The mid-range smartphone market in India is heating up, and OnePlus has joined the race with its latest offering ā the OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G. Built for users who want strong performance, reliable battery life, and a premium display without stretching into flagship pricing, the Nord CE 5 balances everyday usability with power-packed features. Priced between ā¹24,997 ā ā¹28,999 in India (around RM1,399 ā RM1,620 in Malaysia), the phone targets mainstream buyers who want a true all-rounder at a fair cost.
Sleek but Practical Design
OnePlus has retained its minimalist design philosophy in the Nord CE 5. The glossy back with Gorilla Glass 5 protection pairs with a durable plastic frame, offering both style and resilience. At 192g with a thickness of 8.1 mm, it feels slightly hefty ā a trade-off for the large battery inside. With IP54 splash resistance, three color options (Obsidian Black, Jade Green, and Lunar Silver), and a dual-camera setup, the phone maintains a modern yet understated look.
AMOLED Display with Flagship-Like Smoothness
The device flaunts a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certification. Brightness peaks at 1,000 nits, making it easily usable even in outdoor conditions. Whether gaming, streaming, or scrolling through social media, the screen delivers vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and seamless, giving the device a flagship-like touch.
Reliable Performance with Dimensity Power
Under the hood, the Nord CE 5 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, built on a 4nm architecture. With clock speeds of up to 2.8GHz and an AnTuTu score nearing 700,000, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps without slowing down. Storage options include 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD). On the software front, it ships with Android 15 + OxygenOS 15, promising 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, ensuring long-term value.
Cameras: Good Enough for Daily Use
The Nord CE 5 packs a 50MP OIS primary lens and an 8MP ultra-wide shooter, alongside a 16MP selfie camera. Daytime shots are sharp and detailed, while the ultra-wide adds versatility. However, in low light, performance falls slightly short compared to competitors with triple or quad-lens setups. On the plus side, 4K video recording with stabilization makes it a reliable pick for vloggers and casual content creators.
Massive Battery with Super-Fast Charging
The standout feature of the Nord CE 5 is its 7100mAh battery ā one of the largest in its class. For regular users, this translates to 2ā3 days of usage or up to 18 hours of screen time. Charging is equally impressive: 80W SuperVOOC fast charging fills the battery from 0ā100% in under 60 minutes. Wireless charging is absent, but the ultra-fast wired option more than makes up for it.
Pricing & Availability
India Price: ā¹24,997 (8GB/128GB) & ā¹28,999 (12GB/256GB)
Malaysia Price: Approx. RM1,399 ā RM1,620
On-road (India): ā¹29,000 ā ā¹33,500 including taxes and insurance
The phone has been available since July 2025, with attractive bank offers and cashback deals. Yearly maintenance costs are estimated at ā¹2,500ā3,500 (RM140āRM190), and users can extend the warranty from 1 year to 2 years for an additional fee.
Competition & Verdict
In the ā¹25K ā ā¹30K (RM1,400 ā RM1,600) price bracket, rivals like the iQOO Neo series and Realme GT lineup offer stronger camera systems. However, none of them match the 7100mAh battery and balanced performance of the Nord CE 5. For users who value endurance, smooth performance, and a polished design over experimental camera setups, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 proves to be one of the most dependable choices in 2025.

Hi, Iām Faiq ā the founder and writer at Strataero. With a keen interest in automobiles and mobile technology, I love sharing useful insights, reviews, and updates that help readers make informed choices. My goal is to deliver simple, clear, and reliable content for tech and auto enthusiasts.