OnePlus Nord 5: Should You Buy It or Pick Poco F7?
OnePlus Nord 5 offers top display, fast charging & big battery. We tested it to see if it’s worth Rs 30,000. See full review with pros and cons.
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The spotlight is now on the newly launched OnePlus Nord 5 series, following the success of the OnePlus 13 lineup earlier this year. Targeted at the competitive mid-range segment, the Nord 5 enters a space dominated by contenders like the Poco F7, positioning itself around the Rs 30,000 price point.
OnePlus has introduced notable changes in the Nord 5, including the replacement of the alert slider with a new Plus Key. During a week-long evaluation, the device revealed a mix of enhancements and trade-offs.
OnePlus has shifted from the metallic body seen in the Nord 4 back to a glass finish on the Nord 5. Although this change improves aesthetics, it sacrifices durability. At 8.1mm thickness and weighing over 200 grams, the phone feels balanced but not lightweight. The phone features a plastic frame, a step down from the aluminum frame of its predecessor, and carries an IP65 rating for basic dust and water resistance.
The Nord 5 sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel supporting 1 billion colors, a 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ certification. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i offers moderate protection. Visuals are sharp, vibrant, and ideal for content consumption. However, only gaming apps fully utilize the 144Hz refresh rate; most others run at 120Hz.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, the Nord 5 shows a marked improvement over the Nord 4. While rivals such as Poco F7 and iQOO Neo 10 include the newer 8s Gen 4 SoC, the Nord 5 holds its ground in real-world use. A vapor chamber cooling system enhances thermal management, and the inclusion of multiple gaming modes makes it appealing for mobile gamers.
The device ships with OxygenOS, offering relatively minimal bloatware compared to competitors. The new Plus Key can be customized for various shortcuts, including camera access, flashlight toggle, or silent mode activation.
The Nord 5 includes a dual-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Under good lighting, the main sensor captures detailed images, though portrait shots occasionally lack precision. Low-light photography needs optimization, as overexposure can affect image quality. The front-facing camera delivers satisfactory results but doesn't stand out within its segment.
The Indian version of the Nord 5 is equipped with a 6,800mAh silicon carbon battery supporting 80W fast charging. The device reaches approximately 80 per cent charge in under 50 minutes. While benchmark scores may vary, daily performance shows it easily lasts over a full day with regular use. That said, some rivals offer slightly larger battery capacity and longer screen time.
The OnePlus Nord 5 brings solid performance, long battery life, and a high-quality display to the table. While the design and camera setup offer mixed results, the device caters well to gaming users and power consumers. For those seeking a balanced mid-range smartphone, the Nord 5 remains a strong candidate despite some compromises.
