The smartphone market just got a major shake-up with the official launch of OnePlus Nord 5 and CE5, the latest additions to OnePlus’s popular Nord series. These two smartphones bring high-end specs, massive batteries, and smart AI features at a price that won’t empty your wallet. Starting at just $323, the Nord CE5 offers unbeatable value, while the more premium Nord 5 provides a flagship-grade experience under $550.
The OnePlus Nord 5 is a visual treat, flaunting a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate. It offers a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and Gorilla Glass 7i protection, perfect for gamers and binge-watchers alike.
On the other hand, the Nord CE5 packs a slightly smaller 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a still impressive 120Hz refresh rate and 1,430 nits peak brightness. Both displays support HDR10+ for deeper contrasts and richer visuals, providing a flagship viewing experience at a midrange price.
Color choices also reflect OnePlus’s modern design philosophy:
Performance is where both devices shine. The OnePlus Nord 5 runs on the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. It’s built for speed and multitasking, making it ideal for gamers and professionals.
The Nord CE5 features the MediaTek Dimensity 8350, which is no slouch either. It’s complemented by up to 12GB RAM and expandable storage—something the Nord 5 doesn’t offer.
Both phones ship with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, offering four major Android upgrades. The new OnePlus AI Suite adds exciting tools like:
Camera enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. The OnePlus Nord 5 features a dual camera setup:
The Nord CE5 packs a 50MP LYT-600 main camera and similar 8MP ultrawide, plus a 16MP front camera for social media-ready selfies.
Both models use OnePlus’s RAW HDR and Real Tone technologies, ensuring accurate colors and detailed shots even in difficult lighting.
Battery life is another area where OnePlus is pushing boundaries.
With over 27 hours of YouTube playback, the CE5 is a true endurance champion. Both phones also support Bypass Charging, which helps reduce heat during gaming or extended use.
Here’s a quick look at pricing:
With this pricing strategy, OnePlus continues its mission to bring flagship-level innovation to a wider audience.
If you’re looking for flagship features on a midrange budget, the OnePlus Nord 5 and CE5 should be at the top of your list. With their impressive displays, massive batteries, AI enhancements, and long software support, they check all the boxes for 2025’s best value smartphones.