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First Post
11-07-2025
- First Post
OnePlus Nord 5 Series vs OnePlus Nord 4 Series: What's new, what stays the same
A quick look at the OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE5 and how they compare to the Nord 4 and Nord CE4 respectively read more The new lineup of OnePlus Nord phones is here, and before we dive head on into their reviews, let's see what novelties they bring to the table and how they compare to their predecessors. The company just launched the Nord 5 and Nord CE5 in India, and other than a completely different design, the key difference seems to be the processing power. What else is new and what has been left untouched as compared to the Nord 4 and CE4, let's find out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nord CE4 vs Nord CE5 - Design OnePlus Nord CE5 vs OnePlus Nord CE4 The first noticeable change is the design. Most OnePlus phones released in this financial year seem to speak the iPhone 16 design language for some reason. Be it the pill-shaped camera island or the flat back and rounded corners or the shape of the buttons, it is hard not to think that way. I will circle back to the Nord 5 design in a bit but the Nord CE5 does look better and more striking than its predecessor in its new shell. Nord 4 vs Nord 5 - Camera module The phone feels a bit slimmer too though a tad bigger and heavier. The ingress protection sees a small improvement from IP54 to IP65 to survive the extra splash but not necessarily a dip in the pool. The Nord CE5 gets a slightly bigger 6.77-inch Full HD+ Fluid AMOLED display and it's a little brighter too at 1430 nits (peak) as compared to 1100 nits on the Nord CE4. The refresh rate stays at 120 Hz which is perfectly acceptable for the segment. The OnePlus Nord CE5 receives a significant boost in the processing department with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 making way for a much more potent Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Apex. You get a choice of 8 GB or 12 GB RAM with three storage options - 128 GB, 256 GB and now even 512 GB. The microSD card slot has been retained to expand it further. Battery capacity sees a big jump from the already impressive 5500 mAh to a massive 7100 mAh. It supports 80W fast charging with a corresponding charger bundled along. Nord CE4 vs Nord CE5 - Camera modules The camera setup has pretty much been copy-pasted from the CE4 and comprises a 50MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide shooter at the back and a 16MP selfie camera up front. Though the cameras are similar, courtesy of a faster processor, you can now record videos at higher FPS. 4K videos can now be captured at up to 60 FPS with the rear camera and 1080p slo-mo videos at up to 480 FPS, which was limited to 120 FPS on the CE4. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nord 5 vs Nord CE5 - Camera modules The OnePlus Nord CE5 runs Android 15 with OxygenOS 15 out of the box. The Nord CE4 launched with Android 14 and is upgradeable to Android 15; in fact, the update rolled out a while ago. But in the long run, the CE5 will have support for newer versions of the OS and security patches for a year longer. The same is applicable for the Nord 5 too that will get four major Android updates in years to come. Speaking of which, let's see how it differs from the Nord 4 and also the Nord CE5. OnePlus Nord 5 vs OnePlus Nord 4 Nord 4 vs Nord 5 - Design Unlike the Nord 4 series where the two phones were distinctly different in appearance, the Nord 5 phones look cut from the same cloth. While I said that the Nord CE5 looks better than its predecessor, I wouldn't say the same about the Nord 5. Yes, it's a subjective call but the Nord 4 with its metal back and a unique design had a lot more character. Mind you, the Nord 5 doesn't look bad at all, and in fact, the Marble Sands variant looks extremely elegant, and just like the OnePlus 13s, it gets the Plus button instead of an Alert slider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the Nord 5 feels bulky and heavier in hand in comparison. One thing that contributes to the bulk is a larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution that now supports a higher refresh rate up to 144 Hz. It is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Another thing that has gone big but in a good way is the battery capacity which has been bumped up to 6800 mAh. The bundled 80W SuperVOOC charger promises to juice it up fully in under an hour. Interestingly, the Nord 4 bundles a 100W charger to charge its 5500 mAh battery. Like the CE5, the Nord 5 too has a pill-shaped camera island, just a little longer to accommodate the flash. The rear camera setup is again quite similar to the Nord 4 with a combination of a 50MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide snapper. The front camera sees a major upgrade from a 16MP unit to a 50MP unit, and with autofocus. I believe this is the first Nord phone that can record 4K videos using the front camera. