Introduction
OnePlus took a step forward from its flagship-killer image and made a splash in the budget segment, and the result was the OnePlus Nord CE 5. “CE” stands for “Core Edition” – which indicates that this phone delivers the core experience of OnePlus at a low price.
Now it’s 2025, and the question is:
Is the OnePlus Nord CE 5 still worth the cash?
In this blog, we will learn about every detail from design to performance, camera to battery life.
Box Contents – What do you receive?
When you open the box of OnePlus Nord CE 5, you get:
· OnePlus Nord CE 5 phone
· 65W Warp charger
· USB Type-C cable
· Clear silicon case
· SIM ejector tool
· Safety information and user manual
OnePlus still gives charger in the box, which is a big deal even now.
Design & Build Quality – Slim and Stylish Look
Thickness: 7.9mm
Weight: Approximately 170 grams
Back Material: Plastic with matte finish
Frame: Plastic
Nord CE 5’s design is modern and minimalist. Fingerprints don’t show as much on the matte rear, and it’s so light that one-handed use is effortless. This phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rarity nowadays.
Color Variants (India Launch Time):
· Charcoal Ink
· Blue Void
· Silver Ray
Build quality is somewhat average because plastic frame and back have been utilized, yet the fit and finish are very nice.
Display – Seamless Experience with AMOLED
Size: 6.43-inch AMOLED
Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
Refresh Rate: 90Hz
Brightness: 600 nits (peak)
Protection: Gorilla Glass 5
The display on the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is punchy and vibrant. Being AMOLED, colours are rich and blacks are deep. The 90Hz refresh rate means scrolling and animations feel smooth. Outdoor brightness is good, and sunlight readability is manageable.
Performance – Snapdragon 750G
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm)
GPU: Adreno 619
RAM & Storage Variants:
· 6GB RAM / 128GB Storage
· 8GB RAM / 128GB Storage
· 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage
· (UFS 2.1 Storage)
Snapdragon 750G is a solid mid-range processor. The phone offers smooth performance in day-to-day activities such as calling, social media, video streaming, and multitasking. Switching between apps is quick and UI lags are not observed.
The phone is also capable for gaming. Games like BGMI, Free Fire and Call of Duty run easily on medium to high settings. Heavy games like Genshin Impact deliver playable performance in medium settings.
Camera Review – Versatile Triple Camera Setup
Rear Camera Setup:
· 64MP Main Sensor (f/1.8 aperture, EIS support)
· 8MP Ultra-Wide Lens
· 2MP Monochrome Sensor
Front Camera:
· 16MP Sony IMX471 Selfie Camera
The 64MP primary sensor performs well during the day. The photos are sharp and natural. Dynamic range and detailing are also okay.Ultra-wide shots show a bit of softness but are useful for framing and wide-angle perspective. Night Mode works great in low light photography,
But extremely low light might bring a bit of noise.Edge detection is fine in Portrait mode, and the background blur looks natural. Selfies are clear using the front camera. Colors also appear balanced with natural skin tones. The front cam is also good for video calling.
Battery Life – All Day Performance with Quick Charging
Battery: 4500mAh
Charging: 65W Warp Charge (0 to 100% in approx. 40 minutes)
The battery of OnePlus Nord CE 5 lasts more than a day in normal usage. If you are a moderate user, you can also last up to 1.5 days. This phone lasts a day easily even with extensive usage like gaming or video streaming.
65W fast charging fills up to 60 percent within only 20 minutes, which is very convenient.
5G Support & Connectivity
Nord CE 5 is a proper 5G smartphone with support for prominent Indian 5G bands.
Connectivity Features:
· Dual SIM 5G
· Wi-Fi 5
· Bluetooth 5.1
· GPS, GLONASS
· USB Type-C
· VoLTE, VoWiFi support
· NFC (region specific)
Network reception is strong and calling experience is clear. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is also stable.
Audio & Haptics
Speaker: Single bottom-firing (mono)
Headphone Jack: Yes, 3.5mm available
Haptics: Decent for mid-range
This phone does not have stereo speakers, which can be a slight drawback if you are a fan of loud multimedia experience. But the loudness of the mono speaker is fine. The presence of a 3.5mm jack is a plus point for wired earphone users. Haptics are mid-range – not too premium, nor too budget.
Software & Features – OxygenOS Clean Interface
Operating System: Android 11 (at launch time)
Current Update: Upgradable up to Android 13
UI: OxygenOS (close to stock Android)
OnePlus’s OxygenOS UI provides a very neat and quick experience. It does not have any unnecessary bloatware.
Useful Features:
· Zen Mode
· Dark Mode
· App Locker
· Always-On Display
· Personalizable Icons and Gestures
Updates are being received on time, and security patches are also being provided until 2025.
OnePlus Nord CE 5 in 2025 – Is it still worth it?
A lot of new phones have been introduced in the market in 2025, but if you have a budget of 17,000 to 20,000 then OnePlus Nord CE 5 can be a good option.
You get
· 90Hz refresh AMOLED Display
· Reliable Performance with Snapdragon 750G
· 5G support
· Quick 65W charging
· Clean and smooth OxygenOS experience
· OnePlus brand value
If you want stereo speakers, the newest Android version, or storage expansion, then you can consider newer models. For raw performance and reliability, though, this phone is still relevant in 2025.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
AMOLED display with seamless refresh rate
· Lightweight and compact design
· 5G support available
· Quick charging with effective battery backup
· Simple UI without bloatware · 3.5mm headphone jack included
Cons:
Plastic frame and back ·
No stereo speakers ·
Average performance of ultra-wide camera ·
No expandable storage option
Conclusion
OnePlus Nord CE 5 created a name for itself in the budget segment, and even in 2025 if you buy it on discount or promotion, it can end up being a value-for-money phone. It depends on your expectations and usage, but it can be termed an all-round good phone even today.