OnePlus Nord CE 5G Review: Budget-Friendly 5G with a Smooth Display

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G, released in 2021, is a mid-range smartphone that delivers impressive value for its price. After using it for several weeks, I can confidently share my personal experiences and a detailed analysis of its features.

Design & Build: Sleek and Lightweight

The Nord CE 5G sports a sleek design with a plastic back and a glossy finish. It’s available in three attractive colors: Blue Void, Charcoal Ink, and Silver Ray. The phone is surprisingly lightweight and slim, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. While it doesn’t feel as premium as OnePlus’s flagship models, it’s well-built and sturdy.

Display: 90Hz AMOLED for Smooth Scrolling

The Nord CE 5G features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, gaming, and watching videos feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The 1080p resolution is sharp, and the colors are vibrant and punchy. While it doesn’t get as bright as some flagship AMOLED displays, it’s still perfectly usable outdoors.

Performance: Snapdragon 750G – A Reliable Performer

Under the hood, the Nord CE 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 750G chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor. It handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and email with ease. Multitasking is generally smooth, and you can even play most games without any issues. However, don’t expect flagship-level performance when it comes to the most demanding games or applications.

Camera: Versatile Triple Camera System

The triple rear camera setup consists of a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera system performs well in good lighting conditions, producing detailed photos with accurate colors. The ultrawide lens is a great addition for capturing landscapes and group shots. Low-light performance is decent, but it’s not as impressive as some higher-end phones.

Battery Life: All-Day Power with Warp Charge 30T Plus

The 4500mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use. With lighter usage, you can even stretch it to a day and a half. The Warp Charge 30T Plus fast charging technology is incredibly fast, juicing up the phone from 0 to 70% in about 30 minutes. However, there’s no wireless charging support.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS – Clean and Smooth

The Nord CE 5G runs OxygenOS based on Android 11, which offers a clean and intuitive interface. OxygenOS is known for its smoothness and responsiveness, and it comes with a variety of customization options. OnePlus also promises two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates, which is excellent for a mid-range phone.

Connectivity & Additional Features: 5G Ready

The Nord CE 5G, as the name suggests, supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof. It also has Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. There’s a headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio, and the phone also supports expandable storage via microSD card.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s it for?

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a great option for budget-minded users who want a 5G-capable phone with a smooth display, good performance, and a decent camera. It’s perfect for everyday use and casual gaming.

Pros:

• Smooth 90Hz AMOLED display
• Decent performance with Snapdragon 750G
• Versatile triple camera system
• Long battery life with fast charging
• Clean and customizable OxygenOS

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• Plastic back
• Average low-light camera performance

Overall:

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a lot of value for its price. If you’re looking for a 5G-capable phone with a smooth display and good overall performance, the Nord CE 5G is definitely worth considering.