Oneplus Nord CE 5G

What’s the story?

Don’t be fooled by the boring plastic finish: the 5G-flexing Oneplus Nord CE is no looker but this smartphone packs some strong specs. The 6.43in AMOLED screen supports HDR10 video streaming and refreshes at 90Hz, plus the Nord CE is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G, a step up from most in this test.

As for the software, Oneplus’s Oxygenos launcher squats merrily on top of Android 11, adding plenty of nifty features including some simple customisation tools. Even better, you’re covered with two years of OS updates and three years of security patching – a reassuring spot of future-proofing that’s rare at this price point.

Is it any good?

Very much so. For one, the AMOLED screen is bright, sharp and poppy, one of the best in this round-up. And films don’t just look marvellous – they also sound great, whether you plug some cans into the headphone port or depend on the reliable Bluetooth.

This handset’s everyday running is judder-free and you can blast through all but the most demanding Android titles, with a gaming mode to block intrusions and boost performance when needed. And as the name of the phone heavily hints, you have a 5G modem in that Snapdragon chip.

The battery will keep going all day, and charges quickly when it is drained.

We like Oxygenos’s chill-out Zen mode, which allows you to shut out the world, and the 64MP primary camera does a decent enough job for everyday photography.

The optics do struggle a little in low light, mind.

£299 / stuff.tv/nordce

Key specs

● 6.43in 90Hz FHD+ AMOLED ● Snapdragon 750G, 6/8/12GB RAM

● 128/256GB ● 64+ 8+2MP rear, 16MP front ● 4500mah ● 170g