OnePlus Nord CE 5 Review: Unveiling AI at an Affordable Price
OnePlus has always been synonymous with sleek design and cutting-edge technology, and the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is no exception. Priced at £299, this device offers a premium user experience with the latest exclusive AI features from OnePlus. Let’s delve into the details of this budget-friendly smartphone.
Pros and Cons
The Nord CE 5 impresses with its elegant design, fast charging capabilities, and a rich user experience. However, it falls short in areas such as loudspeaker quality, low-light camera performance, and value proposition compared to its competitors.
Design & Build Quality
Featuring a polycarbonate frame and composite back, the Nord CE 5 strikes a balance between durability and aesthetics. The phone’s lightweight design and ergonomic feel make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. With IP65 certification, it offers improved protection against dust and water, making it ideal for everyday use.
Screen & Speakers
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 sports a 6.77-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and smooth visuals. While the display offers higher brightness levels for enhanced outdoor visibility, the stereo speakers fail to deliver a balanced sound output, lacking depth and clarity.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset and 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Nord CE 5 ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The phone’s RAM Expansion feature allows for additional virtual memory, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the device supports microSD expandability up to 1TB, a rare feature in today’s smartphones.
Cameras
Equipped with a 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, the Nord CE 5 offers impressive photography capabilities in well-lit conditions. The Ultra HDR mode enhances dynamic range, producing detailed and color-accurate shots. However, the camera struggles in low-light scenarios, impacting detail and dynamic range.
Battery Life & Charging
The Nord CE 5 boasts a 5200mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, ensuring quick and efficient recharging. The addition of bypass charging allows for extended gaming sessions without compromising battery health. While the device lacks wireless charging, its battery longevity and fast charging capabilities make up for this omission.
Software & Apps
Running OxygenOS 15 atop Android 15, the Nord CE 5 offers a clean, intuitive user experience with OnePlus’ latest AI features, including Plus Mind. The device promises four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity and security for users.
Price & Availability
Priced at £299 for the base model, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is available directly from OnePlus’s website and other online retailers like Amazon. Despite its competitive pricing, the device offers a premium user experience with advanced AI features and software support.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5?
If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone with premium features and cutting-edge AI capabilities, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is a compelling choice. While it may not excel in all areas, its overall performance, design, and software experience make it a worthy competitor in the mid-range segment.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 delivers a premium user experience with the latest AI features at an attractive price point. With a focus on design, performance, and software innovation, this device offers value for money and competes well against its rivals in the mid-range smartphone market.