It is time for a device with a strong core. OnePlus launches Nord5G CE. CE literally stands for ‘Core Edition’. Nord 5G made its way into the market in July last year and now it’s time for an upgrade with some new editions and competitive pricing. Let’s find out if Nord 5G CE is the upgrade you have been looking for.
DESIGN
OnePlus Nord has kept the design cue simple and like the previous model, CE 5G gets the similar Blue Void colour. The device is slim at 7.9mm and is light to hold at 170g. It is an easy device to be used with a single hand having the power button and volume rockers placed on the side centre. The device is curvy, making it easier to grip. Having a minimalistic bezel around the device, it is slightly larger towards the chin. The phone gets a micro SIM slot but misses out on a micro-SD slot. The device does get a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the device alongside USB Type-C port and speaker.
Flip the device and you get a Blue Void striking colour with a triple lens camera module which does protrude out a bit but it’s not really a problem. The matte finish at the back helps keep the finger marks away.
SPECIFICATIONS
The 6.43-inch AMOLED display has full-HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It also has an in-display fingerprint scanner and Asahi Dragontrail glass for protection. Powering the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor. You get 6GB of RAM on the base variant of the Nord CE 5G, and a 12GB RAM on the top range that I had for review.
There are only two storage options on this smartphone—128GB and 256GB. The Nord CE 5G has support for Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, and six satellite navigation systems. There is support for dual 4G VoLTE, as well as 5G connectivity.
SOFTWARE & PERFORMANCE
Nord CE 5G has the same ease and magical experience of the software which OnePlus has been well-known for. The device runs on OnePlus’ custom OxygenOS. The device has a clear interface, easy to use, and comes with good add-ons like two years of Android updates and three years of security updates.
The device is a pure delight for anyone and everyone. It is seamless while multitasking. You can switch from apps without hesitation. There is no trouble or lag that you would face using this device. Being light and handy makes the process even easier.
For gamers this device is a delight. You can play with the Game Mode on and not be disturbed during your game time. The graphic display is good; the only hindrance faced was the device heated up a little post a long gaming session.
BATTERY
OnePlus has packed a 4,500mAh battery into the Nord CE 5G which is slightly bigger than the one in the original OnePlus Nord. This phone supports 30W fast charging and comes with a Warp Charge 30T charger in the box. Having the default 90Hz refresh rate, the device can run for over 18 hours.
CAMERA
OnePlus Nord CE packs in a triple camera setup. It has a 64-megapixel primary camera with an Omnivision sensor, f/1.79 aperture and EIS; an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with a 119-degree field of view; and a 2-megapixel black and white camera. For selfies, it has a 16-megapixel camera with an f/2.45 aperture.
Daylight photography generated desired results with the primary lens. Ultra-wide lens did give you what you were looking for in an image but the quality might not be too good.
Low light photography is also not too good. In the Nightscape mode, the phone takes eight exposures and combines them into one photo. This process takes about 7-8 seconds. The output of that is much better.
Front camera gives you results as desired. The portrait mode works well with your selfies, giving the depth you would want from a selfie camera.
Video recording tops out at 4k 30fps for the primary camera and 1080p 60fps for the selfie shooter.
PRICE & VARIANTS
OnePlus Nord CE 5G price starts at Rs 22,999 in India for the base variant which has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at Rs 24,999, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 27,999.
All three variants are available in the dark Charcoal Ink finish. The 8GB variant is also available in a Blue Void colour. The 12GB RAM version gets the above two and you get a Silver Ray option as well.
VERDICT
Nord CE 5G is a device which fares well in all departments. Camera might not be the best offered by OnePlus, but the overall experience of the device is good. You get a capable device in 3 variants and colour options with an above average performance and software. The Core Edition does make an impact, but it does face competition.