The OnePlus Nord CE 4 didn’t exactly break any records or introduce groundbreaking features when it was released last year, but it still provided a solid mid-range experience, albeit with some drawbacks like poor low-light camera performance. As anticipation builds for its successor, the OnePlus Nord CE 5, which is expected to launch in May, new leaks are starting to paint a clearer picture of what to expect. Recently, a report surfaced detailing the core specifications of the device, and now we’ve got a first look at its design thanks to a leaked render.
According to a report by SmartPrix, the leaked render showcases the rear design of the OnePlus Nord CE 5. The design appears to be quite different from both its predecessor, the Nord CE 4, and the Nord 4 from last year, while maintaining some design cues from the Nord CE 4 Lite, which was unveiled after the CE 4. The image shows the device in a pink finish with flat sides, similar to the CE 4 Lite but with sharper edges for a more modern look. The most striking feature is the capsule-shaped dual-camera module, which might remind some of the Apple iPhone 16’s design. However, it’s important to note that the vertically arranged dual-camera setup has been a hallmark of the Nord series for years.
A notable change from the previous model is the positioning of the LED flash, which is now placed outside the camera module, unlike the layout in the Nord CE 4. Apart from the protruding dual-camera system, the rest of the rear panel is clean, with the OnePlus logo placed at the center. While the design is fresh, it retains the brand’s signature minimalistic aesthetic, maintaining a balance between modernity and simplicity. This design overhaul could be an effort to make the Nord CE 5 stand out in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market.
In terms of specifications, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 is expected to sport a 6.7-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment for smooth visuals and responsive performance. OnePlus seems to have shifted to MediaTek silicon for this model, with a Dimensity 8350 processor (built on a 4nm process) paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The camera setup is expected to include a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 16-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. Additionally, the device will reportedly come with a massive 7,100mAh battery, supporting 80W wired charging, which would be a significant upgrade in terms of battery life and charging speed compared to previous Nord models.