OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
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OnePlus 12
Starting at
£523.00
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Starting at
£170.00What's the difference between the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite?
OnePlus 12 vs Nord CE 3 Lite comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite starts at £170, £353 less than the OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 12 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the OnePlus 12, Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
- The OnePlus 12 has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The OnePlus 12 has a bigger battery: 5400 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite specs
The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The OnePlus 12 offers a larger and sharper LTPO AMOLED screen with higher RAM and faster chipset for demanding apps and multitasking. It has a bigger battery and runs on Android 14. The Nord CE 3 Lite has a smaller IPS LCD screen with a very high megapixel main camera and features expandable storage via microSDXC. It is lighter and slightly slimmer, making it suitable for everyday use and those who want a phone with solid 5G support and dual SIM capability.
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite price
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- 256GBSold out
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OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite battery life and software updates
Battery size and operating system affect how long the phones last and what software experience you get. Each phone offers a different balance here.
Battery Capacity
The OnePlus 12 has a 5400 mAh battery, offering more capacity than the Nord CE 3 Lite's 5000 mAh. This larger battery suits users who want longer usage between charges, especially if using demanding apps or the higher resolution screen.
Operating System
The OnePlus 12 comes with Android 14, providing the latest features and improvements. The Nord CE 3 Lite runs Android without a specified version, which fits those who prefer a straightforward Android experience.
Release Year
The OnePlus 12 was released in 2023, while the Nord CE 3 Lite came out in 2022.
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Fast charging
Foldable
OS at launch
Wireless charging
Year of release
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These specs influence how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Power
The OnePlus 12 uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm), a newer and more advanced chipset compared to the Nord CE 3 Lite's Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm). This makes the OnePlus 12 better suited for power users and more demanding applications.
Memory Size
With 16 GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12 supports heavy multitasking and resource-intensive apps. The Nord CE 3 Lite's 8 GB RAM keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for typical daily tasks.
Storage Options
The OnePlus 12 is available with 256GB or 512GB of storage, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and files. The Nord CE 3 Lite comes with 128GB storage, which fits users comfortable with moderate storage needs or relying on external cards.
Chipset
RAM
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels during use. Both phones offer 120 Hz refresh rates, but other screen features vary.
Screen Size and Resolution
The OnePlus 12 has a larger 6.82 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels. This results in a sharper and more immersive display, ideal for watching videos or detailed work. The Nord CE 3 Lite's 6.59 inch screen with 1080 x 2400 resolution suits those who prefer a more compact phone and good image clarity.
Screen Technology
The OnePlus 12 features an LTPO AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and efficient power usage. The Nord CE 3 Lite uses an IPS LCD screen, offering reliable colour and brightness for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite camera
Camera specs influence photo and video capabilities. Both phones offer different combinations of megapixels for front and main cameras.
Front Camera Megapixels
With a 32 megapixel front camera, the OnePlus 12 captures more detail in selfies and video calls, suitable for users who prioritise clear front-facing shots. The Nord CE 3 Lite's 16 megapixel front camera supports everyday selfie needs.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Nord CE 3 Lite offers a 108 megapixel main camera, capturing very high detail for photos. The OnePlus 12's 50 megapixel main camera balances detail with other imaging features, fitting users who want good main camera performance with a different approach to image quality.
Front camera
Main camera
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite size and design
Other features like size, weight, SIM options, and storage expandability affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Physical Dimensions
The OnePlus 12 measures 164.3 mm in height, 75.8 mm in width, and 9.2 mm in depth, weighing 220 g. The Nord CE 3 Lite is slightly taller at 165.5 mm, wider at 76 mm, but thinner at 8.3 mm, and lighter at 195 g. This makes the Nord CE 3 Lite easier to hold for those preferring lighter phones.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and feature dual physical SIM cards, providing flexibility for multiple numbers or carriers.
Storage Expandability
The Nord CE 3 Lite includes a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage, ideal for users who want to expand their space for media. The OnePlus 12 does not offer this option, focusing on built-in storage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
OnePlus 12 or OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: which should you buy?
Buy the OnePlus 12 if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5400 mAh vs 5000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.82 inch vs 6.59 inch)
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £353 less than the OnePlus 12
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (195 g vs 220 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the OnePlus 12 looks like new and feels very fast. Many highlight the long battery life lasting nearly two days and the sharp, high-quality display. The camera performance is praised, and some like the fast 100W SuperVOOC charging. A few mention minor annoyances like the fingerprint sensor not working on some apps and preferences about the curved edges. Overall, users appreciate the phone's speed, battery endurance, and camera quality.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is described as a good phone for everyday use. Customers note it is comfortable and functional, although some find the touch panel less responsive or like an aftermarket part. The phone is considered reliable for general tasks and 5G connectivity. A few users mention it being somewhat overpriced but generally express satisfaction with its condition and performance.
The OnePlus 12 suits anyone wanting a powerful, feature-rich device with a large, vibrant screen and long battery life. The Nord CE 3 Lite fits those seeking a lighter, simpler phone with expandable storage and a very high megapixel main camera for detailed photos.
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite FAQs
OnePlus 12 vs Nord CE 3 Lite comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the OnePlus 12, Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. The OnePlus 12 has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £523 for the OnePlus 12.
The OnePlus 12 has a bigger battery: 5400 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The OnePlus 12 adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger battery (5400 mAh vs 5000 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.82 inch vs 6.59 inch). Refurbished, it costs £353 more (from £523 vs £170).
Refurbished, the OnePlus 12 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite in 128GB.
