The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is the latest addition to OnePlus’ smartphone lineup for 2025, offering a balance of performance, battery life, and functionality at an affordable price point. The phone features a polycarbonate frame, composite back, and is IP65-certified against dust and water. It weighs 199 grams and sports a revised design with clean lines and bold camera surrounds. The CE 5 comes in black or white variants, with the black variant having a flat satin-finish back and the white variant featuring a nacre-inspired pattern.
In terms of the display, the Nord CE 5 boasts a 6.77-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED panel with an optical in-display fingerprint sensor. The display offers higher brightness output and improved outdoor visibility compared to its predecessor. The phone supports a peak refresh rate of 120Hz, providing smooth visuals for everyday use and gaming. However, not all games are optimized to run at 120fps on the device.
The Nord CE 5 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The phone delivers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming, with the Game Engine offering performance optimization tools. It also supports RAM Expansion, allowing users to double the RAM capacity for improved multitasking.
In the camera department, the Nord CE 5 features a 50MP Sony main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera. The main sensor excels in bright conditions, offering accurate colors and good detail. The phone’s Ultra HDR feature enhances dynamic range in photos. However, the camera struggles in low light conditions, and the ultra-wide sensor lacks detail and dynamic range.
The device is equipped with a 5200mAh battery and supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging. It offers good battery life, lasting over a day with moderate usage. The inclusion of bypass charging allows for extended gaming sessions without affecting battery health. The Nord CE 5 runs OxygenOS 15 atop Android 15, providing a clean and intuitive user experience.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is a solid budget smartphone that offers a premium user experience with some compromises in certain areas. It provides good value for its price and is worth considering for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed device.
