OnePlus Nord 5 Review: Nord Just Another Midrange Phone

OnePlus Nord 5 has landed, snatching the mid-range crown from its predecessor after a year-long wait. Forget incremental upgrades; this isn’t your average refresh. The Nord 5 packs a Snapdragon 8-series punch and boasts camera improvements that might just make you ditch your DSLR. But hold on, the mid-range arena is a battleground. At the Rs. 30,000 mark, titans clash: the Poco F7’s raw power, the Motorola Edge 60 Pro’s sleek design, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G’s all-around appeal, the iQOO Neo 10R’s gaming prowess, and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s disruptive charm. Can the Nord 5 stand its ground?

OnePlus Nord 5: At ₹31,999, is it a steal or a stumble? Packing 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in its base model, this phone dares to ask if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Step up to 12GB RAM, and you’re looking at ₹34,999 (256GB) or ₹37,999 (512GB). Join us as we dissect the Nord 5 to see if it lives up to the hype, or if it’s just another mid-range mirage. Does it deliver a knockout punch, or is it destined for the discount bin? Let’s find out.

OnePlus Nord 5 Design: Goodbye Alert Slider, Hello Plus Key

• Dimensions – 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm
• Weight – 211g
• Colours – Dry Ice, Marble Sands (Featured in this review), Phantom Grey

Forget the alert slider – OnePlus has flipped the script! The OnePlus 13s, initially the sole pioneer of the new “Plus Key,” now shares the stage. This isn’t just a button; it’s a portal. Nestled on the left edge, this customizable key unlocks a world of possibilities, from launching the intriguing “Plus Mind” feature we explored in our 13s review to a shortcut of your own choosing. But beware, gamers! That downward-facing Plus Key might just activate at the worst possible moment, adding an unexpected twist to your gameplay. Is it a brilliant innovation or a potential pitfall? You decide.

The new Plus Key on the OnePlus Nord 5

The OnePlus Nord 5 ditches its predecessor’s aluminium for a glass back, framed by plastic edges. Our review unit arrived in the “Marble Sands” finish – a surprisingly elegant looker. Be warned, though: it’s slicker than an eel in a barrel of oil. Thankfully, OnePlus includes a TPU case to keep gravity at bay. With a sprawling 6.83-inch display, even my oversized mitts sometimes struggle to tame this beast one-handed.

OnePlus Nord 5 packs a surprising secret weapon: a colossal 6,800mAh battery. Yet, it defies expectations, feeling surprisingly light in hand. Thumbs up for easily accessible power and volume buttons! However, that elusive Plus Key demands a two-handed reach. Up top, an infrared blaster transforms your phone into a universal remote for ultimate control. Down below, find the usual suspects: a speaker, SIM tray, and the ever-reliable USB-C port.

OnePlus Nord 5 Software: Smooth, Includes Some AI Features

• Software – OxygenOS 15
• Version – Android 15
• Latest security patch – June 1, 2025

The OnePlus Nord 5 isn’t just a phone; it’s a future-proof portal powered by OxygenOS 15, built atop the cutting-edge Android 15. Sharing the same silky-smooth software DNA as the flagship OnePlus 13, the Nord 5 also inherits a taste of the future with select AI features debuted alongside the sleek OnePlus 13s. Think long-term: you’re looking at four years of OS upgrades, stretching all the way to Android 19, and a staggering six years of security updates.

OxygenOS 15 on the OnePlus Nord 5

The OnePlus Nord 5 with its 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is a multitasking monster. Navigating the OS feels like gliding on silk – animations are lightning-fast, and app switching is practically instantaneous. Even bouncing between demanding games and a handful of other apps, everything stays put, ready to jump back into action. Setup wasn’t entirely bloat-free; a couple of pre-selected apps like Amazon and Candy Crush Saga tried to sneak onto the phone, but thankfully, they were easily dismissed with a quick deselect.

OnePlus Nord 5’s Secret Weapon: The Plus Key Unleashes AI Power.

Forget ordinary buttons. The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a dedicated “Plus Key” that’s a portal to the future. Press it, and you’re summoning the OnePlus AI suite, including the intriguing “Plus Mind” feature. Imagine instantly bookmarking the context of your screenshots. That’s Plus Mind in action, saving you time and brainpower. It’s not perfect, but when it nails a suggestion – like auto-creating calendar entries from dates in your snaps – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. This isn’t just a phone; it’s a smarter assistant in your pocket.

