OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5: Which Is Better for Gaming, Camera & Battery in 2025?

OnePlus has launched two powerful mid-rangers in 2025 — Nord CE5 and Nord 5. While both share the same Nord DNA, the approach is vastly different. CE5 focuses on battery dominance and value, whereas Nord 5 delivers flagship-class performance and camera finesse.

Let’s break down the differences across performance, camera, design, battery, and software to help you choose the ideal Nord.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Performance

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex, an upper mid-range SoC clocked up to 3.35GHz. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, it delivers smooth multitasking and stable 120FPS gaming. The phone also supports up to 12GB virtual RAM expansion, which is helpful for extended multitasking.

On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord 5 boasts the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 — a flagship-grade chipset built on 4nm fabrication. Combined with LPDDR5X memory and a large 32207 mm² heat dissipation area, it’s designed for heavy-duty performance, advanced gaming, and efficient AI processing.

Verdict: Nord 5 clearly leads in raw performance and sustained output under load. CE5, however, offers excellent value for casual and mid-level users.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Camera

Oneplus Nord CE5 features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with OIS, capable of 4K 60fps video and sharp day/night photography. It’s backed by an 8MP ultra-wide lens (112° FOV) and a 16MP front shooter (Sony IMX480), making it decent for social-ready content.

Oneplus Nord 5, however, raises the bar with a 50MP Sony LYT-700 sensor offering both OIS + EIS, paired with the same 8MP ultra-wide. The standout feature here is the 50MP front camera (Samsung JN5) — one of the best selfie setups in the segment, supporting 4K 60fps video, perfect for vloggers and content creators.

Verdict: For professional-grade videos and front camera performance, Nord 5 is far superior.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Display & Design

Nord CE5 comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1430 nits peak brightness. It also brings Aqua Touch and a near 94% screen-to-body ratio for a smooth and immersive experience.

Nord 5 steps up the game with a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel, 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. With up to 1800 nits brightness and 3000Hz touch response, it’s a display crafted for high-end media and gaming usage.

Verdict: Nord 5’s panel is brighter, sharper, and more premium — making it the better choice for display purists.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Battery & Charging

The Nord CE5 dominates with a 7100mAh battery — the largest ever in a OnePlus phone. It delivers up to 2.5 days of usage and supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging.

Nord 5, meanwhile, packs a slightly smaller 6800mAh battery, but compensates with support for 80W wired + 18W PD charging and reverse wired charging. It also includes Bypass charging for better thermals during gaming.

Verdict: CE5 wins on battery life. Nord 5, however, offers better charging flexibility and efficiency.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Storage, Build & Software

Nord CE5 offers expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD), which is rare in this price segment. It’s available in 128GB and 256GB UFS 3.1 variants, with LPDDR5X RAM.

Nord 5 skips microSD support but comes with 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 storage, offering ample built-in capacity for power users.

Both phones run OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 and are promised 4 Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is best-in-class.

Verdict: CE5 is better if you want storage flexibility; Nord 5 is ideal for users who want fast and large internal storage.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Audio, Connectivity & Extras

Nord CE5: Single bottom-firing speaker, no NFC

Nord 5: Dual stereo speakers, NFC, and support for Wi-Fi 6 + 5G-Advanced

Additional Perks (Nord 5):

Gorilla Glass 7i protection

IR Blaster

Reverse wired charging

Advanced vibration motor (X-axis)

Also Read – OnePlus 13T vs OnePlus Ace 5: Which One Is Best for You in 2025?

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 – Price Comparison

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is positioned as a value-focused mid-range phone, while the Nord 5 pushes closer to premium territory with high-end specs. Here’s how their pricing compares:

OnePlus Nord CE5 Price in India:

• 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage – ₹24,999
• 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage – ₹26,999
• 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage – ₹28,999

Launch Offer: ₹2,000 instant bank discount (Non-EMI) or ₹2,250 off (EMI)

Effective Starting Price: ₹22,999 (with offer)

OnePlus Nord 5 Price in India 

• 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage – ₹29,999
• 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage – ₹33,999

Note: Pricing not officially confirmed but expected based on leaks and internal sources.

OnePlus Nord CE5 Vs OnePlus Nord 5 — Which Should You Buy?

Both the OnePlus Nord CE5 and OnePlus Nord 5 offer fantastic value in their own right — but your choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

If your focus is on long battery life, solid everyday performance, and a lower price point, the Nord CE5 is the perfect pick. It’s built for endurance, simplicity, and reliability, and still gives you premium features like 120Hz AMOLED, Sony camera, and 80W fast charging — all under ₹25,000 (with offers).

On the other hand, if you need flagship-grade performance, superior cameras (especially front-facing), better display resolution, and you’re okay spending extra — the Nord 5 is clearly the more future-ready phone. With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 144Hz 1.5K display, it’s designed for power users and creators.

Go for Nord CE5 if you want “Battery Beast + Budget Champion”.

Choose Nord 5 if you want “Powerhouse Performance + Flagship Experience.”