Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 April 11, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 104.4 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.45 "/g
Weight 168 g 195 g
Height 146.3 mm 165.5 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Pastel Lime
  • Chromatic Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.72 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 550 nits
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 680 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 110.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 47.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
GPU Adreno 740 Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23OnePlus Nord CE 3 LitePractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6165.5 x 76 x 8.3S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable. Nord CE 3 Lite is larger and may feel bulky.
Weight (g)168195S23 is noticeably lighter, contributing to better one-handed use.
BuildNot specified but likely glass and aluminumNot specifiedMaterial differences impact durability and premium feel. Without specifics, a direct comparison is impossible.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCDS23 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors due to AMOLED technology. Nord CE 3 Lite's IPS LCD is generally less power-efficient with less impressive visuals.
Size (inches)6.16.72Nord CE 3 Lite provides a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking, but can be less manageable for one-handed use.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2400Similar sharpness due to comparable pixel density despite size differences.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Peak Brightness (nits)1750680S23 offers significantly higher peak brightness, ensuring better outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 695S23's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the mid-range Snapdragon 695 in Nord CE 3 Lite.
RAM (GB)88Equal RAM capacity should provide comparable multitasking capabilities for everyday tasks, though the S23's superior processor will handle demanding applications better.
Storage (GB)128/256/512128/256Both offer ample storage options, catering to various user needs.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50108While Nord CE 3 Lite boasts higher megapixels, S23 utilizes a larger sensor (1/1.57\" vs 1/1.67\") and wider aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.7), potentially resulting in better low-light performance and depth of field. Megapixel count alone doesn't determine image quality.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 allows for significantly higher resolution video recording.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005000Nord CE 3 Lite has a larger battery capacity, likely leading to longer battery life.
Fast Charging25W67WNord CE 3 Lite supports significantly faster charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Significantly faster performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Brighter and more vibrant display: AMOLED technology offers superior visual quality.
  • More compact and premium design: Smaller dimensions and lighter weight improve portability. (Material comparison not possible due to missing data)
  • Higher resolution video recording: Up to 8K recording offers more detail.
  • Potentially better main camera image quality: Larger sensor and wider aperture suggest an advantage in low light and depth of field, despite lower megapixel count.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Significantly faster charging: 67W fast charging replenishes battery quickly.
  • Larger display: Provides more screen real estate for media and multitasking.
  • Lower price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a compact premium feel, a vibrant display, excellent camera quality, and are willing to pay a premium. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and content creation.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, a large display for media consumption, and fast charging. Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming. Less ideal for demanding applications or professional photography/videography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the S23 is a clear winner.
  3. What are your priorities in terms of battery life, screen size, and charging speed? The Nord CE 3 Lite excels in these areas.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers compelling features like a large battery and fast charging, the Samsung Galaxy S23's superior performance, display quality, and compact design are more aligned with my personal preferences. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking, which the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers. The brighter, more vibrant AMOLED display is also a major draw for me. While battery life is important, I'm willing to compromise slightly in that area for the significant performance and display advantages of the S23. The more pocketable form factor is also a deciding factor for my daily use. Finally, while price is a consideration, the long-term value and superior user experience offered by the S23 justify the higher cost for my needs.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.