The OnePlus Nord CE5, launched in India on July 8, 2025, at ₹24,999 (or as low as ₹22,000 with bank discounts), has redefined expectations for mid-range smartphones. After 30 days of rigorous daily use, we’ve explored its massive 7,100mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex performance, vibrant AMOLED display, and feature-packed OxygenOS 15. Designed for gamers, heavy users, and budget-conscious buyers, the Nord CE5 competes with rivals like the Moto G85 Fusion and Poco F6.

At TechBit, we’ve compiled the top 10 reasons to buy the OnePlus Nord CE5, diving deep into why it’s a standout choice in the under-₹25,000 segment. Is it the best phone under ₹25,000? Let’s find out!

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the OnePlus Nord CE5

1. Unmatched 7,100mAh Battery for All-Day Power

The OnePlus Nord CE5’s 7,100mAh battery is the largest ever in a OnePlus smartphone, delivering exceptional endurance for demanding users. This massive capacity sets it apart in the mid-range market, ensuring you stay powered through long days of work, travel, or entertainment.

• Real-World Endurance: During our 30-day testing, the Nord CE5 consistently delivered 7–8 hours of screen-on time (SOT) with mixed usage—think video calls, WhatsApp messaging, Instagram scrolling, and casual gaming like BGMI. For lighter users, it can last up to two days on a single charge.
• Versatile Use Cases: Whether you’re a student streaming lectures, a professional juggling calls and emails, or a traveler relying on navigation, this battery keeps up without needing a power bank.
• Comparison: Outshines competitors like the Moto G85 Fusion (5,000mAh) and Poco F6 (likely 5,500mAh), offering nearly 30% more capacity than typical mid-range phones.
• Optimized Power Management: OxygenOS 15’s battery optimizations, like adaptive refresh rate and app standby modes, maximize efficiency despite the phone’s high-performance chipset.

Why It Matters: The 7,100mAh battery is a game-changer for heavy users who need reliable, long-lasting power without constant recharging, making it ideal for India’s on-the-go lifestyle.

2. Blazing-Fast 80W SUPERVOOC Charging

The Nord CE5’s 80W SUPERVOOC charging ensures minimal downtime, getting you back to full power in record time. While it’s a slight downgrade from the Nord CE4’s 100W charger, it remains one of the fastest in its class.

• Charging Speed: Charges from 14% to 100% in just 66 minutes, perfect for quick top-ups before heading out. A 15-minute charge can provide hours of use.
• In-Box Charger: Includes an 80W charger and USB-A to USB-C cable, unlike some rivals (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A35) that omit chargers to cut costs.
• Bypass Charging: During gaming, the phone bypasses the battery to reduce heat, preserving battery health and ensuring cool performance during intense BGMI sessions.
• Safety Features: OnePlus’s proprietary charging technology includes 12 layers of protection to prevent overheating or overcharging, ensuring long-term reliability.

Why It Matters: Fast charging and an included charger add significant value, especially for users who need quick power boosts in busy schedules.

3. Flagship-Grade Performance with Dimensity 8350 Apex

The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset powers the Nord CE5, delivering near-flagship performance at a budget price. This significant upgrade over the Nord CE4 makes it a top contender for gamers and multitaskers.

• Benchmark Dominance: Scores 1.35 million on AnTuTu, nearly double the Nord CE4’s score, and rivals pricier phones like the Poco F6 and Realme X7 Pro. Geekbench GPU scores are over twice the predecessor’s, though 3D Mark Wildlife shows high temperatures and lower stability.
• Gaming Prowess: Achieves 87 FPS in BGMI (117 FPS with performance boost) and 117 FPS in COD Mobile, with no frame drops and controlled temperatures. Genshin Impact runs smoothly in performance mode, averaging higher FPS without stuttering.
• Daily Performance: Handles video calls, navigation, social media scrolling, and multitasking with ease. Minor stutters when exiting games and occasional app closures due to RAM management are fixable with software updates.
• Storage Options: Base model offers 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, with 8GB/256GB and 12GB/256GB variants for power users.

Why It Matters: The Nord CE5 delivers high-end performance for gaming and productivity at a fraction of flagship prices, appealing to budget gamers and power users.

