OnePlus Nord CE5 review
The OnePlus OnePlus Nord CE5 ranks as the #464 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 61. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #224-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the Motorola G96 or Infinix Note 40, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord CE5 features a sleek, modern design with a glass back and plastic frame, offering a premium aesthetic in Black and White color options. Measuring 8.2 mm in thickness and weighing 199 g, it balances portability with a 163.6 mm height, making it compact yet slightly heavy for smaller hands. The 89% usable surface-to-body ratio ensures minimal bezels, enhancing the immersive visual experience. While the plastic frame and lack of water/dust resistance (no IP rating) may limit durability in harsh conditions, the device’s slim profile and lightweight build make it comfortable for daily use. Its refined materials and ergonomic dimensions strike a balance between durability and style. Nubia Music might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded design.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE5 features a 5200 mAh Li-Ion Polymer battery, designed to deliver all-day endurance for moderate to heavy usage. The 80W fast charging capability ensures the device can be fully charged in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. The battery is non-removable, a standard design choice in modern smartphones, which allows for a sleeker profile and improved water resistance. Additionally, the phone supports reverse charging, enabling users to power up compatible accessories or other devices via USB-C. While the battery’s polymer construction contributes to a lighter and thinner build, its capacity and fast-charging support make it well-suited for users who demand long-lasting performance without frequent recharging. The combination of high capacity and rapid charging ensures the Nord CE5 remains a reliable companion throughout the day, even with intensive use. For an improved battery, OnePlus 15 is worth considering.
Display
The OnePlus Nord CE5 boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. Its Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2392 pixels) and 388 PPI density ensure sharp, vibrant visuals, while HDR10+ support and DCI-P3 color gamut enhance color accuracy and contrast. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 1400 cd/m², ensuring visibility in direct sunlight, and features a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and vivid highlights. A hole-punch notch houses the selfie camera, maximizing the 20:9 aspect ratio and 89% usable surface-to-body ratio for an immersive viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering scratch resistance, and includes TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification to reduce blue light strain. While it lacks an always-on display, the combination of high brightness, rich color reproduction, and fast refresh rates makes it ideal for multimedia consumption and productivity. You might want to check out Nubia Focus 2 Ultra, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Camera
The OnePlus Nord CE5 features a versatile dual-camera system with a 50MP main lens and 8MP ultra-wide shooter, offering sharp details and vibrant colors in well-lit conditions. The main camera supports 4K video recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), and HDR for enhanced dynamic range, while the ultra-wide lens captures expansive landscapes and group shots. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers clear selfies and video calls but lacks advanced low-light capabilities. While the system excels in daylight, night photography and digital zoom performance are limited, and the absence of a telephoto lens restricts zoom versatility. Features like AI scene detection, portrait mode, and slow-motion video add creative flexibility. Overall, the camera setup balances functionality and quality for everyday use, though it falls short in challenging lighting conditions and advanced photography scenarios. Take a look at Motorola G96 - its improved camera sets a new standard.
Price and Value
At €309, the OnePlus Nord CE5 offers a vibrant 120Hz display, 80W fast charging, dual-lens camera, and 5-year software updates. Its robust battery, sleek design, and feature-rich specs deliver strong value for budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance and longevity.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE5 delivers smooth performance with its MediaTek Dimensity 8350 4nm chipset and 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, handling multitasking, streaming, and gaming efficiently. The Mali G615-MC6 GPU supports light gaming at 30–45fps in 1080p, though heavy titles may lag. With an Antutu score of 1.45 million, it outperforms many budget rivals but trails flagship chipsets. Apps launch quickly, and the system remains responsive under moderate workloads. While not ideal for intensive tasks, it strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. Its performance aligns well with its mid-range pricing, offering a seamless user experience for most scenarios. It’s worth checking out Infinix GT 30 Pro, delivering remarkable performance.
Pros
1. Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ and excellent brightness for immersive visuals
2. 80W fast charging and 5200mAh battery for rapid replenishment and all-day endurance
3. Five-year software updates and clean OxygenOS for long-term reliability
4. Competitive pricing offering flagship-like features at a budget-friendly cost
Cons
1. Lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities in the camera system
2. No eSIM support or 3.5mm audio jack, reducing connectivity flexibility
3. Plastic frame and absence of IP rating compromise durability in harsh conditions
4. Mali G615 GPU struggles with heavy gaming, delivering inconsistent frame rates
5. Subpar low-light photography and limited digital zoom performance
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