OnePlus Nord CE 5: The OnePlus Nord CE series has always offered solid performance at a reasonable price, and I’ve personally enjoyed reviewing its previous generations. So when the new Nord CE 5 arrived this year, my expectations were high. But after weeks of daily use, it’s clear this model marks a turning point, one that may not sit well with longtime fans of the lineup.
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Design: Simple, Yet Familiar
Nord CE 5 does the understated design signature of the CE range. It takes a very close look to the more expensive Nord 5 when it comes to looks, but does away with additional buttons and gratuitous flair. I reviewed the Nexus Blue option, and it’s sure the winner amongst the color options, which also happen to be Marble Mist and Black Infinity.
While the phone still retains a plastic build, the finish is solid and comfortable to hold. It’s slender and convenient to carry, but the insignificant alterations in design from earlier models might make some feel shortchanged.
Performance: The Best in the Series
Propelling the Nord CE 5 is MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 chip, which is aided by LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This set of specifications places it far ahead of other devices in the ₹25,000 segment and even gets closer to current flagship devices.
Gaming, daily tasks, and multitasking are smooth and responsive. The phone is powered by OxygenOS 15, which is rooted on Android 15, and it has four OS upgrades guaranteed with six years of security patch levels. That translates to this device lasting well into the future.
Display and Camera: Familiar Hardware, Polished Output
A 6.77-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is the highlight of the device. Though the specs are still the same as last year, brightness has seen an increase and goes up to 1300 nits outdoors.
Camera configuration features a 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-600), 8MP ultra-wide camera (now an OmniVision sensor), and a 16MP front-facing camera. Although hardware does not differ much, the new processor and software updates make a significant difference in image quality. The primary camera can record up to 4K at 60fps, a definite improvement over the older generation.
Battery and Missing Essentials
One of the most notable upgrades is the humongous 7,100mAh battery. Large as it is, the phone itself isn’t too heavy at a weight of approximately 199g. With moderate use, it easily lasts over a day on battery.
But this expansive battery is not free. The high-fidelity vibration motor and stereo speakers have been sacrificed. The solitary bottom speaker is boisterous but unrich, and the flat haptics make the day-to-day interactions lackluster. The 80W fast charging also does not feel fast thanks to the single-cell battery design.
Final Verdict: A Battery-First Device with Trade-offs
The Nord CE 5 is a clear departure from the balanced approach of earlier models. While it delivers top-notch performance and battery life, it compromises on audio and tactile experience two areas that made past Nord CE phones so appealing.
If battery life is your top priority, this phone won’t disappoint. But if you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, the Nord CE 5 might feel like a step backward.