AI features from the OnePlus 13s are also available on the Nord 5

Beyond the captivating camera, the OnePlus Nord 5 inherits a suite of intelligent AI companions. Remember AI VoiceScribe, AI Call Assistant, and AI Translation from the OnePlus 13s review? They’re here, ready to elevate your Nord 5 experience. Imagine effortlessly transcribing voice notes, banishing communication barriers with real-time translation pop-ups, and transforming lengthy calls into concise summaries. The power of AI, now in the palm of your hand.

OnePlus is building a fortress for your data. The upcoming AI features on the Nord 5 are secured by the company’s Private Compute Cloud, creating a trusted, isolated vault for your personal information. Beyond just security, experience the magic of Circle to Search with AI Overviews from Google and tap into the power of Google Gemini, all on your OnePlus Nord 5.

OnePlus Nord 5 Performance: Last-Gen, But Optimised

• Processor – Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
• Memory – Up to 12GB LPDDR5x
• Storage – Up to 512GB UFS 3.1

Under the hood, the new Nord beast boasts a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a quantum leap from last year’s Nord 4. Forget incremental upgrades – we’re talking about an octa-core engine roaring at up to 3GHz, meticulously crafted with TSMC’s cutting-edge 4nm process. This isn’t just a chipset; it’s a performance powerhouse ready to redefine your mobile experience.

Left to right: AnTuTu v10, PCMark Work 3.0, Geekbench 6 (tap to expand)

OnePlus is spinning a yarn about the Nord 5’s heart. They claim 2024’s silicon was hand-picked to push the limits of its 144Hz OLED display and unlock buttery-smooth framerates in select games. But let’s be real. Therealreason the Nord 5 isn’t packing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 – the same chip rumored to power the Poco F7 – is likely far simpler: it would outmuscle the pricier OnePlus 13R, which boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s a classic case of sibling rivalry, where the younger brother is deliberately held back to protect the older’s ego (and sales figures).

The OnePlus Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 isn’t just capable; it’s a powerhouse. Throw anything at it – 4K video editing, graphically demanding games like “Wuthering Waves,” or intense “Call of Duty: Mobile” sessions – and it shrugs it off with ease. OxygenOS feels finely tuned, delivering a buttery-smooth experience free from frustrating stutters and lag. My time with the Nord 5 was defined by seamless performance, leaving me impressed and wanting more.

Left to right: PCMark Work 3.0 Battery, GFXBench 5.1, 3DMark (tap to expand)

OnePlus Nord 5: Benchmark Battle Royale! How does it stack up against the competition in the same price bracket? We put it to the test.

Feast your eyes on the OnePlus Nord 5’s dazzling 6.83-inch AMOLED display. Boasting a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate and crisp Full-HD+ resolution (1,272×2,800 pixels), it’s a visual upgrade you won’t want to miss. Prepare to be blinded (in a good way!) by its peak brightness of 1,800nits, ensuring perfect outdoor visibility. And when night falls, it dims down gently, treating your eyes with the utmost care.

The 6.83-inch display on the OnePlus Nord 5 is smooth and reponsive

I always dial back the color saturation on my phones for a more natural look. On the OnePlus Nord 5, that means the “standard” display mode delivers undeniably accurate colors, but lacks a certainoomph. If you crave vibrant visuals, the “Cinematic” mode is the way to go. While the Nord 5 boasts Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the display, don’t skip the included case. Trust me, your phone’s back will thank you.

OnePlus Nord 5 Cameras: A Familiar Setup

• Main camera – 50-megapixel (f/1.8), OIS, up to 4K/ 60fps video
• Ultrawide camera – 8-megapixel (f/2.2), EIS, up to 1080p/ 30fps video
• Selfie camera – 50-megapixel (f/2.0), EIS, up to 4K/ 60fps video

After weeks glued to the OnePlus Nord 5, one thing is crystal clear: its 50MP main camera is the undisputed champion. Forget grainy zooms – this lens delivers crisp 1x shots and surprisingly sharp 2x in-sensor crops, thanks to optical image stabilization (OIS) that banishes blur.

