OnePlus Nord CE 5G review
The OnePlus OnePlus Nord CE 5G ranks as the #486 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 55. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #347-ranked display among 800 phones. Consider the Huawei nova 9 SE or Huawei nova 10 Pro, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G features a sleek, lightweight build with a slim 7.9mm profile and 170g weight, making it highly portable. Its plastic body offers a durable yet premium feel, complemented by a minimalist design in three color options: Black, Green, and Pearl White. The device retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern flagships, while forgoing a microSD slot and physical alert slider. A high 83.5% screen-to-body ratio enhances the immersive 6.4-inch display experience. Pre-installed screen protector and case (in select variants) add practicality, though water resistance is notably absent. The balanced design prioritizes portability and user-friendly features without compromising on modern aesthetics. OnePlus 10 Pro might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded design.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G houses a 4500mAh Li-Polymer battery, ensuring all-day endurance for moderate usage. Its 30W fast charging capability rapidly replenishes power, significantly reducing downtime. The non-removable battery design aligns with modern smartphone trends, prioritizing sleekness and durability. While exact usage benchmarks vary, the combination of efficient power management and a large capacity makes it well-suited for users seeking prolonged screen time. The absence of wireless charging or higher-tier fast charging (e.g., 65W) may appeal to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing practicality over cutting-edge speed. Overall, the battery delivers reliable performance, balancing capacity and charging efficiency for daily needs. For an improved battery, OnePlus Nord N20 SE is worth considering.
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G features a vibrant 6.4-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a sharp 409 PPI pixel density, delivering crisp visuals and rich color accuracy. The 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling ensure fluid scrolling, responsive gaming, and seamless multitasking. With a peak brightness of 700 cd/m² and typical brightness of 430 cd/m², the screen remains legible in diverse lighting conditions. A 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio enhances deep blacks and vivid highlights, while DCI-P3 and sRGB color coverage ensures accurate, lifelike hues. The display incorporates a hole-punch notch for the front camera, scratch-resistant glass, and supports multi-touch gestures. Its always-on ambient display functionality and adaptive brightness further optimize energy efficiency and usability. Though lacking high-end features like 120Hz or HDR10+, it balances performance and practicality for an immersive, budget-friendly viewing experience. You might want to check out OnePlus Nord 2, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Camera
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G features a versatile triple-camera system, led by a 64MP primary lens with f/1.8 aperture and advanced software processing for sharp, detailed photos. A wide-angle 8MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2) captures expansive scenes, while a 2MP depth sensor aids in bokeh effects. The front 16MP camera (f/2.4) supports 4K video recording and ultrawide selfies, complemented by a 6P lens for enhanced clarity. Software enhancements include night mode, 4K video capture, and digital zoom, though optical stabilization is absent. The rear camera’s 4K video capability and low-light performance are notable, though trade-offs in dynamic range and color accuracy may occur in challenging lighting. The LED flash ensures balanced lighting for portraits, and the triple-lens setup caters to casual and creative photography needs. While lacking high-end features like periscope zoom or RAW format support, the system delivers reliable, budget-friendly imaging performance with a focus on accessibility and usability. Take a look at OnePlus Nord 2T - its improved camera sets a new standard.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers flagship-like features at an affordable price, including a 90Hz AMOLED display, triple-camera system, and 30W fast charging. While it lacks water resistance and expandable storage, its balanced performance and premium design make it a compelling value choice for budget-conscious users seeking modern smartphone capabilities without compromise.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G delivers robust performance with its octa-core Snapdragon 750G processor, 8GB RAM, and Adreno 619 GPU, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive app navigation. Optimized for 5G connectivity, it handles everyday tasks, streaming, and mid-tier gaming efficiently. The 385,000 Antutu v9 score (top 65% performance) underscores its competitive edge in its price range. UFS 2.1 storage ensures fast data access, while the 64-bit architecture enhances efficiency. Though not flagship-tier, its balanced hardware excels in daily use, offering lag-free performance for browsing, photography, and casual gaming, making it an ideal choice for users prioritizing reliability and speed without premium costs. It’s worth checking out OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, delivering remarkable performance.
Pros
1. Sleek, lightweight design with a slim 7.9mm profile and 3.5mm headphone jack.
2. 90Hz AMOLED display with vibrant colors, 700 nits peak brightness, and 430 PPI clarity.
3. 4500mAh battery with 30W fast charging for all-day endurance and quick top-ups.
4. Triple-camera system featuring a 64MP main lens, 4K video support, and ultrawide capabilities.
5. 5G connectivity, 8GB RAM, and Snapdragon 750G for smooth multitasking and mid-tier gaming.
Cons
1. Plastic body lacks premium feel compared to glass or metal alternatives.
2. No expandable storage (microSD slot absent) or water resistance.
3. Snapdragon 750G and Adreno 619 GPU may struggle with heavy gaming or intensive apps.
4. Camera lacks optical stabilization and advanced features like RAW format or periscope zoom.
5. 30W fast charging is slower than flagship-tier solutions (e.g., 65W+).
6. Display lacks 120Hz refresh rate and wireless charging for a more premium experience.
FAQ
Compare with other phones
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features