OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite vs Apple iPhone 16 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 11, 2023 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 104.4 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.45 "/g 3.59 "/g
Weight 195 g 170 g
Height 165.5 mm 147.6 mm
Width 76 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Pastel Lime
  • Chromatic Gray
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.72 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.7 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness 550 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 680 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 110.72 mAh/in² 95.70 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.89 mAh/cm³ 43.2 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 3561 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Adreno 619 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 13 18
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus Nord CE 3 LiteApple iPhone 16Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165.5 x 76 x 8.3147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8iPhone 16 is significantly smaller and more pocketable.
Weight (g)195170iPhone 16 is noticeably lighter for comfortable one-handed use.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials impact durability and premium feel; information needed for comparison.
Display
Size (inches)6.726.1Nord CE 3 Lite offers a larger screen for media consumption, but may be less manageable.
Resolution (px)1080 x 24001179 x 2556iPhone 16 has a sharper display with higher pixel density (460 ppi vs 391 ppi).
TypeIPS LCDSuper Retina XDR OLEDiPhone 16's OLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and potentially higher brightness.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120Unspecified120Hz on the Nord CE 3 Lite provides smoother scrolling and animations. Missing iPhone refresh rate hinders comparison.
HDRNo Dolby VisionDolby Vision, HDR10iPhone 16 supports HDR for enhanced video quality with compatible content.
Peak Brightness680 nits (peak)2000 nits (HBM)iPhone 16's display is significantly brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5GApple A18A18 is expected to significantly outperform the Snapdragon 695 in speed and efficiency.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.7 GHz)Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)iPhone 16's CPU likely offers significantly faster processing power. Clock speed comparison alone is insufficient.
GPUAdreno 619Apple GPU (5-core)Apple's custom GPU is expected to provide a superior gaming and graphics performance.
RAM8GB8GBRAM is comparable; performance difference will depend more on chipsets and software optimization.
OSAndroid 13iOS 18OS preference is subjective, impacting app ecosystem, UI, and privacy features.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)10848Megapixel count doesn't solely determine image quality. iPhone's larger sensor and processing likely compensate.
Sensor Size1/1.67"1/1.3"iPhone 16 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail.
Aperturef/1.7f/1.6iPhone 16's wider aperture allows for slightly better low-light performance.
Video1080p@30fps4K@60fps with HDRiPhone 16 offers significantly higher resolution and HDR video recording.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50003561Nord CE 3 Lite has a much larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging SpeedUnspecifiedUnspecifiedCharging speed comparison requires specific wattage information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
  • Higher Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life.
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Lower Price: Offers good value for its features.

Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:

  • Significantly Faster Performance: A18 chip provides a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior Display Quality: OLED technology with HDR and higher brightness delivers a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
  • Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and advanced processing capabilities contribute to superior image and video quality.
  • More Compact and Lightweight Design: Easier to handle and carry.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display, long battery life, and smooth scrolling. Suitable for media consumption, social media, and casual gaming.

Apple iPhone 16: Users who prioritize performance, premium design, a high-quality camera, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, photography, and videography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Nord CE 3 Lite is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your performance needs? The iPhone 16 offers significantly better performance.
  3. What is your priority: display size/battery life or portability/camera quality? The Nord prioritizes the former, while the iPhone prioritizes the latter.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 16

While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers great value, the iPhone 16's superior performance, display, and camera system are more compelling to me. The A18 chip's expected performance lead ensures a future-proof device capable of handling demanding tasks and future software updates. The OLED display's vibrant colors and HDR support offer a significantly better viewing experience. While the smaller battery is a concern, Apple's optimization usually results in competitive battery life despite lower capacities. The compact form factor is also a plus for me. Ultimately, I prioritize a smoother, faster, and more premium user experience, making the iPhone 16 the better choice despite the higher price.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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