OnePlus Nord CE 5 vs OnePlus Nord CE 4: OnePlus’ Nord CE series has always been a solid option for smartphone lovers, especially for users who want a stylish and powerful phone without breaking their budget. Now OnePlus has launched the Nord CE 5 in the market, and naturally everyone’s question is – is it a better upgrade than the Nord CE 4 or just a new model in name? If you are wondering which phone would be right to buy, then let’s consider a friendly and slightly desi style comparison of both phones.
Design & Style
The charm of the OnePlus Nord CE series is different in terms of design. The Nord CE 4 came with a slim and modern look, was also splash resistant with IP54 rating. But the Nord CE 5 refines this look even further. With a slightly bigger body and slightly better grip, this phone gives a premium feel. It has an IP65 rating, meaning that now this phone is not only safe from splashes of water but also from more powerful water jets and dust. The Nord CE 5 balances style and durability together.
Display & Visuals
Display has always been a strong point of OnePlus. The Nord CE 4 had a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate – absolutely smooth and sharp. But the Nord CE 5 is slightly bigger, with a 6.77-inch display, and the brightness has also been improved. Meaning whether you are using the phone in the heat of the sun or watching Netflix at night, in both conditions the screen will look absolutely crystal clear and great. The refresh rate is the same 120Hz, meaning both scrolling and gaming will be butter smooth.
Performance & Processor
Now it comes to the real power – the processor. Nord CE 4 had Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which was a solid chipset of its time. But in Nord CE 5, OnePlus has installed MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex, and this is clearly a level higher. Performance is much smoother, apps and multitasking are faster, and the gaming experience is also absolutely top class. If you are a power user or do heavy work on the phone throughout the day, then Nord CE 5 will definitely satisfy you more.
Camera Setup
For camera lovers, the setup of both the phones is not much different. Nord CE 4 had 50MP main sensor (Sony LYT-600 with OIS) and 8MP ultrawide, front camera 16MP. Nord CE 5 also comes with the same setup, but with some software and AI improvements. Meaning photos will come a little more sharp and natural, especially in low light. But if you wanted a major jump in cameras, then you will not get that here. Both these phones are mostly best for casual photography and social media reels.
Features & Tech
In extra features, Nord CE 5 clearly leads. I already mentioned the IP65 rating, which is an upgrade from Nord CE 4. Storage is limited to 256GB in both phones, but Nord CE 5’s software and AI-based optimizations take it a little ahead. Connectivity, 5G and software updates give you a smooth and reliable experience in both phones, but CE 5 feels more “future-ready.”
Battery & Charging
This section is really the most interesting. Nord CE 4 was famous for its 100W charging – the phone would be full in just a few minutes. But Nord CE 5 has taken a different approach. Charging speed has become a little slow at 80W, but the battery size is absolutely amazing – 7,100mAh. Meaning, even if you use heavy things throughout the day, the battery will not run out quickly. In a way, charging is a bit slow, but such a big battery pack gives you more convenience. For heavy users, Nord CE 5 becomes the battery king.
Price & Offer
The price is almost the same for both phones – starting range of around ₹24,999. Meaning if you are thinking of buying Nord CE 4, then now the obvious choice is Nord CE 5, because for the same money you are getting better processor, bigger battery and stronger build. Offers and EMI are also easily available for ₹879–₹900 monthly, so both the options are pocket-friendly in terms of budget.
Final Verdict
If you want a phone with the best battery life and flagship performance, the Nord CE 5 is perfect for you. This phone is an upgrade to the Nord CE 4 in every way, except for one thing – charging speed. If you are only crazy about ultra-fast charging, the CE 4 is still relevant. But in practical life, battery backup is more important, and the Nord CE 5 easily wins in that regard.