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As for the processing power, it sees an incremental upgrade; not as impressive as it seems on paper. The Nord 4 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, which is quite powerful but highly underrated. The Nord 5 gets an ever reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which if anything, is a higher clocked version of the 7+ Gen 3. Mind you, it is a perfectly capable chip and more powerful than the one in the Nord 4 but don't expect the performance jump to be massive. And that's got more to do with how good the 7+ Gen 3 is. You get 8 GB or 12 GB RAM options here with either 256 GB or 512 GB storage. For some inexplicable reason, OnePlus has opted for the slower UFS 3.1 storage in the Nord 5 when its predecessor had UFS 4.0 a year ago. We have asked OnePlus to clarify this and we will let you know in the final review once we have an answer. We will also talk about the camera performance and benchmark scores in our in-depth review. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD OnePlus Nord 5 series pricing in India The OnePlus Nord 5 is priced at Rs 31,999 for its 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant, Rs 34,999 for 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and Rs 37,999 for 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. It will be available for purchase in India starting 9th July 2025. The OnePlus Nord CE5 is priced at Rs 24,999 for its 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant, Rs 26,999 for 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and Rs 28,999 for 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. It will be available for purchase in India starting 12th July 2025. Further discounts and launch offers will be available on both phones.
India Today
08-07-2025
- India Today
OnePlus Nord 5 review: True value for money phone with slick performance and long-lasting battery
Over the years, the OnePlus Nord has made a name for itself as an all-rounder device, offering one of the best performances in the sub-Rs 40,000 segment. Now, the latest OnePlus Nord 5 claims to be the most powerful Nord yet promising top-tier performance and battery life, all wrapped in a new matte-yet-shiny at its last two predecessors, here at India Today Tech, we absolutely loved what the OnePlus Nord 3 and Nord 4 had to offer. In fact, the OnePlus Nord 4 was, by far, the best Nord experience we've had, earning an impressive 8.5 rating from this set high expectations for the new Nord 5, we were hoping for similar, if not better, performance. OnePlus has delivered the specs, putting a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and an upgraded 6,800mAh battery, inside it. I have been using the OnePlus Nord 5 for the past 10 days, and I must say, it stays true to the legacy its predecessors have again, it stands out as one of the best value for money offerings from OnePlus, and arguably one of the best smartphones in its category, especially for those seeking power-packed performance with all-day battery life, and a bit more. Of course, there are a few quirks and areas that could have been better. But overall, the Nord 5 manages to shine as a true let me now break down the best, the good and what could have been improved in the newly launched OnePlus Nord 5 in this India Today Tech look and feelOnePlus has experimented quite a bit with its Nord lineup. We've seen the Nord series adopt new designs and colours year after year. This year too, the company has refreshed the look, switching from the all-metal design of the Nord 4 to a more matte yet shiny polycarbonate finish (that does seem like glass from a distance).We did discuss the design and feel in our first look a few days ago, and my opinion for the looks and feel remains the Nord 5 feels premium in the hand, with the matte texture offering a fresh new feel. While I really like the pearly matte finish, the variant we're reviewing, called Marble Sands, could feel a bit slippery. It measures 8.1mm and weighs 211 grams which is to say that it is not compact but, it isn't too big bulky either. OnePlus has done well with the design and handling. The back is resistant to fingerprints and smudge. The matte back resists fingerprints OnePlus has returned to a vertical camera layout, ditching the horizontal camera setup we saw on the Nord 4 and Nord 3. Personally, I liked the Nord 4 for its unique aesthetics and metal body, it truly stood out from other Nord models as well as from competition. The Nord 5 is a bit more commonplace giving the impression we've all seen it the back is plastic, the phone feels sturdy and well-constructed. One notable change is the Plus key, which replaces the iconic alert slider. This customisable key allows you to set various functions, much like the Action Button on the iPhone. All side buttons, including the Plus key, volume rocker, and power button, are well placed and offer good tactile feedback. Rounding off the package is IP65 rating