When it comes to budget-friendly smartphones offering 5G capabilities, two of the most popular choices are the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. Both of these devices have made significant waves in the mid-range smartphone market due to their value for money, impressive features, and modern design. However, while they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that could make one a better choice over the other based on your needs.
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Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two smartphones across several key parameters, from design and display to performance, camera, battery, and more.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Overview
Samsung has always been a trusted brand in the smartphone industry, offering durable phones with a reputation for quality. The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is no exception. It is designed to cater to users looking for a reliable budget smartphone with 5G connectivity, good performance, and solid camera capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G:
- 5G Connectivity
- 120Hz refresh rate display
- Large battery capacity
- Dual rear camera setup
- One UI 4.0 based on Android 12
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Overview
OnePlus is known for its premium smartphones, but it has also ventured into the budget segment with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. This device is part of the Nord series and offers a balance of performance, camera quality, and design. With a strong following among users seeking value-for-money devices, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite aims to combine great hardware with a smooth user experience.
Key Highlights of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G:
- 5G Connectivity
- 120Hz refresh rate display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Triple rear camera setup
- OxygenOS based on Android 13
Design and Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm | 165.8 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 195 grams |
| Material | Plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Black, Blue, Lavender |
| Design | Modern, sleek design with curved edges | Sleek, minimalistic design, thinner bezels |
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G offers a sturdy design, with a plastic back and a glossy finish. It is quite bulky, weighing 202 grams, which might not be ideal for those who prefer lightweight devices.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is slightly lighter and thinner, offering a more compact feel. The design is sleek, with minimal bezels that give it a modern look. Although both devices are made of plastic, OnePlus does an excellent job with its finishing.
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.72 inches |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) | Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 420 nits | 450 nits |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Both phones offer large Full HD+ displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, making them capable of providing smooth visuals during gaming, scrolling, and video streaming. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has a slightly larger 6.72-inch display compared to the 6.5-inch screen on the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G.
While both displays are decent, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G offers slightly higher brightness levels, making it better for outdoor usage.
Performance and Hardware
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB (expandable via microSD) | 128GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Operating System | One UI 4.0 based on Android 12 | OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
In terms of performance, both devices feature mid-range processors, but the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G comes equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 700, which is specifically tuned for 5G connectivity, while the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. Both processors are capable of handling day-to-day tasks smoothly, with some occasional lag during heavy gaming or multitasking.
The Snapdragon 695 on the OnePlus device offers slightly better power efficiency compared to the MediaTek Dimensity 700. Additionally, OnePlus’s OxygenOS is known for its clean interface and user-friendly experience, while Samsung’s One UI provides additional features, like advanced multitasking.
Camera Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8 |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP | 2MP |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
Camera performance is an area where the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has a noticeable edge. With a 108MP primary sensor, it can capture much more detail in photos compared to the 48MP sensor on the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G. The OnePlus device also boasts a more capable front camera with a 16MP sensor compared to the 13MP selfie camera on the Samsung device.
Despite these advantages, Samsung’s camera software offers more versatility, including features like Night Mode and Single Take, which enhance the overall user experience.
Battery and Charging
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 15W Fast Charging | 67W SuperVOOC Fast Charging |
| USB Type-C | Yes | Yes |
Both smartphones feature a 5000mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage on a single charge. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G shines in the charging department with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in just around 30 minutes, which is far superior to the 15W charging found in the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G.
Price and Value for Money
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹14,999 (base variant) | ₹19,999 (base variant) |
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is more budget-friendly, priced at ₹14,999, while the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G costs ₹19,999 for its base variant. Despite the price difference, the OnePlus device justifies its higher price tag with better camera specifications, faster charging, and an overall more premium feel.
According to us Both the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G are solid options in the budget 5G smartphone market, with each having its strengths. If you’re looking for an affordable phone that gets the basics right—especially for battery life and display—the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want a phone with a more powerful camera setup, faster charging, and better overall performance, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is the better pick.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences: whether you value a lower price and reliable performance (Samsung) or a more premium experience with better camera and charging speeds (OnePlus).
