OnePlus Nord CE5 5G Review: Everything You Need to Know (2025)
Introduction: OnePlus is Back With a Bang!
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, OnePlus has consistently struck a fine balance between performance, aesthetics, and affordability. The OnePlus Nord CE5 (Core Edition 5) continues this legacy, offering flagship-like features at a mid-range price. With 5G support, a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, and a Sony IMX882 camera sensor, this phone is quickly becoming one of the top choices in the under ₹25,000 category.
But does the OnePlus Nord CE5 truly live up to the hype? Is it just a rebranded version of previous models, or does it bring something fresh to the table in 2025?
Let’s break it all down in this detailed, no-fluff review.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Lightweight, and Premium
At first glance, the OnePlus Nord CE5 feels more expensive than it is. It weighs just 186g and is 7.9mm thin, making it ideal for one-handed use. The back has a glossy finish with slightly curved edges, giving it a minimal yet modern vibe.
🔹 Available Colors:
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Super Silver
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Sand Dune Gold
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Midnight Black
Despite being a budget offering, the phone doesn’t feel plasticky or cheap. In fact, the overall in-hand feel is quite similar to premium OnePlus models.
No IP rating though — so don’t go swimming with it.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with 120Hz Smoothness
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (2412 x 1080 pixels) is a treat for the eyes. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and brightness levels are decent at 1100 nits. Scrolling feels smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support makes streaming on Netflix and YouTube enjoyable.
🔹 Key Display Features:
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AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
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1100 nits peak brightness
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HDR10+ certified
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2160Hz PWM dimming (great for eye comfort)
Whether you’re gaming, binge-watching shows, or just doom-scrolling, the CE5’s display offers a flagship-like experience.
Performance: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Delivers
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset powers the Nord CE5, paired with 8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage. This combination ensures smooth multitasking, lag-free gaming, and fast app launches.
In real-world usage, the device handles demanding games like BGMI, COD Mobile, and Genshin Impact without stutters (medium to high settings). Even with heavy multitasking, RAM management is impressive.
🔹 Benchmark Scores (approximate):
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AnTuTu: 670,000+
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Geekbench 6: Single-core: 1150, Multi-core: 3100
It also includes HyperBoost Gaming Engine and vapor cooling, helping the phone stay cool even during extended sessions.
Software: Clean OxygenOS 14 (Android 14)
The CE5 runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box. OnePlus promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches, which is acceptable at this price point.
OxygenOS remains one of the cleanest Android skins, with minimal bloatware and plenty of customization options.
🔹 Software Highlights:
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Always-On Display (AOD)
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Zen Mode & Work-Life Balance 3.0
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Smart Suggestions
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Privacy Dashboard
Camera Performance: Sony IMX882 Takes the Lead
On the rear, the Nord CE5 boasts a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. Unfortunately, no ultrawide or macro lens this time — a cutback to keep the price low.
🔹 Camera Samples:
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Daylight: Excellent detail and dynamic range.
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Low Light/Nightscape: Very good, thanks to OIS and Sony sensor.
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Portraits: Natural background blur and accurate edge detection.
On the front, you get a 16MP selfie camera, which produces sharp and color-accurate images, perfect for social media.
📸 Video Capabilities:
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Rear Camera: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
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Front Camera: 1080p at 30fps
While it’s not a photography beast like the OnePlus 12, for its price, the camera system is more than capable.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Performance
The 5500mAh battery is a major plus. Even with 120Hz turned on, the phone easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use.
🔋 Charging:
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100W SUPERVOOC fast charging
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1–100% in around 28 minutes
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No wireless charging (expected at this price point)
If you’re a power user, you’ll love the fast refuel time. Gamers, binge-watchers, and busy professionals can go all day without anxiety.
Connectivity and Extras: Checks All the Boxes
🔹 Key Features:
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5G support (SA/NSA) across all major Indian bands
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Dual SIM (nano)
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Wi-Fi 6
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Bluetooth 5.3
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In-display fingerprint sensor – fast and reliable
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AI Face Unlock
Sadly, there’s no expandable storage and no stereo speakers, which are noticeable omissions when compared to competitors like the iQOO Z9 or Redmi Note 13 Pro.
OnePlus Nord CE5 Price in India 2025
| Variant | Price (Expected) |
|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹22,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | ₹24,999 |
For what it offers — this is one of the most value-for-money 5G phones in the market right now.
OnePlus Nord CE5: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
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Excellent AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh
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Reliable performance with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
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50MP Sony IMX camera with OIS
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Fast 100W charging
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Sleek and lightweight design
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Clean OxygenOS experience
❌ Cons:
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No stereo speakers
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No ultrawide or macro camera
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No IP rating or Gorilla Glass protection
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No expandable storage
Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord CE5 in 2025?
If you’re looking for a budget 5G smartphone under ₹25,000 that doesn’t compromise on performance, display quality, or camera — the OnePlus Nord CE5 is a top contender.
It’s perfect for:
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Students who want a stylish and reliable phone
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Casual gamers who need lag-free performance
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Content consumers who love AMOLED displays
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Fans of clean Android without bloat
Sure, it has a few trade-offs — no stereo speakers, no ultrawide lens, and no IP rating. But considering the price-to-performance ratio, OnePlus has nailed it once again with the CE5.
FAQs: OnePlus Nord CE5
Q1. Does the OnePlus Nord CE5 support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports all major 5G bands in India including n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n78.
Q2. Is the Nord CE5 waterproof?
No official IP rating is provided, so it’s best to avoid water exposure.
Q3. Can I expand the storage?
No, the device doesn’t support microSD cards.
Q4. Is the 100W charger included in the box?
Yes, the charger is included in the retail box.
Q5. How is the gaming performance?
Gaming is smooth and stable with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It handles popular games at medium to high settings easily.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Nord CE5 isn’t revolutionary — but it does almost everything right for a mid-range phone in 2025. It’s a great choice for those who want a premium feel without burning a hole in their wallet. If OnePlus had included stereo speakers and an ultrawide camera, this phone would’ve easily topped the charts.
Still, for most users, it’s a near-perfect budget phone and a worthy successor to the Nord CE series.
