OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 11, 2023 August 11, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 104.4 cm³ 122.74 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.45 "/g 3 "/g
Weight 195 g 253 g
Height 165.5 mm 154.9 mm
Width 76 mm 129.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 6.1 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Pastel Lime
  • Chromatic Gray
  • Blue
  • Phantom Black
  • Gray
  • Cream
  • Icy Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.72 " 7.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1812 x 2176
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.7 % 91.1 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 373 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 550 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 680 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 110.72 mAh/in² 76.18 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.89 mAh/cm³ 35.85 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus Nord CE 3 LiteSamsung Galaxy Z Fold5Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165.5 x 76 x 8.3154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 (folded)Z Fold5 significantly more compact when folded, but thicker and wider when unfolded. Nord CE 3 Lite is a traditional slab phone design.
Weight (g)195253Nord CE 3 Lite noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Z Fold5's weight is understandable given its foldable design.
FoldableNoYesZ Fold5 offers a larger screen in a pocketable device and unique multitasking capabilities. Nord CE 3 Lite provides a familiar smartphone experience.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2XZ Fold5 boasts superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks due to AMOLED technology. Nord CE 3 Lite's LCD is less power-efficient.
Display Size (inches)6.727.6 (main); 6.2 (cover)Z Fold5 offers a significantly larger main display for immersive content consumption. The cover screen allows for quick tasks without unfolding. Nord CE 3 Lite has a large display for a mid-range phone.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to the high refresh rate.
Resolution1080 x 24002176 x 1812 (main); 2316 x 904 (cover)Z Fold5's main display provides significantly sharper visuals. Nord CE 3 Lite's resolution is standard for its price range.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5GSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Z Fold5's flagship processor offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. Nord CE 3 Lite provides adequate performance for everyday tasks.
RAM (GB)812Z Fold5's larger RAM allows for more apps to run in the background without impacting performance, crucial for multitasking on its large screen.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)10850While Nord CE 3 Lite has higher megapixel count, Z Fold5 utilizes a larger sensor (1/1.57\" vs 1/1.67\") potentially capturing more light and detail. Image quality depends on processing and other factors, not just megapixels.
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@30fpsZ Fold5 capable of much higher resolution video recording.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50004400Nord CE 3 Lite offers a larger battery capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life. However, Z Fold5's larger, higher resolution display may consume more power. Real-world battery life depends on usage patterns.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
  • Longer Battery Life (Potential): Larger battery capacity.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:

  • Foldable Design: Unique form factor with a larger inner display and multitasking capabilities.
  • Flagship Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM.
  • Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, colors, and HDR support.
  • Higher Quality Cameras (Potential): Larger sensor on the main camera and advanced video recording capabilities.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Budget-conscious users seeking a large screen, long battery life, and reliable performance for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and casual gaming.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Users who prioritize cutting-edge technology, a large and immersive display, top-tier performance, and innovative multitasking features. Ideal for power users, content creators, and those who value portability and a unique form factor.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The Z Fold5 is significantly more expensive.
  2. Do you value portability and a large screen? The Z Fold5's foldable design addresses both needs.
  3. What level of performance do you require? The Z Fold5 offers flagship performance, while the Nord CE 3 Lite provides adequate performance for everyday use.

My Choice:

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. While significantly more expensive, the innovative foldable design, flagship performance, and superior display technology are compelling. The larger inner screen provides an unparalleled mobile viewing experience and the multitasking capabilities significantly enhance productivity. I prioritize these features over battery life and cost savings. The Nord CE 3 Lite is a great budget option, but the Z Fold5 offers a transformative mobile 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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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.