Image Source: OnePlus

OnePlus has taken the mid-range segment with its new OnePlus Nord 5. Priced around ₹30,000, this phone brings big upgrades over the Nord 4, including a massive 6800mAh battery, improved 50MP camera, and the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. With a stylish design, fast charging, and AI features, this phone competes with the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G. Let’s take a closer look at its features and comparison with the Nord 4.

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from reliable sources like 91mobiles, Gadgets 360, and OnePlus India. Price and offers are verified from Flipkart, Amazon, and OnePlus’ official website.

What’s in the box?

OnePlus Nord 5 comes in a premium box, which includes:

• Phone
• Hard protective case
• 80W SUPERVOOC charger
• USB-C cable
• SIM ejector pin
• Quick start guide

The inclusion of an 80W charger is a big plus in this range.

Design and look

The design of the Nord 5 is minimal and premium. Weighing 210 grams and 8.1mm thick, the phone feels balanced in the hand. Available in Blue Marble and Gray Onyx color options, its all-glass back protects against fingerprints and smudges. The polycarbonate frame keeps the weight in check.

The IP65 rating protects against rain and dust. It is more modern and slimmer than the metal-glass two-tone design of the Nord 4. Dual stereo speakers, NFC, and the new Plus Key (AI Translate, flashlight, sound on/off) make it practical.

Display

The 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1900 nits peak brightness (1400 nits HBM). HDR10+ and Netflix HDR support makes videos colorful. Aqua Touch 2.0 keeps the touch smooth even on a wet screen. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects against scratches and drops. It is bigger and brighter than the Nord 4’s 6.74-inch AMOLED, but the flat display offers accuracy in gaming and scrolling.

Software

OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) is clean and polished. There are only 3 pre-installed apps, which can be removed. AI features like MindSpace (summarizes screenshots and text), AI Recompose, AI Eraser, and Circle to Search improve the user experience. The O-Connect feature makes sharing files from an iPhone or laptop easy. 3 years of OS updates (up to Android 18) and 4 years of security patches will be available, which is better than the Nord 4.

Biometrics

The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate. The AI face unlock is reliable even in low-light.

Audio

The dual stereo speakers deliver loud and crisp sound with Dolby Atmos, which is better than the Galaxy A56 5G. The microphone is great for calls and voice recording. The 3.5mm jack is missed, but Bluetooth audio quality is good.

Connectivity

12 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, and USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 make it future-proof. There is also Vo5G and Air Blaster (IR remote) support. Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 are upgrades over the Nord 4.

Storage and RAM

Comes with 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 4.0 storage. There is no microSD slot, but UFS 4.0 gives fast data transfer. The 12GB RAM variant is ideal for multitasking and heavy apps.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor (Adreno 735 GPU) performs 35% better than the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Nord 4. Antutu score is around 15 lakh. BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at 144 FPS (with Frame Boost) and CarX Street at 60 FPS. Bypass charging and 4D vibration make gaming better. The Nord 4 had a slight heating issue while gaming, but the Nord 5 has better thermal management.

Battery and Charging

The 6800mAh battery is a big upgrade over the Nord 4’s 5500mAh, offering 1.5–2 days of backup (19.8 hours YouTube, 9.5 hours BGMI). 80W SUPERVOOC charging charges from 5% to 100% in 60 minutes. Bypass charging keeps the battery cool while gaming. The Nord 4’s battery life was lacking, but the Nord 5 fixes it completely.

Camera

The 50MP Sony LYT-700 main camera (OIS) and 8MP ultra-wide lens deliver sharp and colorful photos in bright light. There is better detail and light control than the Nord 4’s LYT-600. The 50MP front camera is great for selfies and 4K 60 FPS videos. AI tools like AI Recompose, AI Eraser, and Enhance Clarity take photos to the next level. The ultra-wide has a slight color shift, but is okay in this range. There is a big improvement in the main and front camera compared to Nord 4.

IP Rating

The IP65 rating protects against rain and dust, which is better than the Nord 4’s IP54. The phone is safe even in light drops.

Gesture Controls

Features like Plus Key, AI Call Translate, and MindSpace in OxygenOS 15 make daily use easier. The Nord 4 had a slider, but the Plus Key is more versatile.

Accessories

Cases and screen protectors for the Nord 5 are easily available on Flipkart and Amazon. Like the Nord 4, the variety is sufficient.

Price

OnePlus Nord 5 Price:

• 8GB + 256GB: ₹29,999 (₹28,999 with offers)
• 12GB + 256GB: ₹32,999 (₹31,999 with offers)

Sale started on Flipkart, Amazon, and OnePlus India e-store from 9 July 2025. Price is similar to Nord 4 (₹29,999), but better battery, camera, and processor make it value for money.

Comparison with Nord 4

• Battery: Nord 4’s 5500mAh battery was patchy; Nord 5’s 6800mAh battery lasts up to 2 days.
• Camera: The Nord 4’s LYT-600 camera was average; the Nord 5’s Sony LYT-700 delivers better details and low-light performance.
• Processor: The Nord 4’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 was good, but the Nord 5’s 8s Gen 3 delivers 35% better scores and smoother gaming.
• Design: The Nord 4’s metal-glass design was bulky; the Nord 5’s all-glass and polycarbonate frame is light and modern.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord 5 offers great value for ₹30,000 with a 6800mAh battery, 50MP Sony camera, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It is perfect for gamers, students, and multitaskers while fixing the Nord 4’s shortcomings (battery and camera).

Despite being cheaper than the Samsung A55 5G, it competes in performance and design. If you want a 5G phone in the mid-range, then Nord 5 is the top choice!