OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is available in Qatar in two main variants. The base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 1,099, while the higher-end version with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for QAR 1,299.

These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s worth noting that some stores may also offer the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage variant, typically priced around QAR 1,499, though this version is less common in the Qatari market.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.59″ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
Resolution	2412 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM	6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage	128GB / 256GB UFS 2.2
Main Camera	64MP (f/1.7) + 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro
Front Camera	16MP (f/2.0)
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	33W SuperVOOC fast charging
Operating System	OxygenOS based on Android 12 (upgradable)
5G	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor	Side-mounted
Dimensions	164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm
Weight	195 grams

 

Release Date and Availability

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite was initially released globally on April 30, 2022. In Qatar, the device became available shortly after its global launch, making its way to local retailers and online stores by mid-May 2022. Since its release, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite has maintained its position as a competitive mid-range option in the Qatari smartphone market.

Design and Build

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite features a sleek and modern design that’s typical of OnePlus smartphones. It has a plastic frame and back panel, which helps keep the weight down to a manageable 195 grams. The device is available in two attractive colors in Qatar: Blue Tide and Black Dusk. The front of the phone is dominated by the large 6.59-inch display with a punch-hole camera in the top-left corner.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find the power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. The volume rocker is located on the left side. At the bottom, there’s a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

Display

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is its 6.59-inch IPS LCD display. With a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+), it offers crisp and clear visuals for all your content. The 120Hz refresh rate is particularly noteworthy at this price point, providing smooth scrolling and a more responsive touch experience.

The display supports sRGB and Display P3 color gamuts, ensuring accurate color reproduction. It also features a dark mode, which can help reduce eye strain during nighttime use and potentially save battery life. While it’s not an AMOLED panel like some of its competitors, the IPS LCD still offers good color vibrancy and viewing angles.

Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. This octa-core processor is built on a 6nm process, offering a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The Adreno 619 GPU handles graphics tasks, making it capable of running most modern games at medium to high settings.

The device comes with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which is plenty for smooth multitasking and app switching. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which provides fast read and write speeds for apps and files. It’s worth noting that the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite also supports expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not always found in mid-range smartphones.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile camera setup on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite. The main camera boasts a 64MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, capable of capturing detailed and well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions. This is accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode effects and a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots.

The camera system supports various modes and features, including Night mode for low-light photography, Portrait mode for bokeh effects, and HDR for balancing high-contrast scenes. Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps, along with slow-motion video at 720p and 120fps.For selfies and video calls, there’s a 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. This camera also supports various features like face unlock, screen flash, and portrait mode.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the most impressive aspects of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is its battery life. The device is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. For many users, it might even stretch to two days with lighter usage patterns.

When it comes time to recharge, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging. This technology can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, making it convenient for quick top-ups throughout the day. However, it’s worth noting that wireless charging is not supported on this model.

Software and User Experience

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite runs on OxygenOS based on Android 12, with an upgrade path to newer versions of Android. OxygenOS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with useful additions and optimizations. It offers a smooth and responsive user interface, with features like customizable always-on display, gaming mode, and various gesture controls.OnePlus has a good track record of providing software updates and security patches, which means the Nord CE 2 Lite should remain secure and up-to-date for a considerable time after purchase.

Connectivity and Additional Features

As a 5G-capable device, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is future-proofed for the next generation of mobile networks. It supports various 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most carriers in Qatar. The device also includes Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments.

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, offering quick and secure access to the device. Face unlock is also available as an alternative biometric authentication method.

Comparison with Similar Models

When considering the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, it’s important to look at how it stacks up against other smartphones in its price range and with similar specifications. One of its main competitors is the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which offers a Super AMOLED display and a more versatile camera setup but comes at a slightly higher price point in Qatar. The Galaxy A53 5G also boasts water resistance, which the Nord CE 2 Lite lacks.

Another strong contender is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, which features a 108MP main camera and a 120Hz AMOLED display. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite has an edge in terms of software experience and potentially faster charging speeds.

The Realme 9 Pro+ is another device worth considering, offering a similar price point and feature set. It has a slightly smaller but AMOLED display and a more powerful main camera sensor, but the Nord CE 2 Lite counters with a larger battery and potentially better software support.

Lastly, it’s worth comparing the Nord CE 2 Lite to its sibling, the OnePlus Nord CE 2. The CE 2 offers a more premium build with a glass back, faster charging, and a slightly more powerful processor, but it comes at a higher price point. The CE 2 Lite, on the other hand, offers a larger battery and a higher refresh rate display.

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Pros and Cons

To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the main advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite:

Pros

1. Affordable 5G smartphone
2. Large 6.59-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
3. Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
4. 33W fast charging support
5. Clean and user-friendly OxygenOS interface
6. Decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming
7. 3.5mm headphone jack
8. Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

1. IPS LCD display instead of AMOLED
2. Plastic build may feel less premium
3. Camera performance could be better, especially in low light
4. No wireless charging
5. No official water resistance rating

Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite?

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers in Qatar who want a reliable 5G smartphone without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for:

1. Students and young professionals who need a capable device for everyday use, including social media, messaging, and light productivity tasks.
2. Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging over premium build materials or top-of-the-line cameras.
3. People who enjoy gaming on their phones but don’t need the absolute highest performance for the most demanding titles.
4. Those who appreciate a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with the promise of software updates.
5. Consumers looking to future-proof their purchase with 5G capabilities without spending flagship-level prices.

Tips for Buying and Using the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite in Qatar

If you’re considering purchasing the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite in Qatar, here are some helpful tips:

1. Compare prices across different retailers, both online and in physical stores. Prices can vary, and you might find good deals or bundles.
2. Check for any ongoing promotions or trade-in offers that could help you save money on your purchase.
3. Consider purchasing a protective case and screen protector, as the plastic build might be more prone to scratches than glass-backed phones.
4. Take advantage of the expandable storage by investing in a good quality microSD card if you need extra space for photos, videos, or apps.
5. Familiarize yourself with OxygenOS features to get the most out of your device. Explore settings like customizable always-on display, dark mode, and various gesture controls.
6. Keep your device updated with the latest software versions to ensure optimal performance and security.
7. If you’re new to OnePlus devices, join online communities or forums to learn tips and tricks from other users and stay updated on the latest news about your device.