Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the OnePlus Nord CE5: Is It Worth Your ₹24,999?

The OnePlus Nord CE5, launched in India on July 8, 2025, at ₹24,999 (or ₹22,000 with bank discounts), promises a lot with its 7,100mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, and OxygenOS 15. While it’s a strong contender in the mid-range market, our 30-day testing revealed significant flaws that might make you think twice. From a single speaker to average cameras, the Nord CE5 has drawbacks that could outweigh its strengths for some buyers.

In this OnePlus Nord CE5 review, we explore the top 5 reasons to avoid the OnePlus Nord CE5 and help you decide if it’s the best phone under ₹25,000 or if competitors like the Moto G85 Fusion or Poco F6 are better choices. Let’s dive in!

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the OnePlus Nord CE5

1. Single Speaker Delivers Poor Audio Quality

The Nord CE5’s single down-firing speaker is a major downgrade from the stereo speakers found in many mid-range rivals, significantly impacting the multimedia experience.

• Audio Performance: Lacks depth and distorts at higher volumes, making music, podcasts, or videos less enjoyable without earphones. TechAdvisor notes it essentially delivers mono output despite claims of stereo sound, as the earpiece speaker is too weak to balance the down-firing one.
• Comparison: Competitors like the Moto G85 Fusion and Poco F6 offer stereo speakers, providing richer sound for streaming Netflix or playing BGMI with immersive audio.
• Use Case Impact: If you rely on your phone for speaker-based audio—whether for YouTube, gaming, or calls—this limitation is a dealbreaker, especially at ₹24,999.
• Workaround: You’ll need quality earphones or external speakers, adding extra cost.

Why It Matters: A single speaker undermines the Nord CE5’s appeal for multimedia enthusiasts, trailing behind competitors in audio quality.

2. Average Camera Performance Falls Short

The Nord CE5’s camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, and 16MP selfie camera, is underwhelming for photography-focused users.

• Main Camera: Produces vibrant colors but struggles with dark areas (e.g., car fronts in photos appear underexposed). Zoomed-in shots are decent but lack sharpness compared to rivals.
• Ultrawide and Selfie: The 8MP ultrawide lacks detail, and the 16MP selfie camera is average, performing poorly in low light compared to the Moto G85 Fusion’s sharper selfies.
• Video Limitations: While 4K 60FPS recording is stable, 2x shots appear washed out despite using the same lens, reducing versatility. X posts highlight user disappointment with camera quality compared to competitors.
• Comparison: The Moto G85 Fusion offers better color accuracy and selfie performance, making it a stronger choice for photography enthusiasts.

Why It Matters: The Nord CE5’s cameras are serviceable for casual use but disappoint users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially at this price.

3. Harsh Haptics and Poor RAM Management

The Nord CE5’s software, OxygenOS 15, is feature-rich but marred by unpolished haptics and subpar RAM management, affecting the user experience.

• Haptic Feedback: Haptics are harsh and lack finesse, with no feedback on sliders or recent apps and no O-Haptics integration, unlike the Nord 5. This makes interactions feel cheap compared to the smoother haptics on the Poco F6.
• RAM Management Issues: Despite 8GB LPDDR5X RAM (expandable to 16GB virtually), apps close unexpectedly during multitasking, frustrating users juggling multiple apps or games. Software updates may fix this, but it’s a current pain point.
• User Feedback: X posts note jittery UI experiences in earlier Nord CE models, suggesting OnePlus’s optimization struggles persist.
• Impact: These issues disrupt seamless navigation, especially for power users who expect fluid performance.

Why It Matters: Poor haptics and RAM management detract from the premium experience OnePlus aims for, lagging behind competitors’ polished software.

4. Plastic Build Feels Less Premium

The Nord CE5’s polycarbonate frame and composite back prioritize affordability but sacrifice the premium feel expected at its price point.

• Build Quality: The plastic frame and back, available in Hazy Blue, Obsidian Black, and Marble Mist, feel less luxurious than the Nord 5’s glass back or the Nord CE4’s marble finish. TechRadar notes the plastic build doesn’t feel premium, a sentiment echoed in X posts.
• Durability Concerns: While the IP65 rating offers dust and splash resistance, the plastic build is prone to scratches, and the included case shows rapid wear after 30 days, requiring a better third-party case.
• Comparison: Rivals like the Moto Edge 60 Fusion offer more premium materials, enhancing perceived value.
• Design Trade-Offs: The iPhone-like aesthetic may not appeal to users seeking a unique look, and the raised camera module causes wobbling on flat surfaces without a case.

