visual experience. HDR10+ compatibility ensures that content with HDR support appears more realistic and captivating, with improved colour accuracy and dynamic range.
Furthermore, the Nord CE3 incorporates dual stereo speakers, elevating the audio experience to new heights. With the addition of Dolby Atmos® sound, the device produces bold and dynamic audio that surrounds the user.
Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, the dual speakers deliver immersive sound that hits all the right notes.
To enhance the audio experience further, the Nord CE3 supports HiRes Audio which promises high-quality sound reproduction with excellent detail and clarity in sound.
For gamers, the Nord CE3’s X-axis linear motor enhances touch response and offers 4D haptic vibrations, providing an ultra-immersive gaming experience.
The enhanced touch sensitivity allows for precise control, while the haptic feedback adds a tactile dimension to gaming, making it more engaging and immersive.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Hardware, Software and Performance
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset
- up to 12GB RAM with OnePlus RAM-Vita feature and UFS 3.1 storage
- OxygenOS 13.1 is backed up by two years of software updates and three years of security updates11
Under the hood, the Nord CE3 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 782G chipset, providing an abundance of processing power. This chipset ensures smooth and lag-free performance, even during intensive tasks, while also optimizing battery usage for extended usage.
The improved CPU performance, with a 5% increase, and GPU performance, with a 10% increase, elevate the device’s overall performance capabilities.
With a clock speed of up to 2.7 GHz, the Nord CE3 delivers fast and responsive performance across various applications and tasks.
To complement the powerful chipset, the Nord CE3 offers up to 12GB of RAM depending on the variant you get.
The ample RAM capacity ensures efficient multitasking and smooth app-switching, allowing users to seamlessly navigate between different applications.
The inclusion of RAM-Vita feature only enhances the overall experience. It optimises RAM usage and improves system performance.
Additionally, the UFS 3.1 storage technology provides faster read speeds compared to UFS 2.2, resulting in quicker app launches and data access.
OnePlus has incorporated a VC cooling system in Nord CE3. For gamers and heavy multitaskers, this cooling system is vital in maintaining optimal temperature levels during intensive usage.
It helps in smooth and efficient performance for long hours without overheating concerns.
The Nord CE3 also boasts a TÜV SÜD 48-Month Fluency Rating A, indicating a high level of performance and smooth operation over an extended period.
This rating confirms the device’s ability to maintain optimal performance and responsiveness, even after long-term usage.
In terms of software, the Nord CE3 comes with OxygenOS 13.1, providing an upgraded and seamless user experience. The software is designed with nature-inspired elements, offering a visually pleasing and intuitive interface.
Moreover, the OnePlus comes with two years of software updates for easy access to the latest features and improvements. Additionally, it offers three years of security updates for protection against potential vulnerabilities.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G – Camera
- Triple Rear Camera Setup – 50MP Sony IMX890 + 8 MP Ultra Wide + 2 MP Macro. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 has got OIS for stable, high-resolution shooting.
- Front camera – 16 MP f/2.4 Wide Angle Sensor
The rear camera setup of the Nord CE3 comprises a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The star of the show is the 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, which boasts Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
The inclusion of OIS is for stable, high-resolution shooting, minimizing camera shake and producing sharper images. This feature would be useful for capturing detailed shots in various lighting conditions.
The ultra-wide lens with an 8MP resolution allows users to capture wider scenes, ideal for landscape photography or fitting more elements into the frame.
The macro lens, with its 2MP resolution, enables close-up shots with intricate details, allowing users to explore the world of tiny subjects.
Our first impression of the cameras is delightful. The daylight images will always be good with decent dynamic range.
The focus and shutter speeds should also be fine and the colour output might not have been the best. In any case, this should be definitely one of the best camera setups in this segment.
For selfie enthusiasts, the Nord CE3 features a 16MP front camera with an f/2.4 wide-angle sensor. This front camera captures vibrant selfies, making it suitable for capturing individual or group shots.
However, the front camera shots were a little more refined. These mostly look over-saturated and over-enhanced.
An interesting feature is the TurboRAW algorithm Nord CE3 incorporates. This enhances the low-light shooting capabilities of the phone.
This algorithm works in conjunction with the flagship main sensor and OIS and enables capturing clearer and more detailed photos in Night Mode.
Although advantageous for low-light photography enthusiasts, whether it improves image quality in challenging lighting conditions or not is something that can only be known after thorough usage.
Lastly, OnePlus has upgraded the Portrait mode on this phone for the front and rear cameras for more accurate background blurring, bokeh effects, and bokeh flare filters. Furthermore, the inclusion of ICE 2.0 further aids in reducing blurring, ensuring sharp and high-detail photos.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Battery Life
- 5,000mAh battery
- 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging for charging up to a day’s power in 15 minutes
- 11 temperature sensors, a smart charging chip, and a charging encryption algorithm for a safer charging experience
The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, providing ample power to keep you going throughout the day. To enhance the charging experience, the Nord CE3 supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
With this technology, users can boost their battery up to a day’s power in just 15 minutes of charging.
The Nord CE3 incorporates 11 temperature sensors, a smart charging chip, and a charging encryption algorithm. These measures help prevent overheating and protect the battery from excessive stress during charging.
By monitoring temperature levels and employing smart charging techniques, the device offers a safer and more efficient charging process.
Verdict
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 impresses with its seriously edgy design, combining flat edges and a subtly curved rear cover for a comfortable grip.
The camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS and enhanced low-light capabilities, delivers stunning photos and clear portraits.
