OnePlus Nord CE 5 Review: A Premium Experience, Plus AI, For £299

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is the latest offering from OnePlus, aiming to provide a premium user experience at a more affordable price point. Priced at £299 / €349 for the base model, the Nord CE 5 offers a nice design and build quality, a rich and elegant user experience, and fast charging capabilities.

Design & Build:
The Nord CE 5 features a polycarbonate frame and composite back, with an IP65 certification against dust and water. The phone weighs 199 grams and has a clean design with subtle rounding for a comfortable hand-feel. The phone is available in black or white variants, with the black variant having a satin-finish composite back and the white variant featuring a nacre-inspired back pattern.

Screen & Speakers:
The phone sports a 6.77-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with higher brightness output for better outdoor visibility. The display offers smooth visuals at 120fps and supports HDR content. The phone features stereo speakers, but the audio quality lacks depth and distorts easily.

Specs & Performance:
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, the Nord CE 5 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage. The phone offers smooth performance, fast app loading times, and competent gaming capabilities. The phone also supports RAM Expansion and microSD expandability up to 1TB.

Cameras:
The Nord CE 5 features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 16MP front camera. The main sensor delivers impressive results in bright conditions, with good dynamic range and accurate colors. The phone offers 4K 60fps video capture and decent selfie quality.

Battery Life & Charging:
With a 5200mAh battery and 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, the Nord CE 5 provides ample battery life and fast charging speeds. The phone supports bypass charging for extended gaming sessions without affecting battery health.

Software & Apps:
The phone runs OxygenOS 15 atop Android 15, offering a clean, responsive, and intuitive user experience. The Nord CE 5 comes with OnePlus’ AI features, including Mind Space, for enhanced functionality and organization.

Price & Availability:
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is available for purchase starting at £299 / €349 for the base model. The phone can be bought directly from OnePlus’ website or from online retailers like Amazon.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a solid choice for users looking for a reliable smartphone experience.