OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy M15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 11, 2023 April 5, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 104.4 cm³ 114.35 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.45 "/g 3 "/g
Weight 195 g 217 g
Height 165.5 mm 160.1 mm
Width 76 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 9.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Pastel Lime
  • Chromatic Gray
  • Gray
  • Light Blue
  • Dark Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.72 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.7 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 550 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness 680 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 110.72 mAh/in² 142.01 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.89 mAh/cm³ 52.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus Nord CE 3 LiteSamsung Galaxy M15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165.5 x 76 x 8.3160.1 x 76.8 x 9.3M15 slightly shorter and wider, but noticeably thicker. CE 3 Lite likely feels slimmer in hand.
Weight (g)195217CE 3 Lite is significantly lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCD, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 90HzAMOLED offers richer blacks, vibrant colors, and potentially better power efficiency in dark mode. 120Hz on the CE 3 Lite provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Display Size (inches)6.726.5CE 3 Lite offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2340Virtually identical resolutions; sharpness difference negligible.
Peak Brightness (nits)680 (peak)800 (HBM)M15 likely offers better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Specific nit values for typical brightness are missing for CE3 Lite.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5GDimensity 6100+Both are mid-range chipsets. Dimensity 6100+ is generally considered slightly more powerful based on benchmarks, but real-world performance can vary.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Similar CPU configurations, though architectural differences might lead to slight performance variations.
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2 generally provides slightly better graphical performance.
RAM8GB4GB/6GB8GB RAM on CE 3 Lite enables better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding apps. M15 offers a 6GB option.
Camera
Main Camera108MP50MPHigher megapixel count on CE 3 Lite doesn't guarantee better image quality but offers greater flexibility for cropping and potentially more detail in good lighting.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fps with EISBoth record at 1080p 30fps, but the M15 benefits from Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smoother video footage.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh6000 mAhM15 offers significantly longer battery life due to its larger capacity.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:

  • Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience.
  • Lighter and Slimmer: More comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods.
  • Higher RAM: Better multitasking and smoother performance.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: More detail in good light and flexibility for cropping.

Samsung Galaxy M15 Advantages:

  • Longer Battery Life: Significantly larger battery capacity.
  • Super AMOLED Display: Richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency in dark mode.
  • Slightly More Powerful GPU: Potentially better gaming performance.
  • Video Stabilization: Smoother video recording thanks to EIS.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Ideal for users who prioritize a smooth display, lightweight design, and ample RAM for multitasking. Suitable for social media, web browsing, casual gaming, and everyday use.

Samsung Galaxy M15: Ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and vibrant display quality. Suitable for media consumption, extended use without charging, and light gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is battery life? If all-day battery life is crucial, the M15 is the clear winner.
  2. Do you value display quality or smoothness more? AMOLED provides better colors and blacks, while 120Hz offers smoother scrolling.
  3. What is your budget and storage needs? Consider the price difference between RAM/storage configurations.

My Choice: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

While the Samsung Galaxy M15 boasts a larger battery and AMOLED display, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. The 120Hz refresh rate significantly enhances the day-to-day user experience, making interactions feel incredibly smooth and responsive. The lighter and slimmer design also contributes to a more comfortable handheld experience, which I personally value. Although the battery is smaller, 5000mAh is still respectable and should provide a full day of moderate use. The 8GB RAM is a significant advantage for multitasking, ensuring smoother performance in the long run. The slightly more powerful GPU in the M15 isn't a significant enough factor to outweigh the benefits of the smoother display and larger RAM for my personal use. Finally, while AMOLED displays are generally preferred, a good quality IPS LCD like the one on the CE 3 Lite still offers a great viewing experience.

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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