Introduction: A Tale of Two Nord Warriors
In 2025, OnePlus launched two game-changing smartphones in India — the OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus Nord CE 5. While both fall in the mid-range price segment, they’re designed for different users. So, which one is worth your money?
In this blog, we’ll compare both phones side by side with real-life examples, expert insights, and full specs to help you make the best choice.
🔍 Quick Comparison Table: Nord 5 vs Nord CE 5
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | OnePlus Nord CE 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.74” AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | 6.72” AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X | Up to 12GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 | Up to 256GB UFS 2.2 |
| Camera | 50MP IMX890 + 8MP UW | 50MP + 2MP Depth |
| Battery | 5500mAh + 100W Charging | 5000mAh + 80W Charging |
| OS | OxygenOS 14 (Android 14) | OxygenOS 14 |
| Price (India) | From ₹28,999 | From ₹21,999 |
⚡ Performance: Flagship Muscle vs Efficient Everyday Use
The Nord 5 handles heavy apps like Instagram, CapCut, and Asphalt 9 without lag, thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3. Meanwhile, the CE 5 is perfect for everyday tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome.
Geekbench Scores
- Nord 5: 1120 (single), 3000+ (multi-core)
- CE 5: 900 (single), 2100 (multi-core)
🔋 Battery & Charging
- Nord 5: 5500mAh, 100W SUPERVOOC (0-100% in 26 mins)
- CE 5: 5000mAh, 80W (0-100% in 35-40 mins)
📸 Camera Battle
Daylight
Nord 5 offers clearer shots with better dynamic range. CE 5 is good for casual users.
Night Mode
Nord 5 benefits from OnePlus’s Nightscape algorithm, making it superior in low-light scenarios.
“The Nord 5 camera gives results similar to ₹40,000+ phones.” – Prateek Singh, Tech YouTuber
📺 Display & Design
- Nord 5: Brighter AMOLED (2150 nits), HDR10+, matte glass, alert slider
- CE 5: AMOLED (~1100 nits), polycarbonate body
🧑💻 OxygenOS 14 Experience
Both phones run OxygenOS 14 with fast performance, no bloatware, and regular updates.
- Smart Sidebar
- Privacy Dashboard
- 2 years OS + 3 years security updates
💡 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose Nord 5 if you:
- Play games, multitask, or create content
- Want better camera and faster charging
Choose Nord CE 5 if you:
- Are a student or light user
- Need a reliable phone under ₹22,000
🎙️ Expert Opinions
“The CE 5 is great for everyday users, but the Nord 5 brings back the flagship killer tag.” – Ritika Sharma, Gadget360
“Nord 5’s performance makes it one of the best mid-rangers in 2025.” – Rajiv Makhni
📌 FAQs
Is OnePlus Nord CE 5 good for gaming?
Yes, for casual gaming. For high-end gaming, Nord 5 is better.
Does Nord 5 support 4K video recording?
Yes, it supports up to 4K at 60fps.
Which one supports more 5G bands?
Both support 13+ 5G bands in India.
Do these phones support expandable storage?
No, neither phone has a microSD card slot.
🏁 Final Verdict
If you want flagship-like features under ₹30K, go with Nord 5. If you want a smooth, budget-friendly device for daily use, Nord CE 5 is a solid choice.
