If you’ve been eyeing the OnePlus Nord 5 as your next smartphone, you’re probably wondering whether it lives up to the hype. Well, after spending some quality time with the the OnePlus Nord 5, here’s a detailed, no-fluff review that breaks down everything you need to know—from design and performance to camera and battery life.
Let’s dive into what makes the OnePlus Nord 5 worth considering—and what might make you think twice.
- Sleek Design That Feels Premium
While adding a more sophisticated touch, the OnePlus Nord 5 retains the minimalist appeal of its predecessors. The OnePlus Nord 5 slim, lightweight, and comfortable in hand. The back panel comes in matte finishes like “Arctic Sky” and “Graphite Mist,” which not only look good but also resist fingerprints better than glossy backs.
Pros:
- Slim 7.9mm profile
- Gorilla Glass protection (front and back)
- Lightweight at 190g
Cons:
- No official IP rating (light splash resistance only)
- Solid Performance with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
Performance-wise, the Nord 5 really shines. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, which is strong enough to manage streaming, gaming, and intensive multitasking. Paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the experience is fluid and lag-free.
Real-world use cases tested:
- Gaming: Played Call of Duty Mobile on high settings with no frame drops
- Multitasking: Easily switched between 15+ apps
- Temperature: Stayed cool even during extended gaming sessions
- Long-lasting Battery with 100W Fast Charging
The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use. Whether it’s watching YouTube, gaming, or scrolling through social media, the Nord 5 holds its own. The real game-changer? 100W SUPERVOOC charging. In less than half an hour, you can go from zero to one hundred percent.
Battery Life Results:
| Usage Type | Battery Drain (Approx) |
| Video Streaming (1 hr) | 9% |
| Gaming (1 hr) | 13% |
| Browsing/Social Media (1 hr) | 7% |
- Versatile Camera Setup, But Not Perfect
OnePlus has improved its camera capabilities by adding a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor for the primary camera, which is complemented by a 2MP macro sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The rear cameras perform very well in daylight, producing vibrant and sharp images. Low-light performance is improved but not class-leading.
Front camera: The 32MP selfie camera captures great skin tones and offers AI enhancements for those perfect selfies.
Camera verdict:
- Daylight shots: Crisp and detailed
- Low-light: Slight grain, but Night Mode helps
- Video: Shoots up to 4K at 60fps; stabilization is solid
- Bright and Smooth 6.74” AMOLED Display
The 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is an absolute treat. It’s bright (up to 1450 nits), color-accurate, and very responsive. Watching content on Netflix or YouTube looks fantastic, and even outdoor visibility is top-tier.
Display Highlights:
- Resolution: 1.5K (2772×1240 pixels)
- HDR10+ support
- In-display fingerprint scanner (fast and accurate)
- Clean OxygenOS Experience
OnePlus continues its tradition of offering a bloatware-free, fast user interface. OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14) is clean, customizable, and feature-rich without being overwhelming. It feels snappy and reliable.
Bonus: OnePlus promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which is great for longevity.
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and All the Essentials
The Nord 5 is future-ready with full 5G support (both SA and NSA), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. Call quality is great, network reception is stable, and dual stereo speakers deliver loud and clear audio.
Additional features worth mentioning:
- Dual SIM support
- Haptics are surprisingly good for this segment
- IR blaster missing (not a deal-breaker for most)
What Could Have Been Better?
Even with all the positives, the Nord 5 does come with a few minor disappointments:
- No expandable storage – You’re limited to the internal storage (128GB or 256GB options).
- No wireless charging – Though expected at this price, it would have been a nice bonus.
- Secondary cameras aren’t impressive – The ultra-wide and macro sensors don’t match the quality of the main lens.
Pricing & Availability
As of July 2025, here’s how the OnePlus Nord 5 is priced in India:
| Variant | Price (INR) |
| 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage | ₹28,999 |
| 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage | ₹32,999 |
Available on OnePlus official store, Amazon India, and select offline retailers.
Final Verdict: Is the OnePlus Nord 5 Worth It?
Absolutely, yes—if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder under ₹30,000.
The Nord 5 balances performance, design, display, and battery life exceptionally well. It’s not trying to be the best flagship, but for everyday users who want a powerful, future-ready smartphone without breaking the bank, it’s hard to find a better package at this price point.
⭐ Final Rating: 4.3/5
OnePlus Nord 5 Quick Summary
| Feature | Verdict |
| Design & Build | Sleek, comfortable, premium feel |
| Display | Bright, vibrant, and smooth |
| Performance | Fast and efficient |
| Battery | Excellent + blazing fast charging |
| Camera | Great primary, average secondary |
| Software | Clean OxygenOS, regular updates |
| Value for Money | Strong contender under ₹30K |
If you’re after a stylish, high-performing mid-range phone, the OnePlus Nord 5 is a smart pick.
