Remember when a “Core Edition” (CE) phone meant cutting corners to save a few bucks? The real truth is that OnePlus has flipped the script with the OnePlus Nord CE5 5G. Launched at a starting price of ₹24,999, this phone isn’t just a budget sibling anymore—it’s a battery monster that makes flagship phones look like they belong in a museum.
While everyone else is fighting over megapixels, OnePlus decided to shove a tablet-sized 7100mAh battery into a body that is surprisingly only 8.17mm thick. But does that giant battery come at the cost of performance, or is this finally the “all-rounder” we’ve been waiting for in 2026? Let’s peel back the layers.

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE
| Feature | Technical Specification |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex (4nm) |
| Display | 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1430 nits Peak |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-600 (OIS) + 8MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 16MP Selfie |
| Battery / Charging | 7100mAh / 80W SuperVOOC |
| OS | OxygenOS 15.0 (Android 15) |
| Durability | IP65 Dust & Water Resistant |
2. DESIGN & BUILD (Deep Dive)
OnePlus has performed a literal miracle here. How do you fit a 7100mAh battery and keep the phone under 200 grams?
- Weight & Feel: At 199 grams, it’s lighter than many phones with smaller batteries. In the hand, it feels dense but not bulky.
- The Finish: The Marble Mist variant is the showstopper. It has a unique, flowing texture that hides fingerprints perfectly. If you prefer something stealthier, the Black Infinity is your go-to.
- The Bezel Situation: Don’t waste your money if you hate chin bezels. While the side bezels are razor-thin, the bottom chin is slightly more prominent than the premium Nord 5.
- Build Material: It’s a high-quality polycarbonate frame and back. While it doesn’t feel as “cold” as glass, it’s far more durable for daily rough use.

3. DISPLAY & VISUALS
The 6.77-inch Super Fluid AMOLED panel is a treat for binge-watchers.
- Brightness: With 1430 nits peak brightness, you won’t be squinting. In my outdoor test under the Noida sun, the 1.5K-ish resolution remained perfectly legible.
- Aqua Touch: Just like the flagship series, this has Aqua Touch technology. You can scroll through your feed even if your hands are wet or it’s drizzling outside.
- Eye Comfort: The 2160Hz PWM dimming ensures that late-night scrolling doesn’t leave your eyes feeling like they’ve been sandpapered.
4. PERFORMANCE & GAMING
Under the hood lies the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex. This isn’t just a renamed old chip; it’s a 4nm powerhouse optimized for efficiency.
- The Stress Test: In a 30-minute BGMI session at 60 FPS, the phone barely broke a sweat. It stayed cool at 38°C, largely thanks to the massive surface area that helps dissipate heat.
- Multitasking: With LPDDR5X RAM, app switching is instantaneous. OxygenOS 15 feels light, airy, and—thankfully—mostly free of the bloatware that plagues its rivals.
5. CAMERA: IS IT ENOUGH?
OnePlus used the 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with OIS. It’s a reliable mid-range sensor, but it’s not a “flagship killer” in the camera department.
- Daylight: Photos are sharp with that signature OnePlus “natural” color science. Dynamic range is respectable, capturing details in the shadows without blowing out the highlights.
- Low Light: The OIS works overtime here. You get usable, bright shots, but you will notice some grain if you zoom in.
- The Compromise: The 8MP ultrawide is… just okay. It’s fine for daylight landscapes but struggles as soon as the sun goes down.

6. BATTERY & ENDURANCE: THE REAL MVP
This is the reason you buy this phone. Period.
- Real-World Usage: In our “Drain Test,” the phone lasted 16.5 hours of continuous screen-on time. For a normal user, this is a 3-day phone.
- Charging: You get an 80W SuperVOOC charger in the box.
- 0-50% in 41 minutes.
- 0-100% in approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Why so slow? You might think 80W should be faster, but remember, it’s filling a massive 7100mAh tank. It’s physically impossible to charge this as fast as a 4500mAh battery without melting the internals.
7. THE COMPETITION (The Battle of 25K)
OnePlus Nord CE5 5G vs Poco X7 Pro vs Redmi Note 15 Pro
| Feature | Nord CE5 5G | Poco X7 Pro | Redmi Note 15 Pro |
| Battery | 7100mAh | 6550mAh | 7000mAh |
| Chipset | Dimensity 8350 | Dimensity 8400 | Dimensity 7400 |
| Charging | 80W | 90W | 45W |
| AnTuTu | 1.41 Million | 1.55 Million | 1.1 Million |
The Winner: If you are a hardcore gamer, the Poco X7 Pro has a slight edge in raw power. However, for everything else—battery life, software experience, and brand value—the OnePlus Nord CE5 5G is the superior choice.
Read More : Vivo Y19
8. FINAL VERDICT
Buy it if:
- You are tired of carrying a power bank everywhere.
- You want a clean, fast software experience (OxygenOS).
- You want a phone that feels premium but can survive a splash (IP65).
Skip it if:
- You want the fastest charging (under 30 mins).
- You are a mobile photographer who needs a telephoto lens.
- You prefer a compact, small-screen phone.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
9. FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does OnePlus Nord CE5 5G support an SD card?
Yes, it features a Hybrid SIM slot, allowing you to expand storage up to 1TB.
Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack?
No, OnePlus has removed it. You’ll need a Type-C adapter or TWS earbuds.
How long will the battery health last?
OnePlus claims the battery is designed to remain healthy (above 80% capacity) for 4 years of daily charging.
Does it have an Alert Slider?
Sadly, no. The Alert Slider remains exclusive to the more expensive Nord 5 and flagship series.
What is the charging time from 0 to 100?
Using the bundled 80W charger, it takes about 105-110 minutes for a full charge.