for dust and water and brighter display The OnePlus Nord 5 comes with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with up to 1,800 nits of peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate. And when it comes to the display experience, it surely stands out. With minimal and uniform bezels, the screen feels more expansive and immersive. The faster refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth and I didn't quite reach the full 144Hz refresh rate, during gaming, the maximum I observed was around 90Hz, and about 120Hz during regular usage. That's something app developers will need to optimise further with the app. But if I were to list the pros of the OnePlus Nord 5, the display earns a spot of its own. It is very good. OnePlus Nord 5 is great for watching videos, playing games, and scrolling content The screen offers vibrant colours with ample brightness, both indoors and outdoors. Not once did I have to squint to see the content, even under the harsh midday sun. I watched a lot of short videos, movies, and played games, and the display performed beautifully on performanceThe OnePlus Nord 5 runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, and it delivers. Not once did I experience any lag or issues during all-day use. Whether it was calling, messaging, hours of scrolling, binge-watching, or casual gaming sessions, the performance remained smooth as butter. It doesn't heat up easily either. The vapour cooling system does a good job of dissipating heat, even during intensive use.I also ran some benchmarks to check the performance, and the numbers were nothing short of impressive, at times touching scores close to flagship-level devices. OnePlus Nord 5 benchmark results advertisementThis performance is complemented by the OxygenOS 15 software. While it isn't a pure stock Android interface, it does come with a few preloaded apps, but most of them can be uninstalled. Personally, I didn't mind, as many were apps I actually use, like Netflix and LinkedIn. The OnePlus Nord 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset Coming to the software, OxygenOS 15 offers a vibrant and fluid aesthetic. The refreshed UI, clean icons, vibrant colour palettes, and plenty of customisation options contribute to a personalised experience. But more than the visuals, what stood out for me were the new AI features OnePlus has brought to the AI is something we usually associate with flagship phones, the Nord 5 manages to stand out with features like call summaries, live translation, and AI-powered photo editing tools. I found the call summary and live translation features especially useful. Although there's still a lot of room for improvement, having these features in a mid-range device truly improves the overall user experience and highlight for me was the dual speakers. Positioned at the top and bottom, the stereo speakers are loud and clear, and never once did they sound screechy, even at higher volumes. In fact, the volume output is impressively high, and I often watched movies and series without needing another speaker or earbuds. Plus key on OnePlus Nord 5 advertisementWhen it comes to performance, the OnePlus Nord 5 truly stands goes on and on and onWhile the OnePlus Nord 5 delivers solid performance, it's the battery that truly makes it shine. In my experience, the battery is what caught most of my attention. The Nord 5 packs a 6,800mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. While this isn't the largest battery cell available in the market, it's certainly one of the longest lasting. And in real-world use, it keeps the phone running for casual days, the battery easily lasted me almost two full days. Even with intensive use, it comfortably held up for around a day and a half, which is seriously impressive. Despite the large battery, charging is also quick, with the phone going from 0 to 100 per cent in about an hour and a camerasThe Nord 5 comes with a dual rear camera system featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide real-world use, the Nord 5 captures good-quality images in daylight. The main sensor manages to click photos with balanced exposure, accurate colours, and natural-looking skin tones. The shutter response is also fast, and there's minimal lag between shots, which is good for quick, on-the-go photography– especially if you want to click photos of your furry mode is a pleasant surprise, the edge detection is precise, background blur is nicely tuned, and facial details are well preserved. The dual camera setup on OnePlus Nord 5 includes a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens However, the limitations of the camera become apparent in low-light conditions. While the phone does attempt to brighten up scenes, it often ends up smearing finer details, resulting in softer images with visibly reduced the front, the 50-megapixel selfie camera also does a good job in daylight. Selfies are sharp, with good dynamic range and natural skin tones. In low light, though, the quality dips