Introduction

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 (CPH2569) arrived with a promise of premium features at a more accessible price point. This review dives deep into my experience with the Aqua Surge 12GB RAM, 256GB 5G International version, focusing on its real-world performance and overall user experience. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this phone through its paces, from everyday tasks to demanding games, to give you an honest and comprehensive assessment.

Features

The Nord CE 3 boasts a compelling array of features. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is truly stunning, delivering vibrant colours and smooth scrolling. The 50MP triple-camera system takes impressive photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The 12GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking, while the 256GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. The inclusion of 5G connectivity is a definite plus.

The phone also features a 16MP front-facing camera, which produced decent selfies in most situations. Other sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass enhance the overall functionality. Fast charging is a welcome addition, although I didn’t find it to be exceptionally rapid.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G Octa-Core processor, the Nord CE 3 handled everything I threw at it with remarkable ease. Multitasking was fluid, even with multiple apps open simultaneously. Demanding games ran smoothly with minimal lag. The 120Hz refresh rate on the display makes everything feel incredibly responsive and smooth. However, under extreme stress (extended gaming sessions), I did notice some slight heating. It wasn’t overly concerning, but it’s worth mentioning. Battery life, as stated before, was exceptionally good. It easily lasted a full day, even with heavy use, consistently exceeding my expectations. The Android 13 operating system operates seamlessly and provides a clean, intuitive experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Excellent battery life
• Smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon 782G processor
• Ample RAM and storage
• Good camera quality
• Fast and reliable fingerprint sensor
• 5G connectivity

Cons:

• Slight heating under heavy load
• Fast charging speed could be improved
• Camera performance could be slightly better in low-light conditions

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 (CPH2569) is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. It offers an impressive combination of performance, features, and battery life at a competitive price. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives. The brilliant display, smooth performance, and excellent battery life make it a fantastic option for users looking for a powerful and versatile smartphone without breaking the bank. I highly recommend the Nord CE 3.