The OnePlus Nord 5 made its debut in India recently, launching alongside the OnePlus Nord CE 5. Both smartphones are powered by Android 15 and come integrated with the latest AI tools that were first introduced with the OnePlus 13s last month. The Nord 5 is the company’s second device to feature the new customizable Plus Key, replacing the traditional alert slider found on earlier models.
Each phone sports a 50MP main rear camera and is bundled with an 80W fast charger and a TPU case that matches the device’s color. We spent about a week testing the OnePlus Nord 5, and here’s our detailed take on the experience.
OnePlus Nord 5 design and display:
With its large 6.83-inch AMOLED screen, the OnePlus Nord 5 dazzles from the start and offers a high-end visual experience that competes with more costly flagship devices. A refresh rate of up to 144 Hz is supported by the panel, guaranteeing fluid animations, incredibly smooth scrolling, and a fantastic gaming experience. Every interaction feels quick and responsive thanks to the high refresh rate, whether you’re playing graphics-intensive games or browsing through apps. Another noteworthy aspect is brightness. Even in direct sunlight, the display maintains its sharpness and readability thanks to its maximum brightness of 1,800 nits
The OnePlus Nord 5 receives great marks for design. The traditional Alert Slider has been replaced by the new Plus Key on the left side of the frame, which is a noticeable change. Although it still switches between sound modes by default, users can now reprogramme it to do a variety of tasks, including taking screenshots, translating text on the screen, recording voice messages, opening the camera, turning on the torch, or triggering the AI-powered Plus Mind assistant. This model keeps the IR blaster at the top edge of the frame, which is useful for controlling household appliances, just like the Nord 4 did. The under-display fingerprint reader is also inconveniently placed.
OnePlus Nord 5 performance:
The OnePlus Nord 5 is one of the most capable devices in its class thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM. Whether you’re streaming HD video, playing graphically demanding games, or juggling multiple apps, this combination offers quick, dependable, and efficient performance. App launches, multitasking, and system navigation all feel effortless when performing daily tasks.
A fluid experience is enhanced by the LPDDR5x RAM’s guarantee of fast memory access and smooth app switching. The OnePlus Nord 5 is a great option for both power users and casual gamers because it offers top-tier performance that can easily compete with more expensive smartphones.
The OnePlus Nord 5 houses a massive 6,800mAh battery, offering impressive longevity that easily powers through a full day of heavy use—and often into the next. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking, battery anxiety is virtually eliminated. When it’s time to recharge, the included 80W SuperVOOC charger gets the job done swiftly.
OnePlus Nord 5 camera:
For its price range, the OnePlus Nord 5 has a strong camera setup that performs well. The Sony LYT-700, a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilisation (OIS), is the central component of the rear camera system. In the majority of lighting situations, this top-notch sensor—which is also present in the OnePlus 13s—produces outstanding results.
Rich in detail, photos have natural colours and a good dynamic range, and OIS helps minimise blur in shaky or low-light conditions. The d 8MP ultrawide lens has an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. It takes respectable wide-angle pictures, but dynamic range isn’t as good as the primary, and image sharpness tends to diminish near the edges.
With a 50MP selfie camera that uses Samsung’s ISOCELL JN5 sensor, the Nord 5 makes an impression on the front. It captures clear, detailed selfies and works well with skin tones thanks to its f/2.0 aperture. Moreover, it can record high-quality video, which makes it ideal for social media posts and video calls. Overall, the OnePlus Nord 5’s camera system is dependable and adaptable, producing excellent results in everyday use and even rivalling more expensive models in ideal lighting conditions.
Conclusion:
The OnePlus Nord 5, which starts at Rs 31,999, is a great value. Higher configurations, 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB, cost Rs 34,999 and Rs 37,999, respectively, while the base model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
A powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a large and vibrant AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, a long battery life with incredibly quick 80W charging, and a competent camera setup with the Sony LYT-700 sensor are all included in the price. Together with well-considered design enhancements like IP65 protection and a customisable Plus Key, the Nord 5 is one of the best mid-range smartphones on the market right now in India.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed device with flagship-level performance at a competitive price, the OnePlus Nord 5 is a compelling choice.