Deciding between the premium OnePlus Nord 5 vs OnePlus Nord CE 5 is tricky. Both released in July 2025 with massive batteries, but the “CE” (Core Edition) sacrifices crucial camera and display features to hit a lower price point. This guide exposes those differences.
OnePlus Nord 5
OnePlus Nord CE 5
OnePlus Nord 5
Best for vloggers needing a 4K selfie camera, gamers wanting 144Hz smoothness, and premium build lovers.
OnePlus Nord CE 5
Best for budget buyers prioritizing extreme battery life, expandable storage, and great value.
Overview
Release Date
July 9, 2025
July 12, 2025
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex
Antutu Score
1.48 million
1.40 million
Display
6.83-inch OLED, 144Hz
6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Rear Camera
50 MP + 8 MP
50 MP + 8 MP
Front/Selfie Camera
50 MP (Autofocus)
16 MP
Battery and Charger
6800 mAh, 80W Charging
7100 mAh, 80W Charging
User Ratings
Pros
- 50MP Autofocus Selfie
- 144Hz Refresh Rate
- Brighter Display
- NFC Support
- Bigger 7100mAh Battery
- Expandable Storage
- Much Cheaper Price
- Hybrid SIM Slot
Cons
- No Expandable Storage
- Higher Price Tag
- Slightly Smaller Battery
- No 3.5mm Jack (USB-C only)
- Weaker Selfie Camera
- No NFC
- Lower Peak Brightness
- Thicker Bottom Bezel (Implied by lower body ratio)
Best Features
OnePlus Nord 5
Selfie Powerhouse: The 50 MP front camera with Autofocus and 4K video recording is leagues ahead of the CE 5’s basic 16 MP shooter.
Display Superiority: Boasts a sharper 1.5K resolution (approx) and a smoother 144Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming.
Connectivity: Includes NFC for contactless payments, which is missing on the Nord CE 5.
OnePlus Nord CE 5
Battery Monster: A massive 7100 mAh battery ensures this phone lasts longer than almost any flagship on the market.
Storage Flexibility: Unlike the Nord 5, the CE 5 supports expandable storage up to 1 TB via a hybrid slot.
Value Performance: The Dimensity 8350 Apex chip delivers nearly identical performance (1.4M Antutu) to the Nord 5 for ₹9,000 less.
TS Ratings
TS Rating is based on specifications and value for money. Higher score means better overall value at the given price.
Performance
Display
Rear Camera
Front/Selfie Camera
Battery and Charger
Value For Money
Overall Score
- OnePlus Nord 5 – ( 9.2/10 ) Winner
- OnePlus Nord CE 5 – ( 8.9/10 )
The OnePlus Nord 5 takes the win because it offers a complete “flagship killer” experience. It scores significantly higher in the Display and Camera categories due to its 144Hz OLED panel and superior 50MP autofocus selfie camera. The inclusion of NFC and premium glass build also justifies the higher price tag for users who want longevity and features.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is an exceptional value champion, scoring nearly a perfect 10 for its massive 7100 mAh battery and high value for money. Performance-wise, it is very close to the Nord 5. However, it loses points for its outdated 16 MP fixed-focus front camera and lack of NFC, which are noticeable cuts in 2025.
Which is Better
Buy OnePlus Nord 5 if
You are a content creator or gamer who needs the best display and camera. The 144Hz screen and 50MP autofocus selfie cam are worth the extra cost over the CE model.
Buy OnePlus Nord CE 5 if
You want the longest possible battery life and great gaming performance on a budget. If you don’t care about 4K selfies or NFC, this phone saves you money without sacrificing speed.
Price Comparison
For the best deals, Also check other e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital before making a purchase.
OnePlus Nord 5
Buy Now ↓
8 GB + 256 GB
₹ 33,999
12 GB + 256 GB
₹ 36,999
12 GB + 512 GB
₹ 39,999
OnePlus Nord CE 5
Buy Now ↓
8 GB + 128 GB
₹ 24,999
12 GB + 256 GB
₹ 26,985
12 GB + 256 GB
₹ 28,999