OnePlus has recently launched new technology, including two fresh smartphones. They offer great value without completely draining your wallet. On one side, we have the OnePlus Nord 5. It enters the mid-range market with quality camera hardware and a smooth OxygenOS experience. On the other hand, there’s the more affordable OnePlus Nord CE5. This option leaves you with extra cash for whatever you like.
But here’s the big question: What trade-offs do you make if you choose the more budget-friendly Nord CE5? And, most importantly, which phone is best for you? We’ve thoroughly tested both devices. Here’s our full side-by-side comparison and in-depth review to help you decide.
Let’s dive in and examine every aspect of the OnePlus Nord CE5 and Nord 5!
Design & Build: Spot the Subtle Differences
At first glance, it’s hard to tell the Nord CE5 and the regular Nord 5 apart. They share a very similar design. It’s simple and streamlined. Some might even call it “boring.” However, this understated look also means they are generally appealing. Plus, they feature a matte finish that resists smudges and grime well.
Their dimensions are almost identical. The Nord 5 is slightly larger at 6.83 inches, compared to the CE5’s 6.77 inches. This small difference is mainly because the Nord CE5 has slightly thicker bezels, though they are still quite slim.
The easiest way to tell them apart is their camera bumps. The Nord 5 has a larger camera bump with an integrated flash. This gives it a more noticeable look. In contrast, the Nord CE5’s flash is placed to the side.
For materials, both phones use plastic edges. This might disappoint those hoping for a more premium metal option. Both reportedly have Gorilla Glass on the back. (The exact version is not confirmed by OnePlus yet). Our tests showed no scratches or nicks after a couple of weeks of use without a case. Both also come with a pre-installed screen protector on the front.
For durability, both the Nord 5 and Nord CE5 are IP65 splash and dust resistant. This means they can handle rain or splashes. However, they are not meant to be submerged in water. So, don’t drop them in a bathtub!
Regarding colors, the Nord 5 offers three choices: Phantom Gray, Dry Ice, or Marble Mist. The Nord CE5 has fewer options, just two: Black Infinity (which is just black) or the Marble finish. The Marble model is more visually interesting than the other colors. Still, it might not suit everyone’s taste.
Software & User Experience: OxygenOS with a Twist
Both the Nord CE5 and Nord 5 run on OxygenOS version 15. This is a familiar and generally well-regarded operating system. OnePlus also offers impressive software support. They promise 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patching. This means your phone is covered until around 2030. This long-term support is a big plus for both devices.
However, even with the same core software, there are clear differences in the user experience. This is mainly due to the Nord 5’s exclusive ‘Plus Key.’
The ‘Plus Key’ (Nord 5 Only)
This key replaces OnePlus’s old, iconic alert slider. Some might find this change controversial. However, you can hold it down to switch between silent, ring, and vibrate modes. You can also customize it for other uses. It can quickly launch the torch, camera, recorder, or even AI features like translate. While its current functions are somewhat limited, it’s a unique physical control. The Nord CE5 completely lacks this feature.
Nord CE5’s Manual Controls
On the Nord CE5, there’s no ‘Plus Key’ or alert slider. You must manually pull down the control center to set modes like Do Not Disturb, ring, or vibrate. This is a small but noticeable inconvenience. It affects those used to a physical slider.
Other minor issues on the Nord CE5 include its basic Always-On Display (AOD) setting. It claims to have AOD, but it lacks the smooth classic options of the Nord 5. More frustratingly, you cannot keep it “always on.” It turns off after a few seconds, requiring a tap to reactivate.
Most other major software features are identical on both phones. This includes the Gaming Mode and Zen Space. This ensures a consistent core OxygenOS experience for gaming and digital well-being.
Storage & SIM: Flexibility vs. Capacity
Storage options show another clear difference between the two phones.
Base Storage
The OnePlus Nord CE5 starts with just 128GB in its base version. The Nord 5, however, doubles that to 256GB for its base model. Both phones offer options to upgrade to higher storage tiers if you spend more.
Expandable Storage
Here, the Nord CE5 has an advantage. The OnePlus Nord 5 has a double-sided SIM tray only for SIM cards. It does not support microSD memory cards. In contrast, the OnePlus Nord CE5 offers expandable storage. Its double-sided SIM tray allows you to replace SIM 2 with a microSD card. This provides valuable flexibility for users who need more space for photos, videos, or apps.
eSIM Support
A minor drawback for both phones is the lack of eSIM support. This can be inconvenient for frequent travelers. They might prefer to use local eSIMs instead of physical SIM cards.
