Digital News Guru Gadgets Desk:
OnePlus Unveils Nord 5 & Nord CE 5 in India: A Bold Mid‑Range Push
New Delhi, July 8, 2025: At its eagerly anticipated Summer Launch Event at 2:00 PM IST, OnePlus introduced the OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5, marking a significant leap forward for its mid‑range mobile lineup. These latest models inherit premium-grade features previously reserved for flagship devices—delivering flagship-level performance, high-refresh-rate OLED displays, robust batteries, and AI‑enhanced software—within a price segment that remains competitive in India.
Event & Availability
The launch event was streamed live across OnePlus India’s official website, YouTube channel, and social media handles, including Amazon’s microsite for India fans.
Both phones are slated for wide retail release through OnePlus.in, the OnePlus Store app, Amazon India, Flipkart, and offline retailers such as Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales, and Bajaj Electronics.
- Nord 5 will go on sale from July 9 at 12 PM IST.
- Nord CE 5 will be available starting July 12 at 12 AM IST
Launch offers include instant Rs 2,000 bank discounts (e.g. ICICI, RBL) and no-cost EMI options.
OnePlus Nord 5: Premium Performance, Flagship Features
The Nord 5 stands out as arguably OnePlus’s most powerful Nord-series phone ever:
- Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor (4 nm), paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage in up to 12 GB / 512 GB configuration
- Sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 144 Hz refresh rate, up to ~1,400 nits brightness in HBM mode, and IP65-rated build for light splash resistance.
- Camera setup includes a 50 MP Sony LYT‑700 main sensor (OIS) paired with an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 50 MP Samsung selfie camera with autofocus and 4K/60fps video support.
- 6,800 mAh battery supports 80 W SuperVOOC fast charging, rising to claims of 100 W depending on markets; though wireless charging is not supported.
- Software: Ships with Android 15 layered with OxygenOS 15, features such as the new “Plus Key” (for shortcuts like screenshots, sound profile switches, etc.) and AI‑driven enhancements like “Plus Mind” for memory saving. OnePlus promises four years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches.
Pricing & Colors
- Rs 31,999 for 8 GB / 256 GB (effective Rs 29,999 after launch offers)
- Rs 34,999 for 12 GB / 256 GB (effective Rs 32,999)
- Rs 37,999 for 12 GB / 512 GB (effective Rs 35,999)
Available in Marble Sands, Dry Ice, and Phantom Grey color variants.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: Value Without Compromise
For budget-conscious buyers, the Nord CE 5 is positioned as the optimised mid‑range sibling:
- Features the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset (4 nm), offering significantly better performance compared to Nord CE 4’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform .
- Comes with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display at 120 Hz refresh rate, brightness up to ~1,430 nits, and mild touch sampling of 300 Hz .
- Camera array includes a 50 MP Sony LYT‑600 main sensor (OIS), 8 MP ultrawide, and a 16 MP front sensor with 4K/60fps support and improved tone handling .
- Offers a massive 7,100 mAh battery with 80 W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of two days of typical use and supports bypass charging during gaming .
- Software: Runs Android 15 + OxygenOS 15, same OS extension promise (4+6 years). Notably lacks the dedicated Plus Key, but users can activate AI features via 3-finger swipe gestures. Features like VoiceScribe (call summaries) and screen-translate are included .
Pricing & Availability
- 8 GB / 128 GB – Rs 24,999 (effective Rs 22,999 after discount)
- 8 GB / 256 GB – Rs 26,999
- 12 GB / 256 GB – Rs 28,999
Available in Nexus Blue, Marble Mist, and Black Infinity hues; on sale from July 12 at 12 AM IST.
First Impressions: How They Shape Up
Nord 5: A Flagship Feel at Mid-range Price
Initial hands-on reviews rate the Nord 5 with a solid 8/10 or 3.5/5, calling it an “everyday performer with premium flair” and a top-tier value device in its segment . Design-wise, the Nord 5 moves away from its predecessor’s all-metal feel to a glass‑plastic composite construction—ideal for slimmer handling though perhaps not as hefty. The Marble Sands finish, in particular, stands out for its subtle elegance. Cooling is handled by a vapor chamber system, keeping performance stable under gaming loads .
Nord CE 5: Practical and Powerful
Early reviews emphasize its impressive battery life, solid multitasking performance, and clean UI. The Dimensity 8350 Apex delivers about 9–25 % better CPU performance versus last-gen benchmarks, making it competitive among contemporaries like the Infinix GT 30 Pro and Motorola Edge 60 Fusion.
Who Should Choose Which?
| Interest / Use Case | Choose Nord 5 | Choose Nord CE 5 |
| Mobile gaming / content creation | Yes (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, cooler thermal) | Good, but less powerful GPU performance |
| Display & smooth refresh rate | Higher peak brightness and 144Hz | 120Hz offers smooth for most users |
| Battery & longevity | Excellent with 6,800 mAh | Exceptional with 7,100 mAh |
| AI software & shortcuts | Plus Key and advanced AI tools | AI features via gestures, no Plus Key |
| Budget-oriented value | Mid Rs 30 K segment | Sub – Rs 25 K entry-friendly pricing |
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