OnePlus has launched the Nord CE 5G. The smartphone keeps all of its predecessor's best parts but manages to drop the price even lower. While it undoubtedly brings a lot of value, that doesn't come without making some compromises in the process. The original OnePlus Nord was a mid-range handset that boasted some surprisingly high-end specs when it debuted in 2020.

It featured a 6.4-inch AMOLED display running a smooth 90 Hz, 5G connectivity, and a quad-camera set-up. However, OnePlus then released two other variants just a few months later: the Nord N10 5G and the Nord N100. Both phones came with their own discernible features that helped distinguish them from the original model.

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The new OnePlus Nord Core Edition 5G is aimed at consolidating the best features of all the handsets within the lineup. It also features a 6.4-inch 90 Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 750G 5G processor, triple-camera set-up, and the return of the headphone jack. While there's no word yet on whether it will have a North American release, the Nord CE 5G is set to hit Europe and India, with pre-orders starting on June 11.

How Does The OnePlus Nord CE 5G Compare?

OnePlus Nord CE 5G Summer Launch Event promo

OnePlus' new Nord variant might not have the benefits of the latest Snapdragon 888, but its processor is known to be a better performer than the original Nord's CPU. However, the Nord CE 5G did have to give up its predecessor's 2-Megapixel macro lens in exchange for a higher-resolution 64-MP main shooter, and a lower 2-MP depth sensor. Display-wise, both models are quite similar-sized, with matching on-display fingerprint readers and punch-hole selfie cameras, except the original Nord uses a higher-res 32-MP lens as opposed to the new variant's 16-MP. When it comes to the battery though, the latest variant certainly outperforms the original Nord's battery capacity with a beefy 4,500mAh that's said to charge just as fast despite its larger volume, which is marketed to go from 0-70 percent in just 30 minutes.

As for pricing, the older Nord debuted at a higher 399 EUR price tag, but the Nord CE 5G comes in at just 299 EUR, which is about a little over $360. Compared to other handsets within the $350 range, like the iPhone SE and Pixel 4A, the Nord CE 5G certainly has an edge in hardware given its bigger, crisper display with smoother refresh rates, more cameras, and a higher-capacity battery. Overall, the Core Edition brings together all of the series' best attributes, and serves as the midpoint between the higher-end Nord and Nord N10 and the lower-end Nord N100 models, making it the perfect entry point for consumers looking to get into OnePlus' budget-friendly lineup.

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Source: OnePlus