Treading the Middle Path

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the latest budget-friendly device that offers sophisticated software and a stylish design. Nilofer Khan puts it to the test.

- Nilofer Khan

Following their high-end premium phones, OnePlus has begun to tap into the mid-range smartphone segment with the launch of their much-awaited Nord series. In June 2021, they announced another variant in this line-up, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. The CE (Core Edition) is a budget-friendly phone that offers all the basic features that one requires for their day-to-day needs.

With the RAW file, I was able to open up the shadows and bring out the details on the road. However, it took me a while to colour correct the whites.

What is in the Box?

The phone has a triple rear camera setup—a 64MP f/1.79 main camera, an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide-angle camera with 119° field of view and EIS, and a 2MP f/2.4 mono camera. It has LED flash and Multi Autofocus (PDAF+CAF).

It has also various modes—Photo mode, Portrait, Nightscape, Pro, UltraShot HDR, Panorma, Slow Motion and Time-Lapse. In the Photo mode, when you press and hold the shutter button, the phone will record a video. You can also zoom out or in while recording. All you need to do is to move your thumb left or right while pressing the record button. The 64MP camera is available both in Photo mode and in Pro mode. The Pro mode allows you to control the ISO, white balance, shutter speed, exposure, and focus. There is also the option of saving your custom settings. In the Portrait mode, users will not be able to control the depth of field. The phone automatically blurs the background, once the subject is about one to seven feet away from the device.

I shot this image at 2x on a cloudy day. The overall reproduction of the details and colours is quite good.