Display Quality: Clarity vs. Vibrancy
The display technology also shows some notable differences. These impact the visual experience.
Panel Type & Size
The OnePlus Nord CE5 features a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel. The regular Nord 5 has a slightly larger 6.83-inch Swift OLED panel. Both offer sharp contrast. They also fully support HDR10 streaming for services like Netflix.
Resolution
The Nord CE5 has a Full HD+ resolution. The Nord 5, however, boosts this to a 1.5K resolution. When placed side-by-side, the difference is clear. The Nord 5 offers greater clarity, especially when viewing photos and fine details.
Color & Vibrancy
Both phones have the same color modes. However, the Nord 5 tends to show slightly bolder, more vibrant colors in the default vivid mode compared to the Nord CE5. If you like “poppy, in-your-face images,” the Nord 5 will be pleasing. Colors are customizable in display settings on both phones.
Brightness & Flicker
Both displays are bright enough for clear outdoor visibility, even on a sunny day. They also support high PWM dimming. This is good for users sensitive to OLED flicker.
Refresh Rate
Both phones support high refresh rates. However, this maxes out at 120Hz on the Nord CE5. It’s boosted to 144Hz for the OnePlus Nord 5. This higher refresh rate is especially useful for supported games. It offers an even smoother visual experience.
Aqua Touch
Both phones support “Aqua Touch.” This means they remain responsive even when the screen is a bit wet. This is a useful feature for real-world use.
Audio Experience: Stereo vs. Mono – A Vast Chasm
When it comes to audio, there’s a big difference. This could be a deal-breaker for some users.
Nord 5’s Stereo Advantage
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a stereo speaker arrangement. This provides a more immersive and balanced audio experience. While not always the loudest, its clarity is much better.
Nord CE5’s Mono Limitation
The OnePlus Nord CE5 uses a basic, standard mono speaker setup. It tries to be loud, but the clarity suffers greatly at max volume. Everything sounds “tinny and crap.” If you consume a lot of media without headphones, this difference will be very clear.
Performance: The Chipset Showdown
Under the hood, the two phones use different chipsets. This leads to a clear difference in performance.
Chipsets and RAM
- Nord 5 Chipset: The Nord 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 3.
- Nord CE5 Chipset: The Nord CE5 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset.
- RAM: Both come with 8GB of RAM as standard. The OnePlus Nord 5 can be boosted to 12GB.
For everyday use, both phones offer a “buttery smooth experience.” This is largely thanks to OxygenOS’s optimization. However, when it comes to gaming, the difference is undeniable.
Gaming Performance
- Nord 5: Playing intensive games like Wuthering Waves with maxed-out graphics results in a much smoother experience. You’ll see only occasional minor stutters or frame rate dips.
- Nord CE5: Even on regular graphics settings, the Nord CE5 shows quite a few stutters. If you boost visual settings all the way up, the frame rate drops significantly and regularly. Games like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact are still “perfectly playable.” However, you’ll need to “limit your expectations a bit and put up with occasional sluggishness.”
Thermal Management
Both phones can get “rather toasty” during intensive gaming. This happens despite featuring “massive vapor chambers” for cooling.
Battery & Charging: Identical Endurance
Despite different chipsets and display tech, battery performance is surprisingly similar.
- Battery Capacity: Both the Nord CE5 and Nord 5 have identical 5,200 mAh capacity cells.
- Battery Life: You can expect “hours and hours of screen-on time” with either device. They easily last a “full day of intensive use on a single charge.” This includes camera use, video chatting, and audio streaming. However, non-stop intensive gaming (like Wuthering Waves) will drain both phones in about 3.5 hours.
- Fast Charging: Both phones feature 80W SuperVOOC charging. This allows them to power back up to full very quickly.
- Wireless Charging: Both also offer “subtle support” for wireless charging.
Camera Tech: Sony Sensor Advantage & RAW Power
On paper, the camera tech sounds very similar. However, there are crucial differences. These are mainly in the primary sensor and advanced features.
