OnePlus Nord CE5 Leak Hints at Massive Battery Upgrade and New Design – Full Details Inside

The OnePlus Nord series has earned a reputation as a reliable choice in the midrange smartphone category. Known for combining smooth performance with budget-friendly pricing, it has attracted a loyal fan base. Now, the buzz around the next addition—the OnePlus Nord CE5—is growing, fueled by leaks suggesting some significant hardware upgrades.

While tech giants like Google and Apple continue to dominate the upper midrange with their Pixel 9a and iPhone SE successors, OnePlus is gearing up for a strong comeback with a feature-packed offering that could disrupt the competition. Leaked details suggest the Nord CE5 may include several enhancements, such as a much larger battery, a high-quality display, and a more powerful processor.

Display and Processor – Smooth Visuals and Steady Power

Tech enthusiast Debayan Roy (@Gadgetsdata on X) has shared some key leaks about the OnePlus Nord CE5. The phone is expected to sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. This display should deliver vivid colors and smooth animations, making it ideal for gamers and content lovers.

Regarding processing power, the device will likely run on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset. While it isn’t a flagship processor, it should offer efficient performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag.

Camera Configuration – Basic but Functional

Leaks indicate that the OnePlus Nord CE5 will come with a 50MP primary camera paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens. While this setup may not break new ground, it should meet the needs of casual photographers looking for sharp images and wide-angle shots. We don’t yet know the details about the front-facing camera or video recording capabilities.

Battery Capacity – A Giant Leap Forward

The standout feature of the Nord CE5 is its 7,100mAh battery, a 42% increase over the battery in previous Nord CE models. If the leaks are accurate, users can expect up to two days of battery life with moderate usage—ideal for those who are always on the go.

To support this massive battery, the phone will reportedly feature 80W fast charging, allowing for quick recharges. This upgrade could make the Nord CE5 the top choice for power users who prioritize battery life over a sleek design.

Design Expectations – Subtle Changes or Total Redesign?

Although no official renders have been released yet, the OnePlus Nord CE5 may retain the minimalist design of its predecessors. However, some rumors suggest that OnePlus could introduce a glass back panel, offering a more premium feel similar to designs seen in the Nothing Phone and other high-end midrange devices. If true, the Nord CE5 could deliver an affordable yet luxurious look.

With an expected price of ₹25,000, the Nord CE5 will fall into the mid-budget range, competing with devices like the iQOO Z9, Samsung Galaxy M15, and Realme 12 Pro.

OnePlus 13T – Another Mid-Premium Contender on the Horizon

In addition to the Nord CE5, OnePlus is preparing to launch another device—the OnePlus 13T, a more affordable version of the upcoming OnePlus 13. Although OnePlus has not officially confirmed the device, early leaks have provided a good idea of what to expect.

The OnePlus 13T could feature a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth interactions and sharp image clarity. The device may adopt a glass and metal sandwich design, offering a premium aesthetic similar to flagship models.

Goodbye Alert Slider, Hello Smart AI Button

One of the most surprising changes could be the removal of the iconic Alert Slider, a hallmark of OnePlus phones. Instead, the 13T might introduce a customizable AI Button, which could serve multiple purposes, such as toggling sound profiles, launching apps, or activating AI-driven tasks. While some fans may not welcome this change, it represents OnePlus’s shift toward a more modern and functional interface.

Flagship-Like Specs with Balanced Cuts

The OnePlus 13T may feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, also known as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering flagship-level performance while keeping costs lower than the flagship variant. The phone will likely come with a 6,200mAh battery and 80W fast charging, which is slightly smaller than the Nord CE5’s battery but still ample for the category.

For photography, the 13T could include a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens. It may skip the ultra-wide camera, instead focusing on improving the quality of the main and telephoto sensors.

Price Speculations and Launch Timeline

According to leaks, the OnePlus 13T may launch in China at a price between CNY 4,000 to CNY 4,500, which translates to approximately ₹47,000 to ₹53,000 in India. This would put it in direct competition with midrange devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Pixel 9a, and iPhone SE 4.

Conclusion – Is OnePlus Set to Reclaim the Midrange Throne?

With both the Nord CE5 and OnePlus 13T set to launch, OnePlus is ready to target both the mid and upper-midrange markets in 2025. The Nord CE5, with its record-breaking battery and AMOLED display, could become the go-to device for users who prioritize longevity and multimedia performance. Meanwhile, the 13T offers near-flagship features at a more affordable price point, appealing to users who want top-tier performance without crossing the ₹60,000 mark.

If the leaks prove correct, OnePlus could once again dominate the midrange smartphone market.