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Introduction:
In a strategic push to cement its dominance in India’s mid-range smartphone segment, OnePlus has launched two new devices in the Nord series — the OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus Nord 5 CE. Both smartphones come equipped with AMOLED displays, Android 15, and impressive camera configurations, and they aim to cater to users seeking flagship-like features without paying flagship prices. With pricing starting at ₹22,999 for the CE model and ₹31,999 for the regular Nord 5, OnePlus is clearly targeting different tiers within the mid-range bracket, attempting to balance performance, aesthetics, and value.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about these devices — and whether one of them should be your next upgrade.
🔍 the Original
OnePlus has officially launched two new smartphones in its Nord series lineup — the OnePlus Nord 5 and the OnePlus Nord 5 CE, both now available in India. The primary selling points include vibrant AMOLED displays, the latest Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, 50MP main rear cameras, and SuperVOOC 80W fast charging support.
Display:
The Nord 5 features a slightly larger and sharper 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a variable refresh rate up to 144Hz and peak brightness of 1800 nits, compared to the 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen on the Nord 5 CE, which tops out at 1430 nits.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Nord 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a high-end 4nm chipset paired with the Adreno 735 GPU, while the Nord 5 CE gets the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex, also based on the 4nm process, accompanied by the Mali-G615 MC6 GPU.
Camera & Multimedia:
Both phones sport a 50MP rear camera with OIS, but the Nord 5 edges ahead with an additional macro lens and a significantly superior 50MP front camera capable of 4K 60fps video recording, compared to the Nord 5 CE’s 16MP selfie shooter.
Battery & Charging:
Battery-wise, the Nord 5 houses a 6800mAh cell, while the Nord 5 CE boasts a slightly larger 7100mAh battery — both with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.
Build & Extras:
The Nord 5 has extra durability with IP65 water/dust resistance, Gorilla Glass 7i protection, stereo speakers, and a “Plus Key” for extra functionality. The Nord 5 CE lacks some of these features, including official water resistance and stereo sound.
Both models feature modern connectivity standards such as 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an in-display fingerprint sensor with infrared support.
💬 What Undercode Say:
The OnePlus Nord 5 series continues the brand’s pattern of offering premium-tier hardware at a more affordable price. However, this generation shows a noticeable bifurcation of intent: the Nord 5 is a polished, semi-flagship device, while the Nord 5 CE leans into affordability without sacrificing essential features.
Hardware Comparison:
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 on the Nord 5 is a clear winner over the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex on the CE. Users focused on gaming, performance longevity, and multitasking should opt for the Nord 5. That said, the Dimensity 8350 is no slouch for everyday tasks, and most casual users won’t notice a major difference.
Display Wars:
The 144Hz refresh rate and higher brightness of the Nord 5 make it a better choice for content consumption, especially outdoors. While the CE also uses AMOLED, it’s limited to 120Hz and a slightly lower resolution — though still impressive for the price.
Camera Superiority:
The front-facing 50MP camera on the Nord 5 stands out in a market where mid-range selfie shooters are often neglected. For creators, vloggers, or selfie enthusiasts, this alone might justify the price difference.
Software & Battery:
With Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 out of the box, both devices are future-proof in terms of software. However, the larger 7100mAh battery in the Nord 5 CE is a surprise win — although the difference in endurance will depend on how optimized each phone is under real-world use.
Feature Set:
The “Plus Key” on the Nord 5 introduces a customizable button — a small but appreciated touch for power users. Stereo speakers and IP65 rating also enhance the overall experience and offer peace of mind.
Price-to-Value:
For users with a strict budget under ₹25,000, the Nord 5 CE is highly competitive and should satisfy most users. But for those willing to spend closer to ₹32,000, the Nord 5 offers a vastly superior all-round package, including camera, display, performance, and build quality.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Both devices confirmed to run Android 15 with OxygenOS 15.
✅ The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is notably superior to the Dimensity 8350 in benchmark tests.
✅ IP65 water resistance is officially listed only for the Nord 5, not the CE version.
📊 Prediction:
With this launch, OnePlus is likely to regain momentum in India’s mid-premium smartphone market, particularly among users wanting reliable hardware without entering flagship pricing territory. The Nord 5 CE will appeal strongly to college students and casual users, while the Nord 5 targets gamers, content creators, and power users. Given past sales trends, the Nord 5 could become a top seller in the ₹30K+ range, especially if paired with bank offers and festive discounts.
Expect software updates to push camera improvements further, and for OnePlus to potentially announce a Nord 5 Pro variant in the next six months to maintain hype and segmentation.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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