Primary and Ultra-Wide Cameras
- Primary Shooter: Both have a 50-megapixel primary shooter. However, the Nord 5 uses the newer Sony LYT700 sensor. The Nord CE5 uses the older LYT600.
- Ultra-wide: Both also offer a basic 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle shooter.
Selfie Camera
- The Nord CE5 has a basic 16-megapixel selfie shooter. It’s limited to Full HD resolution at 60 frames per second.
- The Nord 5 upgrades this to a 50-megapixel effort. It’s capable of capturing 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second.
Image Quality
- Color & Sharpness: Photos shot on the Nord 5 generally appear sharper. They also feature slightly warmer and bolder colors. The CE5 tends to brighten images more. This can result in a more “iPhone-style” image.
- Camera App: The actual camera app experience is “pretty much identical” on both. They have the same set of toggles and features, including a dedicated Pro Mode.
Advanced Camera Features
- RAW Format: A significant difference for photography enthusiasts is that only the Nord 5 supports RAW format shooting. There is no RAW option on the Nord CE5.
- High-Res Mode: Both have a high-res mode. This lets you capture photos at the full 50-megapixel resolution. This works best if lighting conditions aren’t too poor.
- Additional Features (Nord 5 Only): The Nord 5 gets a couple of extra features. This includes a Long Exposure mode.
- AI Photo Editing: Both phones feature similar AI photo editing actions. These include AI Recompose (for cropping and reframing) and AI Detail Boost (for finer details and less fuzziness).
Video Capabilities
Both the Nord CE5 and Nord 5 can capture 4K resolution Ultra HD footage at up to 60 frames per second with their rear cameras. They do a respectable job with everyday home movies. They offer strong visual clarity and good stabilization. Audio pickup is fine if you’re speaking towards the lenses.
Price & Value Proposition: The £100 Question
Your decision will likely come down to the price difference:
- The OnePlus Nord 5 starts at £399.
- The OnePlus Nord CE5 starts at £299.
This £100 difference is significant. The comparison clearly shows that the Nord 5 offers many advantages for that extra £100. You get upgrades in performance, camera tech (primary sensor and RAW support), a better display (1.5K, 144Hz), stereo speakers, and features like the ‘Plus Key.’
However, the Nord CE5 has a couple of advantages of its own. Most notably, it offers expandable storage (which the Nord 5 lacks). Plus, that extra £100 in your pocket can be spent on other things.
Who Should Buy Which?
- Choose the OnePlus Nord 5 if:
- You prioritize superior camera performance. This includes sharper photos, RAW support, and a better selfie camera.
- You want smoother gaming performance and a more powerful chipset.
- You prefer a higher resolution (1.5K) and higher refresh rate (144Hz) display.
- Stereo speakers are important for your multimedia experience.
- You value the convenience of the ‘Plus Key’ and a fully functional Always-On Display.
- The extra £100 fits comfortably within your budget for these significant upgrades.
- Choose the OnePlus Nord CE5 if:
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save £100.
- Expandable storage via microSD is a must-have for you.
- You primarily use headphones for audio and don’t mind a mono speaker.
- Your gaming needs are more casual. You don’t mind occasional stutters at max graphics.
- You don’t need the ‘Plus Key’ or an always-on Always-On Display.
- You’re looking for a solid, reliable OnePlus experience at a more affordable price point.
Conclusion: A Choice of Priorities
In short, both the OnePlus Nord CE5 and OnePlus Nord 5 offer a compelling OxygenOS experience. They have excellent long-term software support. Both share similar battery endurance and fast charging capabilities.
The OnePlus Nord 5 is clearly the superior device. It offers significant upgrades in performance, camera technology, display quality, and audio, all for an extra £100. It’s the more feature-packed and future-proof option.
However, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is a very capable and more affordable alternative. This is especially true if expandable storage is a priority. It’s also a good choice if you’re willing to make minor compromises on camera sharpness, gaming fluidity, and audio quality. It still delivers a solid OnePlus experience for its price.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal priorities and budget. Consider what features matter most to you. Then, decide if the advantages of the Nord 5 justify the extra cost.
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Source: OnePlus Nord CE5 vs Nord 5
Disclosure: This review is based on available information, expert analysis, and insights from the tech industry. Final specifications, features, and performance may vary upon official launch or availability. Always refer to official product pages and trusted retailers for the latest details.
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