The new OnePlus Nord CE 5G promises to condense the best of technology and build quality that OnePlus has learned over the years, in a smartphone with a really attractive price. We spent a few days testing the 12GB RAM and 256GB version memory of OnePlus Nord CE 5G: here's what we think in this review.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G review
The test device sent to us by OnePlus immediately impressed us as soon as we opened the box, however discreet it is. In fact, think only 130 grams and has a thickness of 7,9 millimeters. All dimensions are quite small, with 159.2 x 73.5 millimeters. But the screen gives 6,43 inches it is more than enough for both playing games and watching videos and TV series.
We have tried the model Blue Void (are also available Charcoal Ink e Siver Ray). The thin bezels and the back that is very bright and well made. And it shows no fingerprints when you use it thanks to the matte finishes. It made a very good impression on us: an elegant and discreet smartphone, but with a lot of personality.
In the box you should find the screen cover and a transparent cover. A great starting point for showing your smartphone in the beginning. But OnePlus also sent us four covers, made with 100% ecological materials. Especially the Blue one, which goes very well with the smartphone. A way to take care of the aesthetics of this smartphone even more that demonstrates a more accurate workmanship than the price would suggest.
The OnePlus experience, Core Edition: the technical characteristics
OnePlus explained at the presentation that CE stands for Core Edition. The best, condensed. This means a 5G processor, albeit not the most powerful: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G, with Adreno GPU 619. Our version has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.1 memory, but 6GB and 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage are also available.
As you might expect, we've never had any issues with multitasking. But even the basic version should suffice for the uses of most users: Android needs much less to run smoothly. In everyday use the smartphone performs really well. The screen with 90Hz refresh rate displays content smoothly and is great for gaming. When we tried to play more graphically demanding games, such as Geshin Impact, we noticed that the smartphone tends to warm up slightly. But nothing worrying or annoying: if you are a casual player and not a pro player, it does its job very well.
Discount
OnePlus Nord CE 5G 12GB RAM 256GB Smartphone con Fotocamera...
- Aim For Perfection with Nord CE Triple Camera - 64MP Main Camera with Scene Detection with ...
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G 750G Mobile Platform - Performance-Based AI Powering Incredible Graphics and ...
- Warp Charge 30T Plus, 4500 mAh Battery - Improved power transfer charges the Nord CE battery from 0 to ...
A truly exceptional battery
The 5G and the 90Hz screen are two factors that OnePlus has highlighted: in this price range, not everyone has them. But the feature that surprised us positively is the battery. THE 4.500 mAh of the device they discharge after two days of use between medium and intense. Even trying out longer sections of the game, we didn't find any huge drops. A truly enviable autonomyWhile more powerful processors can beat this device in benchmarks and performance in games, not many smartphones can last longer without making big compromises. An excellent balance.
Also, charging Warp Charge 30T it does not have the record times of some top of the range but it does from 0 to 100% in an hour, allowing you to have enough autonomy for a morning even by recharging the smartphone for about twenty minutes.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G review: camera
On the back of this smartphone you will find three sensors. The main has 64MP and an aperture of f / 1.79, an ultra-wide 8MP and a 2MP Mono Lens to help you in macros. The two support sensors are not perfect. But the main camera gathers a lot of details and delivers really interesting shots.
The OnePlus software makes the process very simple: we have neither the eye nor the dexterity for quality photographs but with this smartphone we have obtained fairly good results practically with your eyes closed. The more experienced may want to spend a little more to find more accurate color rendering and more powerful ultra-wide sensors to vary the shots more. Maybe OnePlus 9. But those who photograph shots for Instagram posts, record videos for TikTok or want to save some memories, can find everything they need in this OnePlus Nord CE 2021.
The selfie camera, one Sony IMX471 from 16MP, it is great for video calls and for Instagram Stories, even if it loses some sharpness compared to other rivals. But overall, a photographic department adequate to the price spent (especially for the 6GB RAM version).
OxygenOS brings the best of Android 11
OnePlus has always brought its own version of Android to smartphones. Which convinced us, above all because it seemed very light (although it must be said that it is difficult to notice with 12GB of RAM) and above all capable of extending the battery life. The best of Android 11 is all there: intuitive navigation with gestures, notifications really well done.
The graphics and extra applications of OxygenOS manage to show the style of the brand without drawing too much attention: the experience is decidedly positive, with some more customization. We are usually Android "purists" and this variant has convinced us, adding only the right without exaggerating.
On one occasion, we encountered an uncertainty in connecting to Wi-Fi, which should not worry you: since then the smartphone has already received an update. And it you will receive more for the next two years, three for security updates.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G review: is it worth buying?
Yes. We were pleasantly surprised, beyond all technical considerations, by the naturalness and fluidity with which we used this smartphone, which in daily use it has nothing to envy to more expensive devices. If you need a smartphone for unbridled gaming, find better and if you want a mirrorless camera that also acts as a phone, other smartphones take better shots. But for everyday use this smartphone works great.
We have tested the 12 / 256GB version, which with its 399 € begins to compete with smartphones that offer something more at a photographic level (for example Google's Pixels). But let it be the version 8/128 GB from 329 euros that especially the one from 6/128GB a 299 euro they are excellent purchases. If found at even a little lower price, they become an absolute best-buy. But already with these prices, all three variants are worth the purchase.
PRO
- Great autonomy and 30W recharge
- 90Hz screen
- Convincing daily experience
AGAINST
- Average camera
- Not suitable for hardcore gamers
