Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. These two mid-range contenders have some interesting differences under the hood, so let's break down what they mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specs, with a focus on how they translate to real-world use:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | Similar size and thickness; OnePlus slightly taller and less wide. Both will feel comparable in hand. |
| Weight | 195g | 195g | Virtually identical weight; Both are on the lighter side for phones this size. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.59" | 6.5" | Very similar; negligible practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp, clear images, but the OnePlus is slightly sharper. |
| PPI | 401 | 396 | Almost identical pixel density; both will look crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Major difference. AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 120Hz on the OnePlus offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Major difference. The A24's much higher brightness makes it significantly better for viewing outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Both are capable mid-range chips, but Snapdragon 695 has 5G support, Helio G99 only offers 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 406,221 | 411,900 | Very similar real-world performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both will handle most common mobile games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Expect comparable battery life; typically a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | OnePlus charges faster (33W), which means less time plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.7 (OV64B, 1/2”, 0.7µm) | 50MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus has a higher megapixel count and slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus offers a higher megapixel count and slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has the edge with an ultra wide lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus provides a depth sensor to enhance portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar Macro lenses for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization | 1080p@30fps; EIS | Both record in 1080p, but the A24 includes Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which will provide smoother video. |
| Camera Features | CDAF | OIS, PDAF | The A24's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) significantly reduces blur from shaky hands, and PDAF ensures faster focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Samsung offers newer operating system out of the box, and a bigger update promise. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac + MIMO | 802.11ac | OnePlus has MIMO for better Wi-Fi performance, especially in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 + more codecs | 5.3 | Samsung has slightly newer version, while OnePlus offers support for aptX, LDAC, and more for better Bluetooth sound. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB | Both come with 128GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Both offer good multi-tasking abilities. |
| Expandable | None | None | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Noise Cancellation Microphone | Basic audio features | OnePlus offers a noise cancelling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Standard and reliable fingerprint sensors on both. |
2. Key Insights
- Display Showdown: The biggest difference is the display tech. The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G wins with its vibrant AMOLED panel, deeper blacks and far higher brightness, making it much better for outdoor visibility. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G does offer a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, that in my opinion is not worth the trade for a better display tech.
- Performance: Both phones offer very similar levels of performance, but the OnePlus is 5G enabled, while the Samsung is 4G, and this is an important factor to consider based on your needs.
- Camera Capabilities: The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G boasts a higher-resolution main and selfie camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has the advantage with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and a wide-angle lens which I believe are more important for daily use than having 14 more megapixels on the main lens.
- Battery Life & Charging: Both offer a similar 5000 mAh battery capacity, but the OnePlus offers a faster 33W charging, which is quite a notable difference.
- Software: The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G comes with the newer Android 13 out of the box and a more up-to-date update promise.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: Best for users who want smoother animations, and a more performant 5G chipset at a cost of a less than optimal display. This phone is also a great choice for people that prioritize fast charging and better bluetooth codecs.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Ideal for users who consume a lot of media on their phones, value good camera performance with OIS and ultrawide lens, and prefer the superior visibility of the AMOLED panel, alongside an up-to-date software experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility are a priority, the Samsung is a clear winner.
- Do you need 5G connectivity? If so, the OnePlus is your only option between the two.
- Which camera features do you prioritize? If you value optical image stabilization and an ultra wide lens, go for the A24, if higher megapixels and a portrait lens are your focus, go with the OnePlus.
Final Thoughts:
While both are capable phones, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is my clear choice due to its superior AMOLED display with high brightness, OIS in its camera, and more up to date software with a better update promise. The OnePlus 120hz refresh rate is just not enough to compromise the display and I feel that the A24 is the best option here for most users.
