The OnePlus Nord 5 (our review here) has been aiming higher, both in terms of specifications and price, reaching a level where it competes with some high-end devices, if not even models from last year. However, the Nord series was originally created to compete in the mid-range market. This is where the OnePlus Nord CE 5 comes into play—a more affordable smartphone compared to the Nord 5, with some compromises worth analyzing.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: Our Tops & Flops
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 does not have a direct predecessor. Technically, there was the Nord CE 4, but that was a different story. The Nord CE 5 is better integrated with the family. It shares some elements with the Nord 5, starting with the design: the camera module is almost identical, as are the edges and buttons, although it lacks the customizable side button. This makes it “a little less OnePlus.” For users coming from other smartphones, this might go unnoticed, allowing them to enjoy the positives. But for users coming from a non-CE Nord, which has the button and has also increased in price, the difference is noticeable.
Despite some compromises in tactile feel or vibration sensitivity, which is slightly delayed and imprecise, it remains superior to competitors. The MediaTek processor, though it caused minor setup issues, performs well and ensures a smooth experience. Battery life is excellent, and the display is solid. However, it lacks stereo audio, several functionalities, and eSIM support. A provocative question: at the same price—or even less—you can get the Nord 4, which is on another level (our one-year review here). So why not choose that, with better materials, full OnePlus features, and higher performance?
What We Like:
- Design more aligned with the Nord family
- Great display
- Excellent battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Missing the OnePlus side button
- Weak vibration feedback
- No eSIM support
Prices in Scandinavia
OnePlus Nord CE 5: design
The materials remain mainly plastic on the edges and back, with simpler finishes compared to the Nord 5, which offered a more solid feel. The CE 5 weighs about 199 grams, a reasonable weight for this category, while the Nord 5 is heavier.
Similarities include IP65 certification and, in the standard variant, a 5,200 mAh battery—less than the 7,600 mAh of the Asian version, likely due to regulatory or logistical reasons.
Image: NordiskBil
The display is a 6.77-inch Fluid AMOLED, slightly smaller than the 6.83-inch Nord 5, with support for one billion colors, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and FHD+ resolution.
It is easily visible outdoors, with high contrast and accurate colors—a testament to the quality of OnePlus displays. Where the company reduced ambitions is in audio: the speaker is mono and lacks the stereo effect of the Nord 5.
Performance
Performance does not disappoint. The MediaTek Dimensity 3500 Apex, paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal storage, ensures a smooth experience—though Google-related setup issues caused occasional crashes.
The software, Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, is optimized and offers numerous customization, connectivity, and AI features, including translation, summarization, and voice reading. The device receives four major Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity—uncommon in this price range.
Photography, battery and other features
The camera setup is similar to the Nord 5: a 50 MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilization, accompanied by an 8 MP ultra-wide.
Despite the smaller sensor, photos in daylight and low light are of good quality, with effective portrait mode and balanced selfies. Suitable for social media and casual photography, but not for high-quality video recording.
Even with the smaller 5,200 mAh battery compared to the Asian 7,600 mAh version, it offers about six hours of screen-on time, reaching up to two days with light use.
The under-display fingerprint sensor works correctly, though slightly lower and with less immediate vibration feedback compared to Nord 5. A notable omission is the lack of dual SIM support, which is present in other devices in this price range, together with the eSIM support.
The Nord CE 5 provides a full mid-range experience, with optional bundles including charger, headphones, and magnetic cover. At this price, the lack of stereo audio and some features slightly limits its appeal, but when the price drops, it becomes an interesting option.
