The OnePlus Nord 5 is the latest addition to the company’s popular mid-premium Nord series, promising robust performance and a refined design without breaching flagship prices. For buyers considering an upgrade or a switch to OnePlus, here are 10 key insights to know before purchasing the Nord 5, covering its design, performance, camera, software, and practical user perspectives.
1. Premium Design with Glass Back and New Colour Options
OnePlus Nord 5 carries forward its predecessor’s sleek build but with enhanced aesthetics:
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both front and back.
- Slim and lightweight profile (around 8.3 mm thick; ~190g).
- New colourways introduced: Arctic Sky Blue, Meteor Grey, and Mint Green, adding vibrancy to its minimalistic design language.
User takeaway: Premium in-hand feel for a midrange phone, comparable to flagship aesthetics.
2. Display: Smooth AMOLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The Nord 5 features a 6.74-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, providing:
- Peak brightness ~1450 nits, ideal for outdoor visibility.
- HDR10+ support for vibrant multimedia playback.
- In-display fingerprint scanner, fast and reliable.
This ensures fluid scrolling, crisp visuals for Netflix, YouTube, and gaming.
3. Performance: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Chipset
OnePlus has upgraded the Nord series processor to Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, offering:
- ~25% CPU and ~30% GPU improvement over Snapdragon 7 Gen 1.
- Configurations: 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB, and 16GB/512GB (RAM LPDDR5X; Storage UFS 3.1).
- Good thermal management with graphite cooling for sustained gaming sessions.
Benchmark Note: AnTuTu scores hover around 900,000, ensuring seamless multitasking and heavy app usage.
4. Camera System: Upgraded Sony IMX890 Sensor
OnePlus Nord 5 steps up its camera hardware with:
- Main: 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS, enabling stable shots and low-light clarity.
- Ultra-wide: 8MP 119° lens, delivering wider landscapes but average details in low light.
- Macro: 2MP sensor, mostly for occasional close-up fun.
Front Camera: 32MP with enhanced portrait mode and AI skin tone tuning.
5. Battery Life & Charging: Long Lasting with SUPERVOOC
The phone packs a 5,000 mAh battery with:
- 80W SUPERVOOC charging, filling 0-100% in ~30 minutes.
- Battery Health Engine to reduce degradation over cycles.
This makes it ideal for users with hectic routines needing fast top-ups between meetings or travel.
6. OxygenOS 14: Clean, Near-Stock Experience
OnePlus Nord 5 runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, featuring:
- Minimal bloatware compared to Chinese rivals.
- Promised 3 Android version updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring long-term usability.
- Enhanced Privacy Dashboard, AI Smart Cutout, and refined animations for smoother UI experience.
7. Connectivity: Future Ready
The Nord 5 includes:
- 5G with NSA and SA support, covering all major Indian and global bands.
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and dual SIM slots.
- No microSD card slot, so choose storage variants wisely.
8. Audio and Haptics: Stereo Speakers with Good Output
Audio and feedback have improved:
- Dual stereo speakers deliver balanced sound with minimal distortion at high volumes.
- Enhanced vibration motor offers crisp haptic feedback for typing and gaming.
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack, so users must rely on USB-C or TWS options.
9. Price Positioning: Competitively Priced in Mid-Premium Segment
In India, expected prices (subject to regional variations) are:
| Variant | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹28,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | ₹32,999 |
| 16GB + 512GB | ₹36,999 |
This pricing makes it a strong contender against iQOO Neo 9, Realme GT Neo 6, and Poco F6.
10. Early Reviews & User Sentiments
Initial reviews highlight:
- Pros: Excellent design, fast charging, clean UI, dependable main camera.
- Cons: Weak macro camera, no expandable storage, and ultra-wide camera could be sharper.
Buyer tip: If you prioritise brand reliability, clean software, fast charging, and main camera performance, Nord 5 is a balanced choice under ₹35,000.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 5 maintains the brand’s reputation of delivering premium features at midrange prices. Its design upgrades, strong processor, dependable main camera, and fast charging make it a practical daily driver for young professionals, students, and midrange enthusiasts.
However, if you prioritise ultra-wide photography or seek expandable storage, alternatives like the Poco F6 Pro or Realme GT series may be worth comparing. For those in the OnePlus ecosystem or seeking a clean, fluid Android experience with stylish design and robust charging, the Nord 5 is a worthy upgrade.
Disclaimer: This news article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or purchase advice. Specifications, features, and pricing may vary by region or change post-launch based on company updates. Readers are advised to check official listings and authorised retailers before making purchase decisions.
