The OnePlus Nord 5 has made its debut as the latest iteration in the popular mid-range smartphone lineup, stepping in as the successor to the OnePlus Nord 4 released last year. This new device introduces several enhancements over its predecessor, featuring a powerful Snapdragon 8 series processor and improved camera capabilities. However, the competitive landscape in the mid-range segment, particularly around the Rs. 30,000 price point, includes formidable competitors such as the Poco F7, Motorola Edge 60 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, iQOO Neo 10R, and Nothing Phone 3a Pro.
With a starting price of Rs. 31,999 for the base model outfitted with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the OnePlus Nord 5 also offers configurations with 12GB of RAM, priced at Rs. 34,999 for 256GB and Rs. 37,999 for 512GB of storage. This review examines whether the Nord 5 is worth its price tag or if it falls short of expectations.
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 (mainly featured in this review), Phantom Grey
The OnePlus 13s, launched last month, is no longer the sole device to incorporate the new Plus Key, which has replaced the traditional alert slider in the OnePlus Nord 5. Positioned on the left side of the device, this button offers several customizable functions, including the ability to activate the Plus Mind feature, as detailed in the OnePlus 13s review. However, the Plus Key can accidentally be triggered during gameplay if the phone is laid flat on its back.
The newly introduced Plus Key on the OnePlus Nord 5
In contrast to its predecessor, which featured an aluminum chassis, the OnePlus Nord 5 opts for a glass rear panel surrounded by plastic edges. The Marble Sands variant provided for this review not only looks appealing but also feels somewhat slippery, prompting the use of the included TPU cover for added grip. The device showcases a 6.83-inch display, which can be challenging to manipulate with one hand, even for users with larger hands.
The OnePlus Nord 5 houses a substantial 6,800mAh battery without feeling overly heavy. The power and volume buttons are conveniently positioned for thumb access, though the Plus Key is more awkward to reach during one-handed use. Additionally, an infrared blaster is located at the top of the device, enabling control over various appliances, while the bottom edge features a speaker, SIM tray, and USB Type-C port.
OnePlus Nord 5 Software: Smooth Performance with AI Features
- Software – OxygenOS 15
- Version – Android 15
- Latest security patch – June 1, 2025
Running on OxygenOS 15, which is built on Android 15, the OnePlus Nord 5 delivers a smooth software experience similar to that of the flagship OnePlus 13. The new OS supports various AI features introduced alongside the OnePlus 13s, and the device is promised four years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, making it capable of receiving updates as far as Android 19.
OxygenOS 15 interface on the OnePlus Nord 5
My review unit was the 12GB + 256GB version, which is optimized for everyday use. The animations are fluid, and the device retains multiple apps in memory even after switching between several of them. During setup, the phone offered to install several third-party applications, including Amazon and Candy Crush Saga, though I had the option to decline.
The Plus Key serves as a shortcut to the OnePlus AI suite, including the Plus Mind feature which saves contextual details from screenshots when activated. Although not always accurate in detecting actionable content, it provides useful suggestions such as adding calendar events for recognized dates.
AI features from the OnePlus 13s are incorporated in the Nord 5
Additional AI capabilities such as AI VoiceScribe, AI Call Assistant, and AI Translation are also present, mirroring those detailed in the OnePlus 13s review. These features assist in retaining information from applications, translating web pages via a pop-up menu, and summarizing calls using VoiceScribe.
OnePlus assures that it employs its Private Compute Cloud to enhance user privacy related to AI functionalities, within a secure and isolated framework. Users also have access to the Circle to Search feature with AI Overviews on Google, along with Google Gemini compatibility on the OnePlus Nord 5.
OnePlus Nord 5 Performance: Optimized Yet Last Generation
- Processor – Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
- Memory – Up to 12GB LPDDR5x
- Storage – Up to 512GB UFS 3.1
The OnePlus Nord 5 is the first device in the Nord series to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, representing a significant enhancement over the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the previous model. This octa-core processor boasts a maximum clock frequency of 3GHz and is crafted using TSMC’s advanced 4nm technology.
Benchmark results: AnTuTu v10, PCMark Work 3.0, and Geekbench 6 (tap to expand)
OnePlus utilized this 2024 chipset to bolster support for 144Hz OLED screens and enhance frame rates in specific gaming scenarios. However, it appears that the absence of the newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in the Nord 5 is strategic, as it could outperform the pricier OnePlus 13R, which is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 may not be the latest, it is a powerful processor capable of handling demanding CPU and graphics tasks, such as editing 4K videos and playing graphics-intensive games like Wuthering Waves and Call of Duty: Mobile. OxygenOS performs seamlessly, with no lag noted during my evaluations of the device.