4. Stunning 6.77-Inch AMOLED Display

The 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED display elevates the Nord CE5’s visual experience, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and outdoor use. Its upgrades over the Nord CE4 enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

• Display Specs: 120Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, and 1,800–1,900 nits peak brightness (claimed 1,300 nits), ensuring vibrant colors and smooth scrolling.
• AquaTouch Technology: Allows accurate touch input with wet hands, perfect for India’s monsoon season or sweaty gaming sessions.
• Sunlight Visibility: Remains clear in direct sunlight, outperforming many budget phones with dimmer displays.
• Fingerprint Scanner: The optical in-display scanner is fast and reliable, unlocking the phone seamlessly even in bright conditions.

Downside: No seamless Always-On Display (AOD), and unclear display protection (no Gorilla Glass mention) requires a quality screen protector.
Why It Matters: The bright, responsive display enhances media consumption and usability, making it a standout feature for entertainment lovers.

5. Industry-Leading Software Support

Running OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the Nord CE5 offers one of the longest software support periods in its segment, ensuring longevity and security.

• Update Commitment: 4 years of OS updates (until 2029) and 6 years of security patches (until 2031), surpassing the Nord CE4 and rivals like the Realme Narzo 70.
• Clean Interface: Minimal bloatware (uninstallable) with smooth app animations and a stock OnePlus dialer, eliminating call recording announcements for a cleaner experience.
• User Experience: Fluid transitions and intuitive navigation make daily use enjoyable, with customizable themes and icon packs.
• Future-Proofing: Extended updates ensure compatibility with future apps and security standards, a key consideration for long-term buyers.

Why It Matters: The extended software support maximizes value, keeping the phone relevant for years, especially for budget-conscious users.

6. Innovative AI Features for Productivity

The Nord CE5’s AI suite enhances daily usability with practical, user-friendly tools, setting it apart from competitors in the under-₹25,000 segment.

• AI Search: Voice-based search for settings or files, e.g., saying “screen is too dim” brings up brightness controls instantly.
• AI Voiceribe: Transcribes Zoom or WhatsApp calls with Hindi support, providing summaries for quick reference—ideal for students and professionals.
• AI Translate: Real-time translation (e.g., Hindi to Tamil) simplifies communication in multilingual settings, tested flawlessly during our 30-day use.
• Seamless Integration: AI features are accessible via a clean, straightforward UI, requiring no learning curve.

Why It Matters: These AI tools boost productivity and convenience, making the Nord CE5 a smart choice for tech-savvy users.

7. IP65 Dust and Water Resistance

The IP65 rating is a rare and valuable feature in the budget segment, offering protection against dust and light water exposure.

• Durability: Guards against dust ingress and splashes, ideal for India’s dusty streets or rainy seasons.
• Use Cases: Perfect for users who drop their phone in water, wash it for hygiene, or use it in rugged outdoor conditions.
• Comparison: Unlike the Poco F6 (no IP rating) or Moto G85 Fusion (IP54), the Nord CE5’s IP65 rating offers superior protection.

Why It Matters: Enhances the phone’s durability, giving peace of mind to accident-prone users or those in challenging environments.

8. Exceptional Value at ₹24,999

Priced at ₹24,999 (or ₹22,000 with bank discounts), the Nord CE5 delivers premium features at a budget price, making it a top value proposition.

• Pricing Breakdown: Matches the Nord CE4’s launch price but offers a better processor, larger battery, and longer software support.
• Bank Offers: Discounts via HDFC, SBI, or Amazon Pay cards bring the price to ₹22,000, undercutting rivals like the Poco F6.
• Variants: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/256GB cater to different budgets and storage needs.
• Value Comparison: Offers more features (e.g., IP65, 7,100mAh battery) than the Realme Narzo 70 or Samsung Galaxy A35 at similar prices.

Why It Matters: Affordable pricing with flagship-like features makes the Nord CE5 accessible to a wide audience.

9. Solid Camera for Everyday Needs

The 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS delivers reliable performance for casual photography and video, suitable for social media and daily use.

