OnePlus Nord CE 5 Full Review
In the summer of July 2025, OnePlus launched another powerful smartphone — the OnePlus Nord CE 5 — in India. The phone had been creating a buzz for quite some time, from YouTube tech reviewers to social media teasers, with many labeling it a “budget flagship.”
- Launch Date: July 18, 2025
- Starting Price: ₹24,999
- Availability: Online (Amazon, OnePlus.in) and offline retail stores
Brand’s Mission: Deliver premium technology at an affordable price so that more people can benefit from it.
Question: Do you want performance, camera, or an all-round experience? This review will answer all your questions.
🏗️ OnePlus Vision & Box Contents
OnePlus aims to provide a fast and smooth experience to every user — at a reasonable price.
What’s inside the box?
- OnePlus Nord CE 5 Smartphone
- 80W SuperVOOC Charger and Type-C Cable
- Transparent Silicone Case
- SIM Ejector Pin
- Pre-applied Screen Protector
- Documentation
Packaging:
The box looks premium and is made from eco-friendly materials. Opening it gives you a premium experience often associated with high-end phones.
“Unboxing feels like you’re holding a high-end device.”
🎨 Design & Build: Truly Stylish or Just Hype?
- Thickness: Just 7.8mm
- Weight: Around 185g
- Back Material: Matte-finish Gorilla Glass 5 — resists fingerprints
Available Colors:
- Frosted Silver
- Midnight Black
- Mint Blue (online exclusive)
- IP Rating: IP54 (splash resistant)
- Port & Button Placement: Precise and neatly aligned
In-hand Feel: Light, well-balanced, and stylish — comfortable for long use.
📺 Display: How Impressive Is It?
- Screen Size: 6.55 inches
- Type: Full HD+ AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: 1000 nits
- HDR Support: HDR10+
Whether you’re watching videos, scrolling through social media, or gaming — the display performs excellently in every condition.
“Smooth scrolling, vivid videos, and immersive gaming — everything looks beautiful and seamless.”
⚙️ Performance & Gaming Experience
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1300
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Benchmark:
- AnTuTu Score: Around 700,000
Multitasking: App switching and multitasking are super smooth.
Gaming Experience:
- BGMI: Ultra Graphics + 120FPS — lag-free
- COD Mobile: Smooth on high graphics
- Asphalt 9: Stutter-free and fluid
“If you’re into gaming or multitasking, this section is especially for you.”
📸 Camera Quality: More Than Just Megapixels
Rear Camera Setup:
- 50MP Sony IMX890 (main) with OIS
- 8MP Ultra-wide
- 2MP Macro
Front Camera: 32MP
Daylight Shots: Vivid colors and sharp details
Night Mode: Performs well with reduced noise
Portraits: Natural background blur and great subject focus
Video Recording:
- Rear: Up to 4K @ 60FPS
- Front: 1080p
Photography Tip:
“Use Night Mode for low-light shots — results are truly impressive.”
🔋 Battery Life: Can It Last a Day?
- Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
- Screen-on Time: 8–9 hours average
- Charging Speed: 80W SuperVOOC fast charging
- 0 to 100% in approx. 38 minutes
- 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes
- Wireless Charging: Not available
- Reverse Charging: Supports up to 10W
📱 Software & Update Policy
- Operating System: Android 15 with OxygenOS 14
- UI Experience: Clean, bloat-free, ad-free
Update Promise:
- 2 years of major Android updates
- 3 years of monthly security patches
Features:
- Always-On Display
- Zen Mode
- Private Safe
- App Lock & Privacy Controls
📶 Connectivity & Network
- 5G Bands: n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n78
- Real Usage: Speed tests show 250–300 Mbps
Other Features:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC
- Dual SIM + eSIM support
🔐 Security Features
- Fingerprint Sensor: In-display, fast and accurate
- Face Unlock: Instant in good light, slightly slower in low light
- Data Security: Encryption and app permission control
🔊 Audio Quality
- Speaker Setup: Stereo with Dolby Atmos
- Volume: Loud and crisp
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm available
- Call Quality: Clear with noise cancellation
🌟 Special Features & Sensors
- Alert Slider
- X-axis Haptic Motor
- All essential sensors (Gyroscope, Proximity, etc.)
- Wi-Fi 6E + UFS 3.1 storage
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
- Excellent AMOLED display
- Fast processor and smooth performance
- Strong camera system
- Fast charging & long battery life
- Stereo speakers and headphone jack
❌ Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Not fully water-resistant
- Useless macro camera
- No expandable storage
- Average ultra-wide lens
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this phone waterproof?
A: No, it is only IP54 splash-resistant.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
A: Yes, it runs heavy games smoothly even on high settings.
Q: Does it support wireless charging?
A: No, it only supports wired charging.
Q: Does it heat up during use?
A: Slightly during long gaming sessions, which is normal.
Q: Will it get software updates?
A: Yes, 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches.
Q: Is it available in offline stores?
A: Yes, it will be available in all major offline stores.
👤 Who Is This Phone Ideal For?
- Gamers
- Students & Professionals
- Photography lovers
- Users looking for long-lasting performance
🔚 Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 offers a great display, capable camera, long battery life, and solid performance — all at a reasonable price.
👉 What’s your favorite feature of this phone? Let us know in the comments below! 👈