OnePlus has expanded its Nord lineup with the launch of the OnePlus Nord CE 5 in India on July 8, 2025, offering premium features at an affordable price. Starting at ₹24,999, this mid-range smartphone combines a vibrant AMOLED display, a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, and a massive 7,100mAh battery, positioning it as a strong competitor against the Vivo T4 5G and iQOO Neo 10R. Here’s an in-depth look at its specs, features, and why it’s a top contender in the sub-₹30,000 segment.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex (4nm) |
| Camera | 50MP + 8MP rear, 16MP front |
| Battery | 7,100mAh, 80W SUPERVOOC |
| Storage | Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB + microSD |
| Price | From ₹22,999 (with discount) |
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 features a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1080×2400 resolution, delivering smooth visuals and vibrant colors. With a peak brightness of 1,430 nits, Ultra HDR support, and Widevine L1 certification, it’s ideal for streaming HD and HDR content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Protected by Schott Xensation Up glass, the display includes Aqua Touch for wet-finger usability and 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Users note its slim bezels and vivid output, though the 120Hz refresh rate is slightly lower than the 144Hz on the OnePlus Nord 5.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M36 5G Launched in India: Affordable 5G Powerhouse with AI Features
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, built on a 4nm process with an octa-core CPU (3.35GHz Cortex-A715 + 3.2GHz tri-core Cortex-A715 + 2.2GHz quad-core Cortex-A510), the Nord CE 5 delivers robust performance, scoring 1,474,030 on AnTuTu in Performance Mode.
Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), it handles multitasking and gaming like BGMI at 120fps with ease, supported by a 7,041mm² CryoVelocity cooling system. While it outperforms the Nord CE 4’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, it trails the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Nord 5 for high-end tasks.
Camera Setup
The Nord CE 5 features a dual rear camera system with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor (f/1.8, OIS) for sharp, stable photos and 4K 60fps video, paired with an 8MP OmniVision OV08D10 ultrawide lens (f/2.2). A 16MP Sony IMX480 front camera with EIS handles selfies and video calls.
AI features like Photo Remaster, Object Eraser, and Circle to Search enhance usability, but low-light performance and ultrawide quality lag behind competitors like the OnePlus Nord 5’s 50MP setup. The camera is reliable for daylight shots but not class-leading in the segment.
Also Read: iQOO Neo 10R Launched in India: Gaming Powerhouse Under ₹30,000
Battery
The Nord CE 5 boasts a 7,100mAh graphene-reinforced battery, the largest ever in a OnePlus smartphone, offering up to two days of moderate use or 6+ hours of YouTube streaming after a 10-minute charge with 80W SUPERVOOC. It reaches 100% in about 59 minutes, with Bypass Charging reducing heat during gaming.
The battery retains over 80% capacity after four years, per OnePlus lab tests, though the lack of wireless charging is a minor drawback compared to premium rivals.
Design
At 199 grams and 8.27mm thick (Marble Mist) or 8.17mm (Black Infinity, Nexus Blue), the Nord CE 5 features a polycarbonate back and frame with an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The vertical camera layout and flat frame maintain a minimalist aesthetic, though the plastic build feels less premium than the POCO F7’s metal frame.
It includes a single bottom-firing speaker, missing stereo audio, and a fast in-display fingerprint sensor. The absence of NFC in India is a noted limitation for contactless payments.
With OxygenOS 15
Running OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the Nord CE 5 offers a clean, fluid interface with AI features like AI Voice Transcription, AI Plus Mind for memory saving, and smart gallery functions. OnePlus promises four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring long-term reliability.
However, some pre-installed bloatware detracts from the experience compared to cleaner alternatives like Motorola’s software. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a hybrid SIM slot, with enhanced 5G-Advanced support via Reliance Jio.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is priced at ₹24,999 (8GB/128GB), ₹26,999 (8GB/256GB), and ₹28,999 (12GB/256GB), with effective prices of ₹22,999, ₹24,999, and ₹26,999 after a ₹2,000 bank discount. Available from July 12, 2025, via Amazon, OnePlus.in, and retail stores, it undercuts the OnePlus Nord 5 (₹29,999) and competes with the Vivo T4 5G (₹21,999). Launch offers include no-cost EMI and discounts on select bank cards.
Why the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Stands Out
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 excels with its massive battery, vibrant AMOLED display, and robust performance, making it a top pick for budget-conscious users seeking endurance and gaming capabilities.
Its long-term software support and AI features add value, though the single speaker, average ultrawide camera, and plastic build are drawbacks compared to the iQOO Neo 10R’s superior chipset or the POCO F7’s higher IP rating. For those prioritizing battery life and display quality under ₹30,000, the Nord CE 5 is a compelling choice in 2025’s mid-range market.