• Main Camera: Captures vibrant colors with good dynamic range; zoomed-in shots reveal readable details like number plates.
• Ultrawide: The 8MP sensor performs well in daylight, handling sunlit scenes with balanced exposure, though details are limited.
• Video Quality: Stable 4K 60FPS recording with natural colors outperforms the Moto G85 Fusion’s 4K 30FPS, ideal for vloggers or casual videographers.
• Lens Switching: Faster than the Nord CE4, improving usability during quick shots.

Downside: Selfie camera (16MP) is average, and 2x shots appear washed out compared to 1x.
Why It Matters: While not a photography champ, the camera meets the needs of casual users sharing on Instagram or WhatsApp.

10. Versatile Connectivity and Expandable Storage

The Nord CE5 offers robust connectivity and storage options, enhancing its practicality for diverse users.

• Hybrid SIM Slot: Supports up to 1TB expandable storage via microSD, a rarity in mid-range phones, perfect for storing videos, photos, or apps.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and an IR blaster (now in the camera module) for controlling TVs or ACs. Jio SIM testing showed no call or internet issues.
• Practical Features: The IR blaster adds convenience for home automation, while expandable storage supports users with large media libraries.
• Comparison: Unlike the Moto G85 Fusion (no expandable storage), the Nord CE5 offers flexibility for storage-heavy users.

Why It Matters: Expandable storage and modern connectivity make the Nord CE5 a versatile choice for budget buyers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Massive 7,100mAh battery with 7–8 hours SOT.
• 80W SUPERVOOC charging with in-box charger.
• Flagship-grade Dimensity 8350 Apex for gaming.
• Stunning 6.77-inch AMOLED display with AquaTouch.
• 4 years OS updates, 6 years security patches.
• Innovative AI features with Hindi support.
• IP65 dust and water resistance.
• Affordable at ₹22,000 with bank discounts.
• Reliable 50MP main camera for casual use.
• Expandable storage up to 1TB.

Cons

• Single speaker impacts multimedia quality.
• Average selfie camera and inconsistent 2x colors.
• Harsh haptics and subpar RAM management.
• No NFC, eSIM, or seamless AOD.
• Plastic frame feels less premium.

OnePlus Nord CE5 vs. Competitors

• Moto G85 Fusion: Better camera colors and selfies but smaller battery (5,000mAh) and slower video (4K 30FPS).
• Poco F6: Comparable performance but likely pricier with a smaller battery.
• Realme X7 Pro: Similar benchmarks but less gaming stability and no IP65 rating.

Why It Matters: The Nord CE5’s battery, performance, and value outshine rivals, though cameras and audio lag slightly.

Who Should Buy the OnePlus Nord CE5?

• Budget Gamers: 117 FPS in BGMI/COD Mobile at ₹24,999 is unmatched.
• Heavy Users: 7,100mAh battery suits long days of calls, social media, or navigation.
• OnePlus Fans: OxygenOS 15 and long updates align with brand loyalty.
• Value Seekers: ₹22,000 price with discounts delivers premium features.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: IP65 rating and AquaTouch suit rugged or wet conditions.

Who Should Avoid:

• Photography Buffs: Average cameras may disappoint.
• Audiophiles: Single speaker limits multimedia enjoyment.
• Premium Build Seekers: Plastic frame feels budget-oriented.

Buying Tips

• Grab Bank Discounts: Get the 8GB/128GB model for ₹22,000 via HDFC/SBI offers on OnePlus.in.
• Invest in Protection: Add a quality screen protector due to unclear display protection.
• Test Multimedia: Check the single speaker if audio is a priority.
• Compare Rivals: Try the Moto G85 Fusion for better cameras or Poco F6 for similar performance.
• Wait for Updates: Software patches may fix haptics and RAM issues.

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is a powerhouse in the under-₹25,000 segment, offering a 7,100mAh battery, Dimensity 8350 performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and OxygenOS 15 with AI features. Its IP65 rating, 80W charging, and long software support make it a future-proof choice for gamers, heavy users, and budget buyers. While the single speaker and average cameras are drawbacks, the ₹22,000 price (with discounts) delivers unmatched value. Visit OnePlus.in to grab deals, and share your thoughts on X with #OnePlusNordCE5!

Publish Date: July 8, 2025
Last Updated: July 8, 2025

Author: Beebom official YouTube Channel

Source: OnePlus Nord CE5 Review