OnePlus recently launched the Nord CE 4 Lite smartphone globally and in the Indian market. Positioned in the highly competitive mid-range segment, it faces strong competition from both new and established brands. One of its main competitors is the Nothing Phone (2a), which is similarly priced and brings its own set of features to the table. But which one comes out on top? Let’s break down their specifications and see how they compare across key areas.
1. Display
Both phones come equipped with captivating 6.67-inch and 6.7-inch AMOLED displays, respectively, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a seamless user experience. Resolution remains identical at 1080 x 2400 pixels, ensuring sharp visuals.
The OnePlus edges out slightly with a peak brightness of 2100 nits compared to Nothing Phone 2a’s 1300 nits which should offer better visibility in outdoor environments.
2. Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G utilizes a combination of glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. The Nothing Phone 2a follows a similar approach but with a tougher Gorilla Glass 5 front and plastic back and frame. Both offer an IP54 rating for basic dust and water resistance. The Nothing Phone 2a differentiates itself with a unique transparent back design incorporating three LED notification lights.
Both offer a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in today’s market, but only the Nothing Phone 2a features NFC for contactless payments.
3. Performance and Software
The biggest concern for the Nord CE 4 Lite is the recycled heart of the phone – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695. This processor has been powering OnePlus budget phones since the Nord CE 2 Lite in 2022. While it can handle everyday tasks, it’s starting to show its age. Gamers and those who crave a super snappy experience will likely find it sluggish.
Nothing Phone (2a), on the other hand, has a newer MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro that offers better performance for both everyday use and gaming. Both phones come with 8GB of RAM and offer 128GB or 256GB of storage.
Software-wise, both phones run the latest Android 14 operating system. However, the experience differs. The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G utilizes OxygenOS 14, a familiar interface known for its clean and customizable approach. The Nothing Phone 2a features Nothing OS 2.5.5, a lighter skin that prioritizes a near-stock Android experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer a more minimalist or feature-rich interface.
4. Camera Systems
Both phones equip a dual rear camera system. The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G opts for a 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) alongside a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode. The Nothing Phone 2a takes a different approach with dual 50MP sensors – a wide and an ultrawide – offering more versatility when capturing landscapes and group photos. Both lack telephoto capabilities, a common omission in this price range.
Over on the front, the Nothing Phone 2a boasts a higher-res 32MP camera compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G’s 16MP sensor.
5. Battery Life and Charging
Both phones come with sizable batteries: the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G Indian variant has a 5500mAh battery, the global version has a 5110mAh battery, and the Nothing Phone (2a) has a 5000mAh battery. While real-world battery life will vary based on usage patterns, both should comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
Charging speeds differ significantly. The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G supports faster 80W wired charging compared to the Nothing Phone 2a’s 45W wired charging.
6. Price
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is available in Super Silver, Mega Blue, and an India-exclusive Ultra Orange color. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at Rs 19,999, while the 8GB + 256GB variant costs Rs 22,999.
The Nothing Phone (2a) comes in White and Black colors. It starts at Rs 23,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant whereas the 8GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 25,999. The higher 12GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 27,999.
Here’s a quick rundown of the specs of two phones:
| Specification | OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite | Nothing Phone 2a |
| Display | 6.67 inches AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz | 6.7 inches AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP (wide) + 2MP (depth) | 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5500mAh (India) / 5110mAh (Global) | 5000mAh |
| Fast Charging | 80W | 45W |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes (under display, optical) | Yes (under display, optical) |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Software (OS) | Android 14, OxygenOS 14 | Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5.5 |
7. Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite isn’t a bad phone by any means. It offers a decent display, good battery life, and a capable camera system for casual users. However, if you’re a power user or someone who values the latest features and future-proofing, it’s worth considering the Nothing Phone (2a). It boasts a more versatile camera system with an ultrawide sensor and convenience features like NFC for contactless payments. Additionally, its eye-catching transparent design sets it apart from other phones in its segment.
