The smartphone market in India is buzzing this week as the Republic Day sales go live across Amazon, Flipkart, and offline stores. Amidst the chaos of deals, one phone has climbed back to the top of the trending charts: the OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G.
Originally launched in mid-2025, this device has suddenly become a “hot pick” in January 2026. Why? Because its price has dropped to its lowest point, and its specifications—especially that massive battery—are still unmatched by even the newest launches. If you are looking for a phone that refuses to die, here is why the Nord CE 5 is the talk of the town right now.
Why is it Trending Now?
The primary reason for the sudden spike in interest is the Republic Day Sale Price Drop. While the phone launched at a higher price bracket, current sale offers have brought the effective price down significantly, making it arguably the best value-for-money phone under ₹25,000. For students, travelers, and heavy users, the combination of a price cut and the legendary 7,100mAh battery is a deal that is hard to ignore.
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The “Battery King” Specs: 7100mAh & 80W Charging
The standout feature of the OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G is undoubtedly its battery.
- Capacity: It packs a massive 7,100mAh Silicon-Carbon battery. To put this in context, most 2026 flagships still hover around 5,000mAh to 5,500mAh.
- Real-World Usage: Users report getting easily 2 to 2.5 days of battery life on a single charge.
- Charging: Despite the huge battery, it charges quickly with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, taking it from 0% to 100% in under an hour.
Performance and Display
It is not just about the battery; the phone is a performance workhorse too.
- Processor: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex Edition (4nm). This chipset is optimized for efficiency and can handle high-frame-rate gaming (like BGMI and COD Mobile) without overheating.
- Display: It features a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with Ultra HDR support and Aqua Touch technology (which allows you to use the screen even with wet hands).
- Design: Despite the huge battery, OnePlus engineered it to remain sleek, with a thickness of just around 8.2mm.
Camera Capabilities
While the Nord CE series focuses on performance, the camera setup on the CE 5 is surprisingly capable for 2026 standards.
- Main Sensor: 50MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). It captures sharp, vibrant images in daylight and decent low-light shots.
- Ultrawide: An 8MP Sony IMX355 sensor for wide landscape shots.
- Selfie: A 16MP front camera that handles social media reels and video calls with clarity.
Should You Buy It or Wait for Nord CE 6?
This is the big question. Rumors of the OnePlus Nord CE 6 (likely a rebranded OnePlus Turbo 6V) are already floating around, with a potential launch in Q2 2026.
However, buying the Nord CE 5 now makes sense if:
- Budget is Priority: You want a premium experience strictly under ₹25,000.
- Battery is Life: You prioritize battery longevity over having the absolute newest processor.
- Immediate Need: You need a reliable 5G phone today and cannot wait for 3-4 months for the next launch.
For most Indian users, the Nord CE 5 at this sale price is a “no-brainer” deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the current price of OnePlus Nord CE 5 5G in the sale?
During the Republic Day Sale 2026, the effective price (including bank offers) has dropped to approximately ₹24,499 for the base variant.
Q2: Does the OnePlus Nord CE 5 really have a 7100mAh battery?
Yes, the Indian variant of the Nord CE 5 comes with a specialized 7,100mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, which is larger than the global variant.
Q3: Is the OnePlus Nord CE 5 good for gaming?
Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset combined with the 120Hz AMOLED screen makes it excellent for gaming, offering stable frame rates and low heating.
Q4: Does it have a curved display?
No, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 features a flat AMOLED display, which many gamers and durability-focused users prefer over curved screens.
Q5: How many years of updates will it get?
OnePlus promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates for this model, ensuring it stays fresh until at least Android 17.
