OnePlus Nord CE 5 review in 5 points: Big display, bigger battery

India Today

09-07-2025

After launching the Nord CE series in India in 2021, OnePlus has recently released its 5th edition in India – the OnePlus Nord CE 5. Priced at Rs 24,999, the device comes powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, boasts a 50-megapixel primary camera, and showcases an eye-catching design. One of its standout features is the massive 7,100mAh battery, a rarity in this price range. We have already pushed out the OnePlus Nord CE 5's detailed review, but if you are in a hurry, here is a recap in 5 points.advertisementOnePlus Nord CE 5 review in 5 pointsDesign and display: The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is sleek, lightweight, and sits comfortably in the hand. The refined and pill-shaped camera module does not only look elegant but also ensures the phone lies fairly flat on surfaces without much wobble. The rear panel features a smooth, matte finish that gives it a premium feel.However, the smooth and slim design makes the OnePlus Nord CE 5 a little slippery. Fortunately, OnePlus includes a protective case in the box, which neatly resolves that issue.
On the front, the Nord CE 5 boasts a large 6.77-inch display with a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It's bright enough to remain clearly visible even in direct sunlight, and the vivid colours make everything appear more immersive. The slim bezels surrounding the screen add to its overall appeal, giving the phone a truly premium appearance.Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 runs OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15. Performance is smooth and responsive throughout daily use—whether you're endlessly scrolling through Instagram, chatting on WhatsApp, or binge-watching videos on YouTube, the Nord CE 5 handles it all effortlessly.The phone also comes packed with several AI-driven features, including AI Search, AI Toolbox 2.0, and AI Voice Scribe. It further incorporates Google's AI tools such as Circle to Search and Gemini Live, adding to the overall smart experience. To push its limit, we also put the OnePlus Nord CE 5 under benchmark tests. Here are the results we got.Battery: The OnePlus Nord CE 5 packs a substantial 7,100mAh lithium-ion polymer battery and supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging. On a typical day, it easily lasts 20 to 24 hours before needing a top-up. While the brand claims up to 2.5 days (60 hours) of battery life, that figure seems realistic only for light or occasional use.When it did need charging, the Nord CE 5 impressed by reaching 80 per cent in just 47 minutes. Unlike many devices that heat up during fast charging, this one only became slightly warm and cooled down quickly, making the experience smooth and hassle-free.advertisementCamera: The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is equipped with a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It performs well in terms of colour reproduction, offering vibrant yet natural-looking tones that enhance the overall appeal of photos. However, it does struggle to capture finer details with the same level of precision.On the front, there's a 16-megapixel selfie camera that delivers decent results in daylight but falters slightly in low-light settings. For a more in-depth look at the camera performance, including sample shots, read our full review.Verdict: Priced at Rs 24,999, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 offers excellent value for money. With its expansive 6.77-inch display, impressive 7,100mAh battery, striking design, and 50-megapixel main camera, it ticks most of the right boxes for a budget-friendly device. Performance is smooth for everyday tasks, although it does show its limitations during heavy multitasking or demanding gaming sessions. But it is understandable given the price point.Still, for users seeking a reliable, stylish, and well-rounded smartphone for day-to-day use without stretching their budget, the Nord CE 5 stands out as a solid choice.- Ends