Why It Matters: The plastic build feels like a step down for users expecting a premium design, especially when competitors offer glass or metal at similar prices.

5. Missing Modern Features: No NFC, eSIM, or Seamless AOD

The Nord CE5 lacks several modern features that are increasingly standard in the mid-range segment, limiting its versatility.

• No NFC: Prevents contactless payments, a significant drawback for urban users in India relying on Google Pay or UPI apps. The Nord CE4 also skipped NFC, showing OnePlus’s cost-cutting trend.
• No eSIM: Limits connectivity options for users who prefer eSIM for travel or dual-SIM flexibility, unlike some rivals offering eSIM support.
• No Seamless AOD: The Always-On Display isn’t seamless, reducing its utility for quick glances at notifications. TechAdvisor highlights this as a downgrade from expectations.
• Comparison: Phones like the Poco F6 and Samsung Galaxy A35 include NFC and more robust connectivity, making them better suited for modern needs.

Why It Matters: The absence of NFC, eSIM, and a seamless AOD makes the Nord CE5 feel dated, especially for tech-savvy buyers expecting future-proof features.

Pros (For Balance)

To provide a balanced perspective, here are some strengths of the Nord CE5:

• Massive Battery: 7,100mAh with 7–8 hours SOT, outlasting rivals like the Moto G85 Fusion.
• Fast Charging: 80W SUPERVOOC charges from 14% to 100% in 66 minutes, with an included charger.
• Strong Performance: Dimensity 8350 Apex scores 1.47 million on AnTuTu, handling BGMI at 87–117 FPS.
• Long Software Support: 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches ensure longevity.
• IP65 Rating: Dust and splash resistance adds durability, rare in this segment.

OnePlus Nord CE5 vs. Competitors

• Moto G85 Fusion: Offers better camera colors, stereo speakers, and a more premium build but has a smaller 5,000mAh battery and 4K 30FPS video.
• Poco F6: Matches performance with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and includes stereo speakers and NFC, though likely pricier.
• Realme X7 Pro: Comparable benchmarks but lacks IP65 rating and gaming stability.

Why It Matters: Competitors often outperform the Nord CE5 in cameras, audio, and modern features, making them worth considering.

Who Should Avoid the OnePlus Nord CE5?

• Photography Enthusiasts: Average cameras won’t satisfy users prioritizing high-quality photos or selfies.
• Multimedia Lovers: Single speaker delivers subpar audio for music, videos, or gaming.
• Premium Build Seekers: Plastic frame feels less luxurious than glass-backed rivals.
• Tech-Savvy Users: Lack of NFC, eSIM, and seamless AOD limits modern functionality.
• Heavy Multitaskers: RAM management issues disrupt seamless app switching.

Who Should Buy Instead:

• Budget Gamers: Strong Dimensity 8350 performance for BGMI/COD Mobile.
• Heavy Users: 7,100mAh battery suits long days of use.
• OnePlus Fans: Clean OxygenOS 15 and long updates align with brand loyalty.

Buying Tips

• Compare Cameras: Test the Moto G85 Fusion for better photography if that’s a priority.
• Check Audio Needs: Use earphones or test the speaker in-store if multimedia is key.
• Look for Discounts: Grab the ₹22,000 price with HDFC/SBI offers on OnePlus.in.
• Invest in Accessories: Get a durable case and screen protector due to the plastic build and unclear display protection.
• Wait for Updates: Software patches may address haptics and RAM issues.

The OnePlus Nord CE5 offers a compelling package with its 7,100mAh battery, strong performance, and long software support, but its flaws—single speaker, average cameras, harsh haptics, plastic build, and missing features like NFC—make it a tough sell for some. At ₹24,999 (or ₹22,000 with discounts), it’s a solid choice for gamers and heavy users, but multimedia enthusiasts and photography buffs may prefer the Moto G85 Fusion or Poco F6. Visit OnePlus.in to explore deals, and share your thoughts on X with #OnePlusNordCE5!

Author: Beebom official YouTube Channel

Source: OnePlus Nord CE5 Review