Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G and the Realme C67. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you decide which one might be better for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Realme C67 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-04-30 | 2023-12-16 | The Realme C67 is a newer model, potentially benefiting from more recent technology and software updates. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Realme C67 is slightly taller but thinner, likely feeling more sleek in the hand. OnePlus might feel more substantial due to slightly more volume. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | The Realme C67 is marginally lighter, which can make a difference in extended use, especially when holding or using the phone for a prolonged period. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.59" | 6.72" | The Realme C67 offers a slightly larger screen, which can enhance media consumption and gaming, and provide more screen real estate overall. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, the difference is negligible in practice |
| PPI | 401 | 392 | The OnePlus has marginally higher pixel density, however the difference will be nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both provide decent color accuracy and viewing angles, common in this segment. Not the vibrant blacks and colors from AMOLED, but a solid and affordable option |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer a smooth scrolling and gaming experience at 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme C67 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, while the OnePlus’s spec is missing, which means it’s most probably below 600 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus edges out in benchmarks, potentially offering more grunt for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 406,221 | 338,900 | The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has significantly better performance than the Realme C67. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 619 in the OnePlus may offer better graphics performance in some gaming scenarios compared to Mali-G57 MC2. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.7, 1/2", 0.70 µm) | 108MP (f/1.75, 1/1.67", 0.64 µm) | Realme C67 boasts a much higher resolution main sensor for potentially more detailed shots, while OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture and bigger pixels |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | OnePlus has a higher resolution selfie camera which is better for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | OnePlus offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both include a basic 2MP Macro lens, which is very common in this price range. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | The OnePlus supports slow motion video at a better frame rate, which is better for action shots and effects |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, CDAF, Continuous Shooting | Dual Camera | OnePlus offers more camera versatility with its triple camera setup and additional autofocus features, while Realme features a dual-camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a large battery for a full day's use, with similar endurance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Lithium | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Both devices offer 33W fast charging, providing good charging speeds; The specific battery chemistry isn't a big game changer here. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Realme C67 can act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature for some users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgrade to 13) | Android 13 | Realme ships with the newest OS version, while OnePlus can be upgraded, so it is just a minor benefit for Realme. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, but OnePlus offers Wi-Fi MIMO for improved connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | OnePlus has slightly newer Bluetooth standard with additional audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio, while the Realme supports HID (Human Interface Profile). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The OnePlus supports QZSS, which can improve location accuracy in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | The Realme has more storage options, if more storage is needed beyond 128GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB | The Realme offers a 12 GB option for heavy users that require extra RAM for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion, which can be a downside for users with many large media files. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme has a better audio output due to stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, while the noise cancelling mic on the OnePlus is a small advantage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide standard biometric security with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phone mentions additional screen protection like Gorilla Glass |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | OnePlus includes a compass sensor, which may benefit navigation. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Strengths:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset offers better overall performance compared to the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, which may be significant for gaming and heavy users
- Enhanced Camera System: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode and a higher-res selfie camera which is better for selfies and video calling. It also has more camera features such as Continuous Shooting, CDAF, and a triple camera setup.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi MIMO and newer Bluetooth 5.2 with advanced audio codecs for better wireless audio.
- More Sensors: Features a compass sensor, useful for navigation.
Realme C67 Strengths:
- Larger and Brighter Display: The 6.72" screen is slightly larger and has a much higher maximum brightness for better visibility under direct sunlight
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP sensor offers the potential for more detailed main camera photos.
- Greater Storage Options: It has 256 GB and 512 GB internal storage options, as well as a 12GB RAM option.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices is a handy feature.
- Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers: Provides better audio output with enhanced spatial audio, immersion, and separation, giving an edge in sound quality.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- OnePlus: Lacks expandable storage and has lower screen brightness in comparison to the Realme C67. It's also older by about 1.5 years.
- Realme: Its performance may not be as strong as the OnePlus, has a lower resolution selfie camera, lacks a portrait sensor, and has slower slow-motion recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, slightly better gaming, camera versatility, and connectivity, and don’t mind the lower brightness display.
- Use Case: Mobile gamers, those who do video calls often, users needing more sensor capabilities and smoother day-to-day experience with more demanding apps.
Realme C67:
- Best For: Users who want a larger, brighter display, better audio with stereo speakers, good battery life and are okay with slightly less performance, or value newer software.
- Use Case: People who stream a lot of video, outdoor users who need a very bright display, users who are looking for a solid all-rounder with long battery life, or need to have more storage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Prioritize Performance or Display? If raw performance and gaming are more important, the OnePlus wins. If a bigger, brighter display is key, the Realme is better.
How important is camera versatility and detailed selfies? If having a dedicated portrait mode and high-resolution front camera is a priority, the OnePlus is the better option. However, if you want more detail from the main camera, go for the Realme.
Do you need a more storage or better audio? If 128GB is not enough storage, or you want better audio experience with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, then the Realme is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Choose the OnePlus for its stronger processor and gaming-centric GPU, along with better connectivity options.
- For the Media Consumer: Opt for the Realme, which provides a larger, brighter screen, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.
- For the Casual User: Consider the Realme if you want a device that prioritizes display visibility, battery, storage and audio performance, but if performance is a concern, the OnePlus is the way to go.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, even if it's older. Although the Realme C67 is a compelling device, with better audio and a brighter screen, the core experience of a smartphone for me comes down to the processing power, which impacts the smoothness of day-to-day use. The OnePlus provides that thanks to its superior chip and GPU, which is useful for all types of applications and not just gaming, and combined with the versatile camera and better connectivity features, it's the more practical option for me.
