In the ever-competitive Indian smartphone landscape, OnePlus has once again made a bold move by launching the much-awaited OnePlus Nord CE 5. This isn’t just another refresh; it’s a clear attempt to blur the lines between premium and mid-range, offering high-end features at a price that’s surprisingly within reach for many.
On July 8, 2025, at the company’s grand launch event, OnePlus introduced a phone that doesn’t just follow trends—it sets them. Let’s dive deep into what makes this phone a potential game-changer.
🌟 First Impressions: A Design That Stands Out
At first glance, the Nord CE 5 has all the hallmarks of a premium device. It’s sleek, flat-edged, and strikingly modern. The dual-camera module, housed in two bold oval cutouts, looks inspired by Apple’s latest aesthetic, giving it a flagship appeal.
Key Design Highlights:
- Matte polycarbonate back: Premium in feel, smudge-resistant in daily use.
- Colors: Nexus Blue, Marble Mist, and Black Infinity.
- Weight & Build: ~199g, with a comfortable 8.2mm thickness. Perfect for single-hand use.
- Special Mention: IR blaster on the top — a nostalgic yet functional touch for Indian households.
🎨 Display: AMOLED Magic at 120Hz
The Nord CE 5 features a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling Instagram to watching 4K videos a delight. It’s buttery smooth, crisp, and supports Ultra HDR.
- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels (~390ppi)
- Brightness: Peaks at ~1,400 nits
- Touch tech: Aqua Touch for better responsiveness in wet conditions
You can binge your favorite Netflix series or swipe through photos in direct sunlight without squinting—this panel delivers.
⚡ Performance: Dimensity 8350 Apex Means Business
MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, built on a 4nm process, gives this phone surprising grunt. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or juggling apps, this processor can keep up.
- RAM & Storage:
- 8GB + 128GB (Base)
- 8GB + 256GB
- 12GB + 256GB
- Storage Expandability: Yes, via microSD up to 1TB
In benchmark tests, it comfortably beats Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and performs close to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in multi-core tasks. In real-world use, it feels fast and snappy—exactly what you’d expect from a OnePlus phone.
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🔎 AI-Powered OxygenOS 15: Smart, Smooth & Clean
Running on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, the Nord CE 5 is not just fast, it’s intelligent. The AI suite brings smart features normally seen in flagship territory.
AI Features:
- VoiceScribe: Real-time call transcriptions
- AI Unblur, Object Remover: Perfect your photos with one tap
- AI Translate: Real-time translations for chats and texts
- Smart Sidebar: Context-aware tools at your fingertips
Add to that 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, and you have a device that’ll last you for the long haul.
📷 Cameras: A 50MP OIS Beast with Sony Optics
OnePlus didn’t cut corners here. The Nord CE 5 sports a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which means clearer photos and shake-free videos.
Camera Setup:
- Rear:
- 50MP Sony main (OIS, f/1.8)
- 8MP ultra-wide (112° FOV)
- Front:
- 16MP Sony IMX480, EIS
The rear shooter excels in daylight and handles night photography with decent balance. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps, ideal for budding content creators.
🔋 Battery: A Massive 7,100mAh That Lasts and Lasts
This is where the Nord CE 5 blows everyone away. The 7,100mAh battery is the largest ever in a OnePlus phone, and it delivers:
- Screen-on Time: 10-12 hours easily
- Charging: 80W SuperVOOC – 0 to 100% in under 50 minutes
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heating while gaming
If battery anxiety is your daily struggle, this phone may just be your dream come true.
📶 Connectivity, Extras & Everything Else
- 5G Advanced support for better connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC & IR Blaster
- Single speaker output (not stereo)
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- IP65 rating for dust/splash resistance
📅 Pricing & Availability in India
The Nord CE 5 is priced to disrupt:
- 8GB + 128GB: ₹24,999
- 8GB + 256GB: ₹26,999
- 12GB + 256GB: ₹28,999
Availability:
- On sale from 12 July 2025
- Online via Amazon, Flipkart, OnePlus.in
- Offline: Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales
Launch Offers:
- ₹2,000 instant discount via ICICI & RBL Bank Cards
- Free OnePlus Buds 4 (limited time)
⚔️ Competition Showdown: How Does It Stack Up?
| Phone | Price | Battery | Chipset | Main Camera | Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord CE 5 | ₹24,999 | 7,100mAh | Dimensity 8350 | 50MP OIS | 120Hz AMOLED |
| Nothing Phone 3a | ₹29,999 | 5,000mAh | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | 50MP | 120Hz AMOLED |
| iQOO Z10 | ₹26,499 | 7,300mAh | Dimensity 8200 | 50MP | 144Hz LCD |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | ₹26,999 | 5,000mAh | Dimensity 7200 | 200MP | 120Hz AMOLED |
Verdict? The Nord CE 5 is an all-rounder with the best battery and great value under ₹30k.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Money?
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is everything the Indian consumer could ask for in 2025: speed, battery life, AI smarts, and clean software. It’s not perfect — the mono speaker and plastic body remind you it’s not a flagship. But it’s so close, it might just make you wonder: Why pay
Check out our full review of OnePlus Buds 4 External Link: Official Specs Page on OnePlus.in
Who should buy it?
- Heavy users needing 2-day battery life
- Students, travelers, or creators who need performance and reliability
- Anyone wanting flagship-like features on a budget
OnePlus has nailed the balance again. The Nord CE 5 isn’t just a smart purchase; it’s a statement.