slightly, the sensor struggles a bit with clarity especially in indoor or poorly lit Nord 5 can record videos at up to 4K at 60 fps from the rear camera. The footage is stable and usable for casual content creation, but again, low-light performance isn't its strong suit. The ultra-wide camera can also shoot the camera performance on the OnePlus Nord 5 is decent but not the best we have seen in the segment. It handles everyday photography tasks well, especially in bright lighting, and produces pleasing results for social media or casual use. But compared to some rivals like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, which includes a telephoto lens , the Nord 5 does fall slightly short in terms of versatility and low-light Nord 5 review: Should you buy it?Absolutely yes!If you're looking for an all-rounder smartphone under Rs 40,000, the OnePlus Nord 5 truly delivers, and does so with all its might. It offers excellent performance and impressive battery life, all while providing a fluid and enjoyable experience on its large AMOLED design feels premium, and the white variant colour we reviewed, Marble Sands, looks particularly the camera may not be the best in its class, but in our experience, it didn't disappoint that much. It's capable of capturing good-quality photos in daylight, though it does struggle slightly in low-light said, at Rs Rs 31,999, the Nord 5 genuinely shines. It is easily one of the best smartphones you can buy right now in this price range, and arguably the best in the game if performance and overall value are your top priorities.- Ends
Stuff.tv
08-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
There's no denying the OnePlus Nord 5's value – but I wish it hadn't ditched this one key feature
Stuff Verdict A keenly priced all-rounder that takes great photos and isn't short on power or battery – but the OnePlus Nord 5 isn't the design standout its predecessor was, and rivals have it beat in a few areas Pros Ample everyday performance and real-world battery life Quality cameras for a budget phone, especially if you're a selfie addict OxygenOS is still a slick, streamlined take on Android Cons Glass/polycarbonate build feels like a step back from Nord 4's metal Beaten on CPU power and battery capacity Early days for AI Plus Mind software Introduction The Nord series has been diluting down OnePlus' smartphone best for multiple generations now. Earlier efforts tried to redefine how much tech you could expect from a cheap phone, while the outgoing Nord 4 went against the grain on the design front. When the inevitable Nord 5 teaser campaign kicked off, the big question was which way it would go. Now we have our answer: the £399/€449 (US launch tbc) Nord 5 undercuts its predecessor, while also bringing a more potent processor, gamer-grade display and slicker selfie shooting. But it also turns its back on an all-metal build, and arguably makes compromises elsewhere on the spec sheet compared to upstart rivals. The Poco F7 swooped in mere weeks before the Nord's launch, with a newer, more powerful chipset and an even bigger battery – for less cash. Does the OnePlus make a big enough impression elsewhere to keep it competitive? How we test smartphones Every phone reviewed on Stuff is used as our main device throughout the testing process. We use industry standard benchmarks and tests, as well as our own years of experience, to judge general performance, battery life, display, sound and camera image quality. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: face in the crowd Let's rip the band-aid off right away. If last year's metal-sculpted Nord 4 was a deliciously distinctive bit of industrial design, the Nord 5 is altogether more generic – especially in Phantom Grey (ie black). The Dry Ice (blue) I was given for testing has a bit more personality, and the Marble Sand is easily the most visually appealing of the three. With flattened sides and a new look camera island at the rear, it does feel like OnePlus has taken more than a page from the Apple school of phone design. I also feel the firm has taken a step back on the materials front, using polycarbonate (ie plastic) for the frame and Gorilla Glass 7i for the rear panel. The Nord 4's textured unibody just feels more high-end in comparsion. That's not to say the Nord 5 feels cheap, mind. This phone has some real heft, weighing in at 211g, and the frosted finish means it's not nearly as slippy as some glass-backed phones can be. An IP65 rating promises a decent amount of protection from the elements, too – although not as much as the cheaper Poco F7. The Nord 5 is the first OnePlus phone to leave China or India with the firm's new Plus key, which replaces the signature alert slider at the top left side. It's got a similar set of skills to Apple's Action button, letting you change volume modes, activate do not disturb, open the camera app (and act as a shutter button while you're there), turn on the flashlight, record a voice note, take a screenshot, or open the translate