The smartphone market in 2025 is saturated with feature-rich options at competitive prices, but few brands have mastered the balance between affordability and performance like OnePlus. Continuing its legacy of offering great value, OnePlus launched the much-anticipated Nord CE 5 on July 8, 2025, with a starting price of ₹24,999.
The “CE” in Nord CE stands for “Core Edition,” and this fifth generation of the series seeks to deliver all essential features without inflating the price tag. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
🧰 Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 16MP punch-hole |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging |
| OS | OxygenOS 14.1 (based on Android 14) |
| Price (Starting) | ₹24,999 |
📦 Design & Build Quality
The Nord CE 5 maintains the slim and minimalist aesthetics OnePlus is known for. At 7.9mm thin and weighing just 182g, it’s incredibly lightweight and ergonomic. The back panel features a matte finish that’s resistant to fingerprints and feels premium in hand.
Available in colors like:
- Aqua Surge
- Chrome Gray
- Celestial Sand
The camera module now features a cleaner vertical layout, aligning well with the rest of the Nord lineup’s design language.
Though it lacks an official IP rating, it does have basic splash resistance—decent enough for daily use.
📺 Display: Smooth & Vivid
The 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display is one of the highlights of the device. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it offers ultra-smooth scrolling and a great experience for both gaming and video playback.
Features include:
- HDR10+ support
- 1100 nits peak brightness
- Eye comfort mode
- Always-On Display
In real-world use, the colors pop, blacks are deep, and visibility under sunlight is more than adequate. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram, the display delivers excellent clarity and responsiveness.
⚙️ Performance: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in Action
Powering the Nord CE 5 is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a 6nm chipset that balances performance and efficiency. Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the phone is a solid performer in its segment.
Real-world use:
- Daily Tasks: Fluid multitasking, no noticeable lags.
- Gaming: Handles BGMI, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact at medium-high settings without heating.
- Thermals: Good heat dissipation due to an updated vapor chamber system.
While not flagship-grade, this processor is ideal for most users, especially casual gamers and power users on a budget.
📸 Camera: A Mixed Bag
The Nord CE 5 features a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, which delivers impressive shots in daylight and decent low-light performance.
Camera Breakdown:
- Main (50MP): Great sharpness and color accuracy in daylight. Night mode has improved but still lags behind premium rivals.
- Ultrawide (8MP): Decent in good light but lacks detail in dim settings.
- Macro (2MP): More of a filler—average quality.
- Front (16MP): Good for selfies and video calls; beautification is subtle and optional.
Video recording supports 4K at 30fps and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). The footage is stable and suitable for vlogging or casual use.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging: Stellar
OnePlus has equipped the CE 5 with a 5000mAh battery—more than enough for a full day and beyond on moderate usage.
In testing:
- Screen-on time: 7–8 hours easily
- Idle drain: Minimal overnight loss
But the real show-stealer is the 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which takes the phone from 0 to 100% in about 35 minutes. It’s perfect for users always on the move.
🧑💻 Software: Clean & Customizable
Running on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14, the experience is fluid, bloat-free, and responsive.
Highlights:
- Customizable gestures
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Zen Space & Work-Life Balance mode
- Upgraded Shelf and Smart Launcher
OnePlus has promised 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which is great for a mid-range phone.
📶 Connectivity & Audio
- 5G with 12-band support
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
- 3.5mm headphone jack (yes, it’s still here!)
- Dual stereo speakers: Loud, clear, and perfect for casual media
These features make it a well-rounded daily driver for students, professionals, and creators alike.
🎯 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Bright, responsive 120Hz AMOLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Clean OxygenOS experience
- 80W fast charging
- Great design and form factor
- Competitive pricing
❌ Cons:
- Ultrawide and macro cameras are underwhelming
- No IP rating
- No expandable storage
🆚 Competitors Comparison
| Feature | Nord CE 5 | iQOO Z9 Turbo | Samsung M15 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED 120Hz | AMOLED 144Hz | LCD 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Dimensity 8200 | Exynos 1280 |
| Charging Speed | 80W | 66W | 25W |
| OS | OxygenOS 14.1 | Funtouch OS 14 | OneUI 6.1 Core |
| Price | ₹24,999 | ₹23,999 | ₹22,499 |
The Nord CE 5 emerges as a balanced option between raw power (iQOO Z9 Turbo) and software experience (Samsung M15).
📝 Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a mid-range phone that offers solid performance, good cameras, fast charging, and clean software, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is one of the best options available in 2025.
It’s a classic “do-it-all” phone for everyday users, students, and even light gamers. While it doesn’t break any records, it delivers where it matters most—making it a safe, reliable choice in the ₹25,000 segment.
⭐ Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)