OnePlus Nord CE 5 Launched in India: A New Powerhouse for Budget-Conscious Flagship Seekers

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.

 

 

🔎 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.