OnePlus Nord CE5 review: Gets most things right, but slips on a few

After a month of using the OnePlus Nord CE5, I can confidently say that this smartphone offers a blend of affordability and efficiency, making it a strong recommendation in many cases. However, it does come with its share of compromises—some of which are understandable, while others can be somewhat frustrating. Starting with the design and display, the Nord CE5 feels comfortable in hand with its tall, slightly curved shape and a clean back finish that avoids excessive flashiness. The Nexus Blue variant I used does an excellent job of hiding smudges. The display stands out as one of its major highlights, featuring a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,430 nits. The colors are vibrant, responsiveness is top-notch, and outdoor visibility is excellent. OnePlus has also introduced Aqua Touch, which allows swipes to register even with damp fingers, and I found this feature particularly useful during a rainy trip to Goa. In terms of performance, the Dimensity 8350 Apex chip offers smooth daily usage. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and social media scrolling or photo editing poses no issues. However, gaming performance is a mixed experience. While casual games run smoothly and heavier titles like BGMI can reach 90fps, the performance tends to decline after 20 to 30 minutes of play, leading to overheating and reduced frame rates. Serious gamers may find this disappointing. Furthermore, the haptics feel underwhelming, and occasional animation stutters are surprising for a OnePlus device. Battery life is another strong suit of the Nord CE5, boasting a robust 7100mAh battery. With mixed usage, I easily managed a day and a half of operation, and even two full days without heavy gaming or camera use. The charging speed is impressive too; the 80W SuperVOOC charger can fully recharge the device in under an hour. Additionally, there's a bypass charging feature designed for gaming that helps keep the device cooler during intense sessions. When it comes to cameras, the phone is equipped with a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera. Daytime photos are sharp with balanced colors, although low-light performance is mediocre. Night mode offers some improvement, but you may still encounter noise and blur unless you stabilize the camera. Video recording reaches a maximum of 4K at 60fps, but stabilization is limited to 1080p. Selfie quality is acceptable but not particularly impressive. The Nord CE5 also includes microSD support for up to 1TB, an IR blaster, and IP65 splash resistance, features that are rare in this price range. However, the absence of stereo speakers and the signature OnePlus alert slider is notable. Unlike its more advanced counterpart, the Nord 5, the CE5 lacks the Plus Key, and the haptics remain soft. In conclusion, the Nord CE5 is ideal for those seeking a reliable smartphone that excels in battery life, display quality, and consistent performance. However, it may not satisfy gamers or photography enthusiasts. Additionally, if you prioritize software finish, especially regarding haptic feedback and UI fluidity, you might find some shortcomings here. Yet, with a starting price of ₹24,999, it’s challenging to find significant fault. While it may not excite like the Nord 5, the Nord CE5 stands as a dependable option.