Upgrading your smartphone is an important decision, especially with so many options available. If you are using the OnePlus Nord 4 and wondering if the new OnePlus Nord CE 5 is worth the switch, let’s help you decide.
Price Comparison- Nord CE5 is 2k pricier
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 starts at about ₹25,000 for the 8GB/128GB model, while the Nord CE 4 usually costs ₹23,000 for the same variant. This means the Nord CE 4 remains a slightly cheaper choice, but the CE 5 brings new updates for a bit more.
Design and Display- It’s a draw
When it comes to display and design, both phones are quite similar. The Nord CE 5 offers a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with slim bezels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The Nord CE 4 is not far behind, coming with a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate, but it also has the unique “Aqua Touch,” which means the screen works better even if your hands are slightly wet—a big advantage during Indian monsoons. Both phones look modern and have almost identical sizes.
Performance- CE 4 is little more powerful
For performance, the Nord CE 5 features a newer MediaTek processor (3.35 GHz Octa Core) with up to 12GB RAM and comes loaded with Android 15 out-of-the-box. Storage options go up to 256GB and are expandable via microSD on both models. The Nord CE 4 runs on Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, has up to 8GB RAM, Android 14 when you buy it, and similar storage abilities. Basically, the Nord CE 5 is a little more powerful and future-ready, but both can handle daily tasks, gaming, and social media smoothly.
Battery- CE 5 has 1600 mAh more but 20% less fast charging
In the battery department, Nord CE 5 has a massive 7100 mAh battery that can easily last more than a day even for heavy users, while the Nord CE 4’s 5500 mAh battery is still impressive but a bit less. Charging speeds differ; the CE 4 charges super-fast with its 100W SUPERVOOC charging (0-100% in about half an hour), while CE 5 supports 80W charging. So, if you value fastest charging, CE 4 is a great pick; if you want battery life, CE 5 is better.
Camera- Mostly a Draw
Camera-wise, both phones carry a 50MP main camera (Sony LYT-600) with 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 16MP front camera. The major difference is that the CE 5 can shoot 4K videos at a higher 60fps, while CE 4 is limited to 4K at 30fps. For most users, both will capture excellent photos and selfies, but you may like the improved video quality on the newer model.
Software- CE 5 brings latest android and longer support
In terms of software, OnePlus Nord CE 5 runs the latest OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) and is expected to receive up to 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches. The Nord CE 4 comes with OxygenOS 14 (Android 14) and promises 2 major OS updates and 3 years of security updates, so the CE 5 is a clear winner for future software support. Extra features are strong on both: 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, under-display fingerprint sensor, dual SIMs, expandable storage, and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.
Should you upgrade? Keep Nord CE 4 if you own one
So, should you upgrade to the Nord CE 5? Go for it if you want a much longer battery life, the latest Android features, a little more power, and improved video capability, especially if you plan to use your phone for the next several years. However, if saving money, super-fast charging, and already-solid features matter most, then the Nord CE 4 is still a very smart choice. Both are excellent mid-range devices for Indian users—just pick based on what you value more: longer battery and new software (CE 5) or lower price and rapid charging (CE 4).