Benchmark results: PCMark Work 3.0 Battery, GFXBench 5.1, 3DMark (tap to expand)
Below is a comparative overview of the OnePlus Nord 5 against similarly priced competitors based on synthetic benchmark tests:
| Benchmarks | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3a Pro | iQOO Neo 10R | Vivo V50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7400 SoC (4nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) |
| AnTuTu v10 | 14,41,357 | 8,01,123 | 14,91,562 | 8,20,958 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 18,777 | 13,554 | 12,072 | 10,496 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,974 | 1,173 | 1,927 | 1,121 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 4,929 | 3,239 | 5,047 | 3,110 |
| GFXB T-rex | 92 | 60 | 121 | 60 |
| GFXB Manhattan 3.1 | 92 | 55 | 114 | 60 |
| GFXB Car Chase | 84 | 28 | 71 | 42 |
| 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL | Maxed out | 5,528 | Maxed Out | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed out | 6,854 | Maxed Out | 8,289 |
| 3DM Wild Life | Maxed out | 3,988 | Maxed Out | 5,251 |
| 3DM Wild Life Unlimited | 11,843 | 4,175 | 7,797 | 5,468 |
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a 6.83-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1,272 x 2,800 pixels and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz, representing a significant upgrade from its predecessor. OnePlus claims the display achieves peak brightness levels of 1,800 nits, ensuring good visibility in outdoor settings. It also dims sufficiently at night to prevent eye strain.
The smooth and responsive 6.83-inch display on the OnePlus Nord 5
Switching to a “standard” display color mode results in less vibrant, yet more realistic colors. Users may prefer the Cinematic mode for enhanced color depth. The display is safeguarded with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i; however, it’s advisable to use the provided cover to mitigate damage risks to the rear.
OnePlus Nord 5 Cameras: A Familiar Arrangement
- 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
I dedicated nearly a month to testing the OnePlus Nord 5’s cameras, and the primary 50-megapixel camera stands out as the most proficient among the set. It allows users to capture images at both 1x and 2x (in-sensor crop) zoom levels, while providing optical image stabilization (OIS).
Images captured at 1x (primary) and 2x (in-sensor crop) zoom (Tap to expand)
The camera system of the OnePlus Nord 5 produces bright and detailed images in various lighting conditions. The shutter response is instantaneous, enabling quick capture of moments. The primary sensor, which is the same as that used in the OnePlus 13s, holds its sharpness even at 2x zoom for distant subjects.
In lower light situations, the camera proves capable, provided that subjects remain still. Detail retention is impressive upon zooming in, while the night mode activates effectively for quick captures after a brief delay.
Camera samples from the ultrawide lens, a selfie, and a portrait shot (Tap to expand)
The ultrawide camera on the OnePlus Nord 5 performs reasonably well in daylight, with minimal edge distortion. However, its low-light capabilities are not as robust as those of the primary camera, yet results remain usable for non-moving subjects.
For video recording, the primary camera excels, allowing 4K/60fps footage capture. When Ultra Steady mode is activated, the resolution drops to 1080p/30fps, which is also the maximum for the ultrawide camera.
Equipped with a 50-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor, the selfie camera is adept at capturing high-quality images and videos. The default settings disable face smoothing, and users can opt for 4K/60fps or 1080p/30fps recordings with Ultra Steady mode enabled.
OnePlus Nord 5 Battery: Significant Enhancements
- Battery Capacity – 6,800mAh
- Wired Charging – 80W SuperVOOC (USB Type-C)
The OnePlus Nord 5 is equipped with a robust 6,800mAh battery, a considerable upgrade from the 5,500mAh capacity of its predecessor. Complemented by the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, this powerhouse can provide up to a day and a half of usage. During my use, which included three hours of gaming, extensive social media browsing, video streaming on YouTube, and messaging on WhatsApp, the battery proved reliable.
The OnePlus Nord 5 offers exceptional battery performance, lasting over a day and a half on a single charge
The device endured an impressive 27 hours and 15 minutes in our HD video battery loop test, alongside 14 hours and 26 minutes in the PCMark Work 3.0 battery life benchmark. While these benchmarks indicate potential, actual battery life may vary based on user habits. The OnePlus Nord 5 achieves a full charge in approximately 58 to 63 minutes using the included 80W SuperVOOC charging adapter.
OnePlus Nord 5: Conclusion
With significant improvements over its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord 5 stands as a strong contender for those looking to invest around Rs. 30,000 in a smartphone. It delivers solid CPU and camera performance alongside impressive battery longevity, ensuring fast charging capabilities. Despite the loss of the all-metal design from the OnePlus Nord 4, the enhancements present in the new model make it a worthwhile option within the same price range.
The OnePlus Nord 5 provides substantial value in the sub-Rs. 30,000 market.
One of the primary competitors to the OnePlus Nord 5 is the Poco F7, featuring a more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and a 7,550mAh battery. I suggest awaiting our review of that model to determine its camera performance relative to the Nord 5.
Other viable alternatives in this price segment include the Motorola Edge 60 Pro, iQOO Neo 10, Vivo V50, and Samsung Galaxy A36. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE frequently falls below Rs. 35,000, offering an attractive option for potential buyers.
Disclosure: OnePlus sponsored the correspondent’s flights and hotel for an event in Vietnam.
