OnePlus Nord 5 & Nord CE 5: Mid-Range Smartphones Get a Premium Boost in July 2025
Introduction: OnePlus Aims Big with Nord Series in 2025
OnePlus continues its mission to dominate the upper mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus Nord CE 5, expected to debut in July 2025. This year’s models promise a huge leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, these devices aim to bridge the gap between budget and flagship smartphones.
In this article, we’ll dive into the design, features, specs, price expectations, and how these devices compare to their predecessors and competitors in 2025.
OnePlus Nord 5: Premium Performance in a Mid-Range Body
Design and Display
The OnePlus Nord 5 is rumored to feature a sleek metal-glass design, closely resembling the OnePlus 12R. It houses a vibrant 6.74-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and peak brightness up to 1600 nits, delivering an immersive multimedia experience for binge-watchers and gamers alike.
Processor and Performance
Under the hood, the Nord 5 is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3—a near-flagship chipset delivering remarkable performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks. With up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is expected to be lightning fast.
Camera Upgrades
The highlight is a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary camera with OIS, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The front will likely feature a 16MP selfie camera. Enhanced computational photography powered by AI will improve low-light performance, portrait mode, and real-time HDR.
Battery and Charging
You can expect a 5,000mAh battery with 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging, capable of going from 0 to 100% in around 25 minutes. That’s a big win for users who hate long charging times.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: The Core Edition Just Got Better
Design and Display
The Nord CE 5 is a slightly more affordable sibling but doesn’t cut many corners. It will likely sport a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and slimmer bezels, making it feel premium in hand.
Processor and Performance
Surprisingly, leaks suggest that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 might also power the CE 5, or possibly a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, making it one of the most powerful phones in its segment. Expect up to 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage, ensuring smooth performance across apps and games.
Camera Configuration
The Nord CE 5 is expected to pack a 50MP main sensor, although it may lack OIS. It’s likely to include a 2MP depth sensor and a 16MP front camera. While not flagship-level, it’s more than enough for casual photography and social media use.
Battery and Charging
The CE 5 will likely include a 5,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging, offering day-long usage with quick top-ups.
Software and Features
Both devices will ship with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, bringing minimal bloatware, smoother animations, AI-powered Smart Battery Management, and better app launch times.
Additional features may include:
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In-display fingerprint scanner
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Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
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Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4
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5G dual-SIM support
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IP54 rating for splash resistance (likely on Nord 5)
Expected Pricing in India
| Model | Expected Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord 5 (8/128GB) | ₹29,999 – ₹32,999 |
| OnePlus Nord CE 5 (8/128GB) | ₹23,999 – ₹25,999 |
These prices are speculative but aligned with OnePlus’s strategy of undercutting competitors while delivering near-flagship value.
Comparison: Nord 5 vs Nord CE 5
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | OnePlus Nord CE 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.74″ 1.5K AMOLED | 6.67″ 1.5K AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 / 7+ Gen 3 |
| Camera (Rear) | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP UW | 50MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh (100W) | 5,000mAh (80W) |
| OS | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) |
| Starting Price (INR) | ₹29,999 | ₹23,999 |
How They Compare with Rivals in 2025
The OnePlus Nord 5 and CE 5 are expected to compete directly with:
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Realme GT Neo 7
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iQOO Neo 9 SE
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Redmi K80 series
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Nothing Phone (3)
With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, these OnePlus phones might just beat competitors in raw performance and charging speeds.
Should You Wait for It?
If you’re in the market for a mid-range Android smartphone with premium features, the OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 are worth waiting for. They bring flagship-grade processors, crisp AMOLED displays, fast charging, and clean software—all at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts
OnePlus seems determined to reclaim its “flagship killer” crown in the mid-range space with the Nord 5 and Nord CE 5. With powerful internals, sleek designs, and blazing-fast charging, these smartphones could shake up the Android market once again in July 2025.
FAQs: OnePlus Nord 5 & Nord CE 5
1. What is the release date for OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5?
The expected launch window is July 2025, though OnePlus may announce an official date soon.
2. Will the OnePlus Nord 5 support 5G?
Yes, both models are expected to support dual 5G SIMs with global band support.
3. Is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 a good processor?
Absolutely. It offers near-flagship performance with better power efficiency and AI acceleration compared to last year’s chips.
4. Will there be wireless charging?
No, wireless charging is unlikely on Nord 5 and CE 5 to keep the cost low.
5. Are these phones good for gaming?
Yes. The Nord 5 especially, with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 120Hz display, is well-suited for gaming.
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