OnePlus Nord CE 5: If you’re looking for the perfect mix of affordability and performance, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is one of the top candidates in the sub-Rs. 25,000 category. At Rs. 24,999, this latest addition to the Nord line has a number of upgrades in terms of performance, screen, battery, and software support. But is it your go-to phone? Let’s dissect exactly who should buy it.

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Budget-Conscious Power Users

For those who want to squeeze flagship-level performance on a shoestring, the Nord CE 5 is the best bet. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, which has been fabricated on a 4nm process and tuned for smoother multitasking and gameplay. With up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, it performs everyday tasks, multitasking, and power-hungry apps with aplomb. Gamers will especially appreciate the huge CryoVelocity vapor chamber and rock-stable 120FPS support in big titles.

Media Enthusiasts and Screen Enthusiasts

If your device is your primary entertainment source, the Nord CE 5’s 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate is designed just for you. It is 100% DCI-P3 compliant and goes up to 1430 nits of brightness, providing a rich and immersive viewing experience even during sunny days. The display is perfect for binge-watching, social media, or even casual content creation. An in-display fingerprint scanner and USB-C audio add to the experience, though you’ll miss a headphone jack.

Users Who Hate Charging Every Night

Battery life is where this phone truly excels. The 7100mAh battery is the largest ever on a OnePlus phone and easily lasts over a day. Paired with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, you’re at 100% in almost an hour. There’s also bypass charging, particularly handy during gaming, keeping things cool while gaming.

Everyday Photographers

Photography isn’t the CE 5’s headline act, but it still gets the job done. The 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and is capable of 4K 60fps video. The 8MP ultra-wide and 16MP front camera handles basic shots well. If you’re mainly taking casual pictures or sharing reels, this setup will suffice.

Software Longevity Seekers

For users who have been using OnePlus for a while now, OnePlus is promising a whopping 4 years of Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches. This phone comes with Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 pre-installed. This level of software support in a CE-series phone is a first, and it’s a major advantage for those who don’t update their devices frequently.

Who Should Skip It?

If you’re pursuing top-tier camera quality, wireless charging, IP rating, or high-quality materials such as ceramic or vegan leather, this phone will leave you wanting. Furthermore, no curved edges or folding design here either it remains a flat slab design.

Verdict: Hits the Sweet Spot

OnePlus Nord CE 5 is not a flagship killer, but it is a feature-rich mid-ranger for the gamer, occasional creator, and power user looking for steady performance and long-term worth. At Rs. 24,999, it’s among the best-rounded devices in 2025.