OnePlus Nord CE 5: Everything We Know So Far
With its official unveiling just around the corner on July 8, 2025, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is poised to redefine expectations for budget Android smartphones. Leaning on a strategy of incorporating high-end specifications into an affordable package, OnePlus is betting big on a device that boasts a colossal battery, a next-generation processor, and an impressive camera system.
Based on available information, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 will be a rebranded version of the China-exclusive Ace 5 Racing Edition, sharing a nearly identical design. This includes a modest redesign of the rear camera module compared to its predecessor. Leaked renders confirm the device will launch in at least two color variants, reportedly named Marble Mist (white) and Black Infinity (black).
The front of the phone will feature a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display. Drawing from its Ace 5 counterpart, the screen is expected to deliver a crisp FHD+ resolution and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
In a significant move, OnePlus is shifting from Qualcomm to MediaTek for its latest budget offering. The Nord CE 5 will be equipped with the new Dimensity 8350 Apex SoC, an efficient 4nm-based chipset designed to deliver robust performance. A recent Geekbench sighting of the device, listed with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, recorded a single-core score of 1321 and a multi-core score of 4082, suggesting performance that competes favorably with more expensive devices. The benchmark also confirmed the phone will run OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, right out of the box.
While the processing power is notable, the real standout feature is the battery. OnePlus is packing a mammoth 7,100mAh battery into the Nord CE 5, one of the largest capacities seen in a phone of this class. This is paired with impressive 80W fast charging, which the brand claims can achieve a full charge in just 59 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge is said to offer up to six hours of YouTube playback. For gamers, the device will also support bypass charging, a feature that powers the phone directly to preserve long-term battery health during extended sessions.
OnePlus has released several teasers confirming significant upgrades to the camera department. The rear will be headlined by a 50MP Sony LYT600 primary sensor with a 1/1.95-inch sensor size and optical image stabilization (OIS).
Crucially, this main camera will inherit RAW HDR and Real Tone processing technologies directly from the flagship OnePlus 13 series, promising enhanced color accuracy and dynamic range. The primary sensor is expected to be complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens on the back, while a 16MP shooter will likely handle selfies and video calls from the front.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 will be announced as part of the OnePlus Summer Launch Event on July 8, 2025, at 2 PM IST. It will not be alone; the company is also set to unveil the upper mid-range Nord 5 and the new OnePlus Buds 4. With a compelling combination of a massive battery, capable performance, and advanced camera features, the Nord CE 5 is certainly a device to watch.