The 6.7-inch 120 Hz Fluid AMOLED display offers a vibrant and responsive viewing experience, while the dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® sound provide immersive audio.
Powered by the Snapdragon 782G chipset, 12GB RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage, the device delivers smooth performance. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging ensures a long-lasting and efficient power experience.
All-in-all, the OnePlus Nord CE3 combines style, performance, and functionality to deliver a compelling smartphone package.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – My Mobiles Rating
Design – 3.5/5
Display – 3.5/5
Hardware – 3.5/5
Camera – 4/5
Battery – 4/5
Overall Performance – 3.5/5
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – Price and Availability
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G price in India starts at Rs. 26,999. Expected to be available for purchase from Aug 2023, the starting price is for the 8 GB RAM / 128 GB internal storage base variant.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G will be available in two colour variants that include Aqua Surge and Gray Shimmer colour options.
OnePlus Nord CE3 5G – A Comparison With Leading Alternatives in the Segment
Realme 11 Pro
Realme 11 Pro comes with a generous 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz curved vision display. The smartphone is powered by the advanced Dimensity 7050 5G chipset, which ensures lightning-fast connectivity and smooth performance.
The Realme 11 Pro runs on the Android v13 operating system, offering an intuitive and customizable user interface.
Capture every moment in stunning detail is the revolutionary 100MP OIS ProLight camera with a couple of additional lenses. It also has a massive 16MP front camera for preserving your precious selfie moments and enjoying video calls with your loved ones.
Furthermore, Realme has also equipped Dolby Atmos dual speakers for enhanced streaming and multimedia experience. It promises an immersive and high-quality sound that enhances your entertainment experience.
The Realme 11 Pro has a 5000mAh battery and features 67W SUPERVOOC charging technology. This device charges at an incredible speed, keeping you connected and powered up throughout the day.
Price – Starts Rs 23.999
Poco F5
The Poco F5 5G features a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which promises to deliver an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colours and sharp details.
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 processor ensures smooth and lag-free performance. It handles multitasking effortlessly, thanks to its 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.
The latest Poco smartphone is also impressive in the camera department. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, including a 64-megapixel primary lens, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
The camera system seems capable of shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups while delivering exceptional clarity and detail. On the front, Poco has included a 16-megapixel selfie camera to ensure that your self-portraits are on point.
Powering the Poco F5 is a robust 5000 mAh battery, providing you with all-day usage without needing frequent recharging. It also comes with a 67W turbocharger in the box to make sure the device keeps up with your active lifestyle.
Running on the latest Android v13 operating system, this smartphone is 5G enabled along with other connectivity options such as 4G, Bluetooth v5.3, Wi-Fi and Dual active SIM slots for connectivity.
Price – Starts Rs 29,999
iQOO Neo 7
iQOO Neo 7 comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate 6.78-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels (FHD+) at a pixel density of 388 pixels per inch (ppi). iQOO Neo 7 5G is powered by an octa-core processor.
It comes with 8GB, 12GB of RAM. The iQOO Neo 7 5G runs Android 13 and is powered by a 5000mAh removable battery. The iQOO Neo 7 5G supports proprietary fast charging.
As far as the cameras are concerned, the iQOO Neo 7 5G on the rear packs a triple camera setup featuring a 64-megapixel primary camera; a 2-megapixel camera, and a 2-megapixel camera. It has a single front camera setup for selfies, featuring an Unspecified sensor.
The iQOO Neo 7 5G runs Funtouch OS 13 is based on Android 13 and packs 128GB, 256GB of inbuilt storage.
Price – Start at Rs 28,999
ONEPLUS NORD CE 3 5G KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | July 19, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v13 |
| Custom UI | Oxygen OS |
Performance
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G |
| CPU | Octa core (2.7 GHz, Single core, Kryo 670 + 2.2 GHz, Tri core, Kryo 670 + 1.9 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 670) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 6 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 642L |
| RAM | 8 GB |
Display
| Display Type | Fluid AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Screen to Body Ratio (claimed by the brand) | 84.9 % |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 50 MP, Primary Camera 8 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 2 MP f/2.4, Macro Camera |
|
| Sensor | IMX890, Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor | |
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 3840×2160 @ 30 fps 1920×1080 @ 30 fps |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 16 MP f/2.4, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Super VOOC, 80W |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 b/g/n/ax) 5GHz |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.2 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Side |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
Q1. What is the display size and technology of the OnePlus Nord CE3?
Answer. The OnePlus Nord CE3 features a 6.7-inch 120 Hz Fluid AMOLED display, providing stunning visuals and ultra-responsive touch interactions.
Q2. Does the OnePlus Nord CE3 have a good camera system?
Answer. Yes, the OnePlus Nord CE3 boasts a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS for stable, high-resolution shooting. It also offers enhanced low-light capabilities and an upgraded Portrait mode for clearer and more natural portrait shots.
Q3. How fast does the OnePlus Nord CE3 charge?
Answer. The OnePlus Nord CE3 supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, allowing you to boost the battery to up to a day’s power in just 15 minutes of charging.
Q4. How long does the battery last on the OnePlus Nord CE3?
Answer. The OnePlus Nord CE3 is equipped with a 5,000 mAh4 equivalent battery, providing ample power for a day of usage.
Q5. What software updates can I expect for the OnePlus Nord CE3?
Answer. The OnePlus Nord CE3 comes with OxygenOS 13.1, and it is backed up by two years of software updates and three years of security updates, ensuring access to the latest features and ongoing protection against vulnerabilities.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord 3 5G Features Flagship Camera Tech: OnePlus brings 50 MP Sony IMX890 Flagship Camera