OnePlus Nord C vs Competitors: How It Stacks Up in 2024

OnePlus has shaken up the budget smartphone segment in India with its feature-packed, aggressively priced Nord C series. But how do the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and upcoming OnePlus Nord CE 4 compare to rivals from Redmi, Realme and Samsung? Let’s dive into the key specs, features, pros and cons to help you pick the best affordable phone in 2024.

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OnePlus Nord CE 3: More Power, Faster Charging

OnePlus kicked off 2024 with the impressive OnePlus Nord CE 3. Headlining the specs sheet is the efficient Snapdragon 782G chipset, a step up from the Nord CE 2’s Dimensity 900. You also get a larger 6.7″ FHD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 64MP main camera is flanked by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro, while a 16MP sensor handles selfies.

Another major upgrade is the 5000mAh battery with blistering 80W SUPERVOOC charging, juicing up the phone in just 32 minutes. RAM and storage top out at a generous 12GB and 256GB respectively. The CE 3 runs Android 13-based OxygenOS 13 out of the box.

Pricing starts at ₹24,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant, with the 12GB/256GB model going for ₹27,999 – great value for what’s on offer.

OnePlus Nord CE 4, CE 4 Lite Rumored for Q3 Launch

While OnePlus hasn’t made things official yet, leaks suggest a OnePlus Nord CE 4 and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G are in the pipeline for a Q3 2024 unveiling.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 could bring incremental upgrades like a 6.7″ 120Hz AMOLED display, 50MP main camera, and Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC. We may also see faster 100-120W charging and improved cameras. Expect a sub-₹30,000 price tag.

Meanwhile, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G should cater to the sub-₹20,000 segment with slightly watered-down specs like a 6.5″ 90Hz AMOLED screen, 48MP main shooter, Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 chipset, and 33-67W charging. 4-6GB of RAM and 64-128GB storage options are likely.

Rival Radar: Redmi Note 14, Realme 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M54

Of course, OnePlus won’t have it easy. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 series is a formidable foe, offering AMOLED 120Hz displays, 50MP cameras, big batteries and 67W charging at cut-throat prices. The Redmi Note 14 starts at just ₹14,999, while the Pro and Pro+ push things further.

The Realme 11 Pro+ is another strong rival, sporting a flagship-grade 6.7″ AMOLED 120Hz panel, Dimensity 1080 SoC, 108MP main cam and 5000mAh cell with 67W charging. Aggressive ₹24,999 pricing makes it a very compelling option.

Samsung’s Galaxy M54 is also worth considering for its vivid AMOLED display, capable 64MP triple cameras, and clean One UI software. A 6000mAh battery with 25W charging provides solid endurance. Prices begin at ₹25,999 for the 6GB/128GB model.

Making the Right Choice

With capable contenders from OnePlus, Redmi, Realme and Samsung all vying for your attention, which budget phone should you pick in 2024? Here are some factors to consider:

• Display: All these phones offer vivid AMOLED panels, but the OnePlus Nord CE 3/4, Realme 11 Pro+, and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ take the lead with smoother 120Hz refresh rates. The Galaxy M54 and Nord CE 4 Lite settle for 90Hz.

• Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 rumored for the OnePlus Nord CE 4 could give it an edge. The Dimensity 1080 on the Realme 11 Pro+ is also very capable. Samsung, Redmi, and the Nord CE 3 provide sufficient power for most users.

• Cameras: The 108MP shooter on the Realme 11 Pro+ is the most pixel-dense, but the 64MP sensors on the OnePlus and Samsung phones capture great shots too. The 50MP Redmi cameras are no slouch either.

• Battery Life: With 5000-6000 mAh cells across the board, all these phones deliver solid endurance. But 67-80W charging on OnePlus, Realme, and Redmi models powers them up much faster than Samsung’s 25W solution.

• Software: OxygenOS 13 on OnePlus phones offers a clean, near-stock Android experience. One UI on Samsung devices is feature-rich but has some bloat. MIUI on Redmi and Realme UI have improved but still have quirks.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The OnePlus Nord C series hits a great balance between premium features, reliable performance and reasonable pricing with scope for customization via powerful Airtel prepaid plans. But you can’t go wrong with rivals from Redmi, Realme and Samsung either.