OnePlus is set to break genre boundaries with the Nord 5, launching on July 8, 2025 in India, pairing flagship-level hardware with a mid-tier price tag. Priced around ₹30,000 (~$365), it positions itself as perhaps the most value-packed smartphone in its segment
Table of Contents
Highlights
Performance Winner: Nord 5 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 + vapor cooling)
Best Front Camera: Nord 5 (50MP selfie with autofocus)
Fastest Charging: iQOO Neo 9 Pro / GT Neo 6 (120W)
Premium Build: Galaxy A55 (Aluminum + IP67)
Most Balanced Value: OnePlus Nord 5 (best mix of performance, camera, and design at ₹30K)
Hardware & Performance
Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, using Qualcomm’s cutting-edge architecture. This is the first time a Snapdragon 8-series chip is featured in a Nord device, offering dramatic performance and efficiency gains .
Cooling: A sprawling 7,300 mm² vapor chamber & graphene cooling enables sustained 144 fps gaming, ideal for titles like CoD Mobile and BGMI.
Memory & Storage: Comes in 8 / 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256 / 512 GB UFS 3.1 storage, ideal for power users.
Display
Sporting a 6.83‑inch FHD+ AMOLED display at 120 Hz, the Nord 5 delivers smooth visuals, splashy colors, and excellent visibility with peak brightness levels near 2000 nits.
Cameras
Rear: Dual camera setup—50 MP Sony LYT‑700 sensor with OIS (taken from OnePlus 13 flagship) and an 8 MP ultrawide. Expect great daylight photos with wide HDR.
Front: 50 MP Samsung JN5 selfie cam with autofocus—flagship-level clarity, even under low light.
Video Capabilities: Both cameras support 4K video @ 60 fps and include Live Photo/Ultra HDR support.
Verdict: While the ultrawide remains budget grade, the main and front cameras are flagship-caliber.
Battery & Charging
Equipped with a hefty 5,200 mAh battery (some leaks suggest up to 7,000 mAh—likely variant-specific) and 80 W SuperVOOC charging, the Nord 5 can reach full charge in under 40 minutes.
Design & Durability
OnePlus has ditched the metal frame in favor of a more elegant glass-plastic design, drawing inspiration from minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics and offering IP65 water and dust resistance.
While some Nord 4 fans preferred metal, this lighter build is more practical and classy.
Gaming Experience
With its top-tier chipset and advanced cooling, the Nord 5 supports 144 fps in games, making it capable of handling intense gaming — a rare feat at this price.
Signature Plus Key
The Nord 5 debuts OnePlus’s Plus Key (first seen in their 13s series), offering customizable shortcuts like launching the camera, activating voice assistants, or toggling performance modes.
Software & Connectivity
Runs Android 15 with OxygenOS interface. OnePlus promises timely updates, improved privacy settings, and minimal bloatware . Expect 5G, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and stereo speakers.
Color Options
Touted colors include Dry Ice, Marble Sands, and Phantom Grey, offering minimalistic yet stylish options.
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: flagship performance
Excellent thermal management for gaming
Flagship-grade main/front cameras
144 Hz AMOLED display
80 W fast charging & large battery
Plus Key for added convenience
IP65 rating
👎 Cons
Ultrawide camera only 8 MP
Plastic frame might feel less premium
Slightly thicker and heavier than Nord 4
Who Should Buy It?
This phone is ideal if you’re seeking flagship features—performance, camera, display, fast charging—at mid-range pricing. Gamers, photo buffs, or power users will especially appreciate the near-flagship experience without paying flagship prices.
OnePlus Nord 5 vs Competitors – 2025 Mid-Range Flagship Comparison
| Feature / Phone | OnePlus Nord 5 | iQOO Neo 9 Pro | Realme GT Neo 6 | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2025 | Feb 2025 | April 2025 | March 2025 |
| Price (India) | ₹29,999 (Expected) | ₹34,999 | ₹30,999 | ₹36,999 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Exynos 1480 |
| Display | 6.83” AMOLED, 144Hz | 6.78” AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.74” AMOLED, 144Hz | 6.6” AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-700 (OIS) | 50MP Sony IMX866 (OIS) | 50MP Sony LYT-600 (OIS) | 50MP Sony IMX 766 (OIS) |
| Front Camera | 50MP Samsung JN5 (AF) | 16MP (fixed focus) | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5200 mAh | 5160 mAh | 5500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 80W SuperVOOC | 120W FlashCharge | 120W SuperVOOC | 25W |
| OS / UI | Android 15, OxygenOS | Android 14, Funtouch OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Cooling System | 7300 mm² VC + graphene | Ultra-large VC chamber | Graphite sheet cooling | Basic heat pipe cooling |
| Build Material | Plastic frame, glass back | Plastic frame, glass back | Plastic frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP54 | None | IP67 |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~199g | 190g | 193g | 213g |
| Extras | Plus Key, AI Photos, Alert Slider | IR Blaster, X-Axis Haptics | Dynamic Port lighting | Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 5 does exactly what OnePlus promises it can do—pack flagship-grade performance and imaging into a mid-range shell. With strengths in chipset, cooling, display, charging, and selfie camera, it becomes one of the most compelling smartphones under ₹35,000 in 2025.
Its only minor compromises—the 8 MP ultrawide camera and plastic frame—don’t detract from the overall value. For anyone seeking high performance without the flagship price, the Nord 5 is looking like the 2025 mid-range champion.