app. Although the software update had yet to land in time for me to test it, a shortcut to OnePlus' AI Mind Space is also on the way. It's not the first note-taking, screenshot searching journal app I've seen, so it'll be interesting to see whether it does anything different. I can't fault the under-display fingerprint sensor, which is as quick and accurate as any capacitive sensor you'll find on a budget phone. There's face unlocking as well, but it isn't secure enough for banking apps. That's the case for pretty much everything under £500, though, so the Nord 5 doesn't lose any points here. Screen & sound: the big picture Just like the rest of the Android world, OnePlus has continued to embiggen its phones. The Nord 5 arrives with a whopping 6.83in display, which makes it a proper hand-filler. The 2800×1272 resolution packs in enough detail to keep text looking crisp and images clear, and the symmetrical bezels are satisfyingly slim for a budget handset. Naturally OnePlus has gone with an OLED panel – even affordable phones can't get away with LCD these days – so you're getting wonderfully deep blacks, impeccable contrast, top-notch viewing angles and delightfully vibrant colours. Tone and colour balance are well-judged at the stock settings, so I didn't feel the need to tweak them, but there are a bunch of other modes if you want more natural, softer hues. A peak 1800 nits isn't the highest I've seen from a phone in this price range, but that's not to say the Nord 5 is at all dim. It shines well enough outdoors I didn't struggle with visibility. It plays nicely with Google's Ultra HDR standard, so photos have properly punchy highlights. A 144Hz refresh rate marks this out as a gamer-grade phone. For the most part it'll only clock up to 120Hz when scrolling or showing motion, but compatible games can go even higher for smoother play. The auto-select setting is the next best thing to LTPO tech for battery saving, sticking to 60Hz for static content. The stereo speaker setup – a down-firing main driver and earpiece tweeter – are a fitting match to the screen, with ample volume and a decent enough balance. Bass is pretty anaemic, but that's true of most mid-rangers and below. Podcasts and YouTube clips sound just fine. Cameras: selfie conscious The Nord 5 has really stepped up its selfie game, with a 50MP front snapper equipped with mechanical autofocus to ensure you're always looking sharp. The Samsung JN5 sensor is physically lager than the sort you'd usually find in a budget phone, which will make all the difference in low light. There's a 50MP Sony-supplied main camera around back, with optical image stabilisation and a fairly wide f/1.88 aperture. If you want zoom, it'll be through cropping and digitally enhancing the image. It's paired with an 8MP ultrawide, which is the clearest indicator of this phone's budget leanings. It's the weakest of the bunch as a result, lacking the sort of fine detail present in pics taken with the lead lens. Dynamic range isn't as strong either, but colours are pretty consistent and the extreme edges of the frame don't show much distortion. The 50MP main unit is sharper, with better defined edges and more controlled dynamic range. I did notice some blooming on harshly-lit subjects, but only in especially bright scenes. Colours are natural for the most part, with stronger contrast than say, Samsung. A Pixel 9a is more nuanced, though you pay more for the privilege. There's some natural bokeh blur to be found around close-ups, which is handy as the portrait mode isn't very skilled out detecting loose hairs, resulting in an unnatural looking depth effect. An auto macro mode kicks in when you get extremely close, using the ultrawide when there's enough light. Low-light performance is really rather good for the money, with only the darkest of night scenes struggling to contain noise and evidence of image sharpening. The ultrawide falls off faster, and can struggle to lock focus on more distant subjects, while the selfie camera still delivers the goods. It's a very capable camera, taking backlit subjects and direct sunlight in its stride. There's a strong case for buying the Nord 5 if you use the front camera more than the rear ones. Software experience: breath of fresh air OnePlus hasn't diluted Oxygen OS – the firm's bespoke take on Android 15 – down for its affordable phones. The Nord 5 gets the same extensive set of software features as the OnePlus 13, including a phone-friendly version of Open Canvas. This is still my favourite way of multitasking on big-screen Android devices, and it's almost as slick at 6.83in. Being able to save app pairs for opening quickly later is genuinely useful for those sorts of task that can't be done in a single window. I also found the floating toolbar, accessed with a swipe from the side of the screen, more useful here than I did on the OnePlus Pad 3; with no app launcher, it's great for jumping between apps without a trip to the home screen first. The UI doesn't stray too far from Google's