OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G vs Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: A Battle of Budget Smartphones

The Indian smartphone market has just gotten more exciting with the launch of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G, priced at Rs 19,999. This new device competes with the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched in May at Rs 22,999. If you’re torn between the two, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. We’ve put both devices to the test and compared them in various aspects to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Design

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a more classic camera design compared to its predecessor, the Nord CE 3 Lite. It comes in three colors: Mega Blue, Ultra Orange, and Super Silver. The device we reviewed is the Mega Blue, which looks impressive in marketing materials but fails to deliver the same impact in real-life usage. On the other hand, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion boasts a stunning Marshmallow Blue color option, along with Hot Pink and Forest Blue. The device has a premium feel thanks to its vegan leather finish and curved edges, making it a head-turner.

Display

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display with a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G uses an AMOLED panel, while the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion uses a pOLED panel. The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G’s display is rich in colors, has deep blacks, and provides sharp visuals. It’s perfect for binge-watching 1080p YouTube videos indoors, with a peak brightness of 2100 nits ensuring clear visibility. The Edge 50 Fusion’s display is a mixed bag, with deep blacks but no HDR option on YouTube or Netflix. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate and a curved display, which might appeal to some users.

Performance and UI

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 695 SoC, while the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion uses the newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. In real-world usage, the Edge 50 Fusion excels at everyday tasks and even handles heavy multitasking without any issues. The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G can handle everyday tasks, but it prioritizes usability over high-performance gaming. We ran benchmark tests to compare the performance of both devices, and the Edge 50 Fusion emerged as the clear winner.

Cameras

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP monochrome camera, which delivers good results in bright daylight. The 16MP front camera is capable in well-lit environments, capturing natural-looking skin tones without excessive beautification filters. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion shines in bright light, capturing images with realistic colors and accurate skin tones. Its ultra-wide lens is a gamble, but it’s good to see an ultra-wide sensor on the device.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a massive 5500mAh battery and a speedy 80W charger, providing all-day battery life. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has a standard 5000mAh battery, which delivers two full days of use for moderate users and over seven hours of screen-on time for power users.

Verdict

If you prefer a better display and a boxy design, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is the better choice. If you want a curved display, vegan leather back, better performance, and slightly superior cameras, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the way to go. If neither of these devices appeals to you, consider other options like the Nothing Phone (2a), Samsung Galaxy M55/F55, and Poco X6 Pro.

Historical Context:

The Indian smartphone market has been growing rapidly in recent years, with many international brands entering the market to compete with local players. The launch of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a significant development in this market, as both devices are budget-friendly options that cater to the needs of mid-range smartphone users. The competition between these two devices highlights the increasing competition in the Indian smartphone market, with brands trying to outdo each other in terms of features, design, and performance.

Summary in Bullet Points:

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G:

• Priced at Rs 19,999
• 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution
• Powered by Snapdragon 695 SoC
• 50MP primary sensor and 2MP monochrome camera
• 5500mAh battery with 80W charger
• Boxy design available in three colors
• Good performance for everyday tasks, but prioritizes usability over gaming

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion:

• Priced at Rs 22,999
• 6.67-inch pOLED display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution
• Powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC
• 50MP primary sensor and ultra-wide lens
• 5000mAh battery with standard charging
• Curved display and vegan leather back available in three colors
• Better performance and cameras compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G

Comparison:

• Display: OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a better display with deeper blacks and a higher peak brightness
• Performance: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has better performance and handles heavy multitasking better
• Cameras: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has slightly superior cameras, especially in bright light
• Battery Life: OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has a larger battery and faster charging
• Design: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has a more premium feel with its curved display and vegan leather back

Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depends on individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a better display and a boxy design, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G may be the better choice. If you prefer a curved display, better performance, and slightly superior cameras, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the way to go.