In a world flooded with smartphones promising flagship features at mid-range prices, the Nord CE 5 by OnePlus carved out a niche for itself. Launched with a focus on “Core Essentials” (hence the "CE" in its name), this smartphone continues to offer a solid combination of performance, software experience, and hardware quality—even in 2025.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to burn a hole in your wallet yet desires smooth 5G performance, great battery life, and a crisp AMOLED display, the Nord CE 5 still deserves your attention.
1. Nord CE 5 Key Specifications at a Glance
Let’s begin with the essential specs:
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Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android™ 11 (upgradable)
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CPU: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 750G 5G mobile platform
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GPU: Adreno 619
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RAM Options: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB LPDDR4X
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Storage Options: 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.1
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Display: 6.43" FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
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Camera Setup: Triple Rear Camera – 64MP Main + 8MP Ultra-wide + 2MP Depth
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Front Camera: 16MP Sony IMX471
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Battery: 4500 mAh with Warp Charge 30T Plus
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Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
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Build: Slim at just 7.9mm and lightweight at 170g
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Price Range (in 2025): ₹18,999 – ₹22,999 with Free delivery
2. Design & Build Quality – Minimalist Yet Premium
One of the most appreciated aspects of the Nord CE 5 is its slim, ergonomic design. At just 7.9 mm thickness and weighing around 170 grams, it's among the most comfortable phones to hold. The matte plastic back may not scream "premium" like glass, but it resists fingerprints and feels sturdy.
Important Point: The OnePlus Nord CE 5 still looks and feels fresh even after multiple newer models—proof of how well it was designed.
3. AMOLED Display – Smooth, Vivid & Bright
The 6.43-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate is a highlight. Colors are rich, blacks are deep, and brightness is sufficient for outdoor use. Watching content on Netflix or YouTube is a joy thanks to HDR10 support.
Bold Takeaway: At this price, it’s rare to find a display this good in 2025.
4. Performance with Snapdragon 750G – Efficient & Reliable
Powering the Nord CE 5 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset paired with Adreno 619 GPU. This setup still holds its ground in 2025 for:
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Smooth multitasking
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Casual gaming (Call of Duty, BGMI, Asphalt 9 run well)
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Efficient 5G connectivity
RAM options up to 12GB LPDDR4X ensure smooth app-switching and zero lag in day-to-day tasks.
Core Tip: For 90% of users, the Nord CE 5 delivers more than enough power.
5. OxygenOS Experience – Clean, Fast, and Bloat-Free
Running on OxygenOS based on Android™ 11, the experience is fluid, minimalistic, and fast. OnePlus has always been known for software that’s close to stock Android but with smart tweaks like:
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Zen Mode
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Customizable icons and gestures
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Optimized RAM management
Though it shipped with Android 11, updates till Android 13 are available in 2025, keeping the phone relevant and secure.
6. Camera Performance – Great for Daylight, Decent in Low Light
The 64MP main camera captures sharp and vibrant photos in good lighting. The 8MP ultra-wide lens adds versatility, though with slightly lower detail. The 2MP depth sensor is average but adds depth to portraits.
16MP front camera performs well for video calls and selfies, aided by built-in AI beautification.
Pro Tip: GCam (Google Camera) mod works well on the Nord CE 5, dramatically improving low-light performance.
7. Battery Life & Charging – One Day Plus with Warp Speed
Equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, the Nord CE 5 comfortably lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy use. What really impresses is the Warp Charge 30T Plus, which charges the phone from 0 to 70% in just about 30 minutes.
Battery Optimization Tips:
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Use dark mode to save power on AMOLED
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Enable adaptive battery in settings
8. Storage & RAM Options – Choose As Per Your Needs
The Nord CE 5 gives you flexibility with configurations:
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6GB / 128GB – Ideal for light users
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8GB / 128GB – Balanced performance and price
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12GB / 256GB – For power users and multitaskers
The storage is UFS 2.1, which ensures faster app loading and data transfer.
Buyer Tip: If budget allows, go for the 8GB variant—it hits the sweet spot.
9. 5G Connectivity & Other Features – Future-Proof & Reliable
Even in 2025, 5G connectivity is a big plus, especially for users in urban areas. Alongside that, you get:
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Dual SIM support
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Bluetooth 5.1
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3.5mm headphone jack (yes, it’s still there!)
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USB Type-C
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In-display fingerprint scanner – fast and accurate
Hidden Gem: The return of the 3.5mm jack makes this phone gamer-friendly.
10. Value for Money – Why Nord CE 5 Still Makes Sense in 2025
With newer models pushing prices higher and often cutting down on headphone jacks or bundled chargers, the Nord CE 5 still holds strong:
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Reliable performance
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Excellent display
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Clean software
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Warp charging
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Free delivery across major e-commerce platforms
Why It Still Wins: The Nord CE 5 offers a near-flagship experience at nearly half the price.
Conclusion: Is the Nord CE 5 Worth Buying in 2025?
Absolutely, yes. The OnePlus Nord CE 5 continues to be a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable smartphone with great performance, clean software, 5G support, and a vibrant AMOLED display. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, this phone ticks all the right boxes—even in 2025.
So if you're thinking about your next mid-range smartphone, don’t overlook the Nord CE 5. It may not be the newest kid on the block, but it's still one of the smartest.