default layout, unless you want it to. The quick settings and notifications menus can be combined into a single screen, and I'm a fan of the shelf that appears with a downward swipe on the homescreen. You can stuff it full of widgets and keep the homescreen itself clear. Like most budget phones, there's a handful of third-party widgets waiting for you in the app drawer when you first power the Nord 5 up. I'd call them bloat, but others might feel differently about AliExpress and booking dot com. OnePlus also includes its own web browser, image gallery, notes app and file manager. You can use Google's defaults instead if you prefer, but many are stuffed with AI additions that could make them worth a look. The voice recorder can generate transcriptions and summaries from your audio clips. The notes app gets its own assistant that can tighten up your text, reformat it in a different tone, and expand short sentences into longer paragraphs. The photo gallery can erase background distractions, remove reflections, and generationally recompose tightly cropped shots. If those sound familiar, it's because you'll find them on most modern phones – and they perform about as well as I've seen elsewhere, too. OnePlus' long-term software commitments don't change if you buy budget instead of premium; you're getting the same four years of new Android generations and six years of security patches here that you'd get on a OnePlus 13. That's very respectable, given most affordable phones still top out at three years, but it's still worth remembering Google has pledged seven years for the (slightly more expensive) Pixel 9a, should you want to hold onto your handset for longer. Performance & battery life: stays in its lane This might be the first time OnePlus has used an 8-series Snapdragon chipset in a Nord phone, but it's not the 8 Elite you'll find in today's flagship phones. Nor is it the newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 used in the Poco F7. Here you're getting the older 8s Gen 3, which admittedly is still aimed at a price point higher than what OnePlus is asking for the Nord 5. Paired with either 8 or 12GB of RAM (my review unit had the latter) and up to 256GB of on-board storage, this is still a potent phone – as the benchmarks below show. However, I can't overlook the performance gap to the 8s Gen 4, which is anything from 5-20% depending on the test. Single-core differences aren't huge, but multi-core and gaming show the newer chip taking the lead. If you want maximum raw performance for your cash, it's something to consider. OnePlus Nord 5 benchmark scores Geekbench 6 single-core 1947 Geekbench 6 multi-core 4890 Geekbench AI 2953 PCMark Work 3.0 18578 3DMark Wild Life Extreme 3235 3DMark Solar Bay 5416 That said, I found the Nord 5 perfectly responsive in daily use, with fast app loads, no sluggishness when multitasking, and animations that were as smooth as you like. There's still enough oomph for 3D games to make use of the 144Hz refresh rate, with Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile both proving perfectly playable. A large vapour chamber helps keep thermal throttling in check, too. Used as a daily driver, the Nord 5 also lasts longer than its 5200mAh battery would suggest. Sure, you can now get phones with considerably more cells, but I was seeing a day and a half between charges for the most part. Only a full day spent on 5G, with lots of GPS navigation and use of the cameras, necessitated a charge before bedtime. While you don't get a charger in the box, the Nord 5 plays nicely with OnePlus' 80W SuperVOOC power bricks. Half an hour over USB-C is enough for 65%, while a full charge took just over 45mins. I like that OnePlus has added bypass charging, too; it means I could game while plugged in without introducing extra heat, or having any negative impact on long-term battery health. OnePlus Nord 5 verdict In isolation, the OnePlus Nord 5 is a compelling cut-price handset. You're getting a bright, colourful display, very capable front and rear cameras, and a smooth-running version of Android that doesn't overload you with bloat in the way many cheap smartphones do. A handful of play-friendly specs add extra gamer appeal, and it's great to see the customisable Plus key not being reserved for the firm's top-tier models. The move away from metal makes this much less of a design stand-out than its predecessor, though. Combined with the redesigned rear camera island, the Nord 5 really looks quite generic. You could argue the same about the Poco F7, but that has a much bigger battery, newer generation chipset, and better water resistance – for less money. If phone photography isn't your top priority, it's the obvious choice. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 A keenly priced all-rounder that takes great photos and isn't short on performance or battery life – but the OnePlus Nord 5 isn't the design standout its predecessor was, and rivals are arguably more compelling. Pros Ample everyday performance and real-