OnePlus and Samsung Low-Cost Budget Smartphones are Leading: Nord 3 CE Lite, Vivo Series T2, Galaxy M14 5G

Due to inflation and the increasing prevalence of 5G, the market for low-cost smartphones has dramatically transitioned over the past year. Xiaomi's Redmi line once controlled the sub-Rs 25,000 price range, but now premium rivals like OnePlus and Samsung are in the lead. The market has never been more intriguing because both companies provide competitive 5G-enabled solutions through their Nord and Galaxy M series. Additionally, Vivo's most recent entry into this market with the Series T deserves notice.

The long battery life of these low-cost gadgets is one of their best qualities. Due to the increased demand for extended battery life brought on by the 5G connection, manufacturers have adjusted their product designs. For instance, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a massive 5,000mAh battery and a Snapdragon 695 CPU. Despite being a year old, the chip still performs functions well, resulting in battery life that frequently lasts past the first day. Additionally, OnePlus included a 67-watt fast charging function in this phone.

Battery and screen

Vivo's Series T2, 5G offers a day's battery life despite a slightly smaller 4,500mAh battery and 44-watt fast charging. But the overwhelming winner is Samsung's Galaxy M14 5G if you prioritise having a longer battery life. This phone has a massive 6,000mAh battery for up to two full days. It uses the 5 nm-produced Samsung Exynos 1330 chipset and can support up to 6GB of RAM. Although not a powerful gaming machine, it provides consistent performance for the average user.

All three phones have enormous screens in terms of their displays. With a 6.7-inch IPS panel and a 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite stands out and offers a smoother user interface. The 6.6-inch displays that Samsung and Vivo offer are slightly smaller. On the other hand, the Galaxy M14's wider bezels, slow touch sampling, and low refresh rate give the impression that its design is antiquated. Positively, the M14 offers additional protection against accidental drops as it is the only phone of the three to have Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Camera

• The Galaxy M14 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite are competitive in the photography department. Despite the 108-megapixel camera of the OnePlus, both phones operate similarly. On the other hand, Vivo beats the competition because of its outstanding low-light shooting capability. However, none of these phones are well-known for their photographic abilities.

• The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has the most pleasing design, despite having a mostly plastic construction. Like the Galaxy M14, the Vivo Series T2 has a plastic body. Due to its massive battery, the Galaxy M14 does seem a little bulky, but the Vivo wins for most excellent build quality and slimness.

• The most streamlined software experience is provided by OnePlus' Oxygen OS, which Vivo and Samsung closely follow. In terms of software upgrades, Samsung has a better track record. Due to its twin stereo speakers, OnePlus excels in the entertainment department.

• Samsung's Galaxy M14, which costs Rs 14,999, is a solid competitor for affordability, dependability, and long battery life. On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord 3 CE Lite provides a more well-rounded experience for a small premium. Even though Vivo excels in the photography sector, its price range makes it less desirable as the only option for low-light shooting.

Conclusion

This explains why the luxury end of the smartphone industry has begun to grow. Except for 5G, older, cheaper phones may be superior to newer devices. Therefore, buyers can only truly upgrade by moving up to the premium market and making a purchase that costs more than Rs 30,000. The OnePlus Nord 3 CE Lite, Vivo Series T2 and Samsung Galaxy M14 5G are your best bets if your money is tight, though you must compromise on performance, battery life, and design.