This Budget OnePlus Might Surprise You—Nord CE5 Full Review

OnePlus Nord CE5: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse That Gets the Job Done

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is a breath of fresh air in the budget smartphone market, delivering a solid all-around experience for just £300. For the price, you get an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration that punches above its weight. It’s not about flashy features or groundbreaking innovation—it’s about getting the basics right, and the Nord CE5 does just that. Here’s why this phone is worth your attention.

Design and Build: Simple, Clean, and Fingerprint-Free

The Nord CE5 keeps things minimal and functional. Available in two finishes—marble and matte black—the matte black option is a standout. It resists fingerprints like a champ, a rare treat for those tired of constantly wiping down their phone. While it may attract a bit of dust, it’s a small trade-off for a clean, smudge-free look.

The design is refreshingly uncluttered, featuring only a volume button and a screen lock button on the left side. A microSD card tray supports up to a massive 1TB of expandable storage, which is a huge plus for media hoarders. For a budget phone, the Nord CE5 feels thoughtfully designed without unnecessary frills.

Display: Vibrant and Smooth

The Nord CE5 sports a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080×2392 pixels. It’s sharp, colorful, and smooth, making everything from scrolling through social media to watching videos a pleasure. At this price point, the display is a steal, offering a premium visual experience that rivals more expensive phones.

The downside? The single mono speaker at the bottom delivers lackluster sound. It gets the job done for casual use but lacks the depth and richness you’d want for music or movies. A pair of earbuds or an external speaker is a must for media enthusiasts.

Performance: Reliable for Everyday Use

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset powers the Nord CE5. It’s not a flagship processor, but it handles daily tasks with ease. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or multitasking, slowdowns are minimal. Gaming at higher resolutions can push the chip’s limits, but most games run smoothly enough for casual players.

The phone runs OxygenOS 15 on top of Android 15, offering a clean and user-friendly experience. There are a few pre-installed ad apps, but they’re easily removable. OnePlus promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which is solid for a budget device. NFC support is also included, making contactless payments a breeze.

Camera: Decent with a Surprising Twist

The camera setup on the Nord CE5 is surprisingly capable for its price. The 15MP Sony main sensor produces sharp, vibrant photos that hold up well in good lighting. Low-light performance is less impressive but still respectable for a budget phone. The 8MP wide-angle camera is serviceable for occasional shots, though it lacks the same punch. The 16MP selfie camera is average, good for basic selfies but nothing to write home about.

What sets the Nord CE5 apart is its ability to record 4K video at 60 fps with optical image stabilization (OIS). This is a rare feature in budget phones, and while the stabilization isn’t top-tier, it’s a welcome addition for smoother, higher-quality videos.

Battery and Charging: A Mixed Bag

Battery life varies by region due to differing regulations. In Nordic European countries, the Nord CE5 comes with a 5,200 mAh battery, which lasts about two days with conservative use. In other regions, you get a massive 7,100 mAh battery—an impressive capacity for any phone, let alone one at this price. The phone also supports 80W fast charging with a compatible SuperVOOC charger, making quick top-ups a breeze.

Verdict: A Lot of Phone for the Money

The OnePlus Nord CE5 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on delivering a reliable, no-nonsense experience at an affordable price. From its clean design and vibrant display to its capable performance and surprising camera features, it’s a phone that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Sure, the mono speaker and average wide-angle camera aren’t perfect, but for £300, these are minor gripes.

If you’re looking for a budget phone that offers a lot of bang for your buck, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is a fantastic choice. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a phone that’s more than just “good enough.”

What are your thoughts on the OnePlus Nord CE5? Drop your questions or comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!