OnePlus launched the Nord CE3 Lite in India in April 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It stood out visually with its bright Pastel Lime colour and kept the budget-friendly recipe of the CE 2 Lite while upgrading the camera, display and charging speed. It was positioned for students and first-time OnePlus buyers.
The 6.72-inch LCD runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. The Snapdragon 695 handles everyday tasks smoothly but is showing its age in demanding games. A 108 MP main camera captures good daylight detail, supported by 2 MP depth and macro sensors. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, a big step up from the previous 33 W. OnePlus also marketed its loud stereo speakers and kept the headphone jack.
Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 5G, the Realme 10 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34 and the iQOO Z7. The iQOO Z7 offered an AMOLED with OIS and a faster chip for similar money, while the CE3 Lite appealed mainly through its clean software and fast charging. Gamers will want something faster.
Key specifications
| Launch price (India) | Rs 19,999 (base variant) |
|---|---|
| India launch | April 2023 |
| Segment | Budget |
| Display | 6.72-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes |
| Rear cameras | 108 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 67W wired |
| Software at launch | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| 5G | Yes |
| Headphone jack | Yes |
| Weight | 195 g |
| Colours | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray |
What we like
- 108 MP main camera
- 67 W charging
- Headphone jack and microSD
- Clean OxygenOS
What could be better
- LCD instead of AMOLED
- Ageing Snapdragon 695
- Filler secondary cameras
Who should buy it
Budget buyers who want fast charging and a clean software experience at under Rs 20,000.
Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.