Top to bottom: Rear camera samples at 1x (primary), 2x (in-sensor crop) zoom (Tap to expand)

The OnePlus Nord 5’s daytime photos pop with vibrant accuracy, snapping memories with zero lag. It’s like having a flagship camera in your pocket. Sharing the same acclaimed Sony LYT-700 sensor as its premium sibling, the OnePlus 13s, it delivers impressive 2x zoom sharpness, pulling distant details into crystal-clear focus.

Even when the light dips, this camera holds its own, delivering surprisingly detailed shots as long as your subject cooperates. Zooming in reveals a level of clarity you wouldn’t expect. Need a boost? Night mode kicks in, capturing brighter images in a blink or, for those fleeting moments, disable it and grab the shot at lightning speed.

Top to bottom: Ultrawide camera samples, a selfie and a portrait shot (Tap to expand)

The OnePlus Nord 5’s ultrawide lens captures surprisingly crisp daytime shots, keeping distortion at bay. When night falls, it’s not quite as magical as the main camera, but you’ll still snag shareable memories, provided your subject isn’t a blur of motion.

For silky smooth video at a crisp 4K resolution, stick with the OnePlus Nord 5’s main camera and record at 60fps. Need rock-solid stability? Switch on Ultra Steady mode, but be aware the resolution dips to 1080p at 30fps. The ultrawide lens also maxes out at 1080p/30fps, so plan your shots accordingly.

Unleash your inner influencer with the Nord 5’s stunning 50MP selfie camera, powered by a Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor. Capture crystal-clear photos and videos that pop, straight out of the box – no more battling default face-smoothing filters! Want to shoot cinematic vlogs? Dive into glorious 4K at 60fps. Or, for those action-packed moments, engage the Ultra Steady mode for silky-smooth 1080p at 30fps. Get ready to redefine your selfie game.

OnePlus Nord 5 Battery: Welcome Upgrades

• Battery Capacity – 6,800mAh
• Wired Charging – 80W SuperVOOC (USB Type-C)

OnePlus isn’t messing around with the Nord 5. They’ve crammed a massive 6,800mAh battery inside – a serious power boost from the previous model. Paired with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, this thing just keeps going. I’m talking a day and a half of solid use. My typical day? Three hours lost in gaming worlds, endless social media rabbit holes, YouTube binges, and constant WhatsApp chatter. The Nord 5 shrugs it all off.

OnePlus Nord 5 delivers over a day and a half of battery life on a single charge

The OnePlus Nord 5 laughs in the face of battery drain. We put it through the wringer, looping HD video for an astounding 27 hours and 15 minutes! Even under the relentless pressure of the PCMark Work 3.0 benchmark, it soldiered on for a remarkable 14 hours and 26 minutes. (Remember, your mileage may vary depending on your daily digital habits.) And when it finally cries uncle? The included 80W SuperVOOC charger delivers a full charge in a blistering 58 to 63 minutes. Say goodbye to wall-hugging!

OnePlus Nord 5: Verdict

Stepping into the crowded mid-range battlefield, the OnePlus Nord 5 makes a compelling entrance. If you’re armed with a Rs. 30,000 budget, prepare to be impressed. Think consistent performance, a camera that punches above its weight, and a battery that laughs in the face of long days. Fast charging is the cherry on top. While I yearn for the premium feel of the Nord 4’s metal build, the Nord 5 delivers meaningful upgrades that more than compensate, solidifying its place as a frontrunner without breaking the bank.

The OnePlus Nord 5offers decent value for a smartphone around the Rs. 30,000 mark

Forget the OnePlus Nord 5, the Poco F7 is here to steal its crown! Packing a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor and a colossal 7,550mAh battery, this phone screams power. But before you ditch your current device, hold your horses! The ultimate question remains: can the Poco F7’s camera truly rival the Nord 5? Stay tuned for our in-depth review to find out if this powerhouse is more than just battery and brawn.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. The Motorola Edge 60 Pro, iQOO Neo 10, and Vivo V50 (especially after checking out its review!) all pack a punch. And don’t forget Samsung: the Galaxy A36 offers that classic Samsung experience. Pro-tip: keep an eye out for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE deals – it dips below ₹35,000 more often than you think!

Disclosure: OnePlus sponsored the correspondent’s flights and hotel for an event in Vietnam.

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