The OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G has officially launched in India, and it’s redefining the mid-range smartphone segment with its flagship-level performance, massive 7100mAh battery, and aggressive pricing starting at ₹24,107 . Released on July 8, 2025, this device combines a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, making it a compelling option for gamers, multitaskers, and battery life enthusiasts . Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
📌 Key Specifications at a Glance
🎨 Design: Sleek, Lightweight, and Practical
The Nord CE 5 5G features a polycarbonate build with a matte-finish back panel that resists fingerprints and smudges . Available in Nexus Blue, Black Infinity, and Marble Mist, it weighs 199g and measures 8.17mm thick, making it comfortable for prolonged use despite its large battery . The IP65 rating provides protection against low-pressure water jets and dust, though it’s not fully waterproof . The design includes a vertical camera module and a single bottom-firing speaker, but it lacks stereo speakers and an alert slider .
📺 Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The device boasts a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080 × 2392 pixels) . It supports HDR10+ and reaches 1300 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring good visibility outdoors . While the peak brightness of 1430 nits is lower than some competitors, the display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for media consumption and gaming . The Aqua Touch feature allows seamless touch responsiveness even with wet fingers .
⚡ Performance: Flagship-Level Power
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset (4nm), the Nord CE 5 5G achieves an AnTuTu score of 1.47 million, outperforming rivals like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 . The LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage ensure smooth multitasking and fast app loading . In gaming, it supports 120 FPS in titles like BGMI and CODM, backed by the CryoVelocity cooling system (7041mm² vapor chamber) to prevent throttling . Thermal management is excellent, with a temperature rise of only 10.8°C during extended gaming sessions .
📸 Camera: Competent but Not Class-Leading
The dual rear camera setup includes:
- 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-600) with OIS for stable shots.
- 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 112° field of view .
Camera Performance:
- Daylight Photos: The primary camera captures detailed images with vibrant colors, though it tends to oversaturate greens and whites .
- Ultra-Wide: The 8MP sensor struggles with detail and noise in low light .
- Selfies: The 16MP front camera is average, with inconsistent dynamic range and oversharpening .
- Video Recording: Supports 4K@60fps, but 1080p@60fps offers more stable performance .
AI features like AI Eraser (removes photobombers) and AI Perfect Shot (fixes blinks/blurs) enhance photography .
🔋 Battery: Two-Day Endurance with 80W Charging
The 7100mAh battery is the standout feature, delivering up to 2.5 days of moderate use and 16.5 hours in PCMark tests . It supports 80W SuperVOOC charging, reaching 100% in 59 minutes . The bypass charging option reduces heat during gaming by drawing power directly from the charger . OnePlus guarantees 80% battery health retention after 4 years .
📱 Software: OxygenOS 15 with AI Features
Running Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, the device promises 4 Android updates and 6 years of security patches . AI enhancements include:
- Gemini Integration: Google’s AI assistant for writing, planning, and learning .
- OnePlus AI Tools: Mind Space (knowledge vault), Voice Scribe (transcription), and Call Assistant (translation) .
- Open Canvas: Split-screen multitasking inspired by the OnePlus Open .
However, the software comes with pre-installed apps, which some users may find intrusive .
⚖️ Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent battery life | ❌ No stereo speakers |
| ✅ Powerful performance for gaming | ❌ Average ultra-wide and selfie cameras |
| ✅ Vibrant 120Hz display | ❌ Pre-installed bloatware |
| ✅ 80W fast charging | ❌ IP65 rating (not fully waterproof) |
| ✅ Long-term software support | ❌ Hybrid SIM slot (microSD shares SIM space) |
💰 Pricing and Variants
| Variant | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB RAM + 128GB | ₹24,107 | Flipkart |
| 8GB RAM + 256GB | ₹25,992 | Amazon |
| 12GB RAM + 256GB | ₹28,668 | OnePlus.com |
Launch offers include ₹2,000 off on bank cards and free accessories .
🏆 Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers seeking high frame rates and sustained performance.
- Power users needing all-day battery life and fast charging.
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting flagship-like features under ₹25,000.
However, it may not suit photography enthusiasts or those seeking premium build quality. Compared to rivals like the Nothing Phone (3a) or iQOO Z10, it wins on battery and performance but falls short in camera and audio .
📅 Availability
The phone is available via Amazon India, Flipkart, OnePlus.com, and retail stores . Color options include Nexus Blue, Black Infinity, and Marble Mist .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Nord CE 5 5G support expandable storage?
Yes, via a hybrid SIM slot (microSD up to 1TB) . - Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack?
No, it uses USB-C for audio . - How does it compare to the OnePlus Nord 5?
The Nord 5 has a better Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 50MP selfie camera but a smaller 6800mAh battery .
💎 Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G offers exceptional value with its massive battery, powerful performance, and clean software. While it compromises on cameras and audio, it excels where it matters most for mid-range users. If you prioritize battery life and gaming over photography, this is arguably the best phone under ₹25,000 in 2025 .
For more details, check out the official OnePlus website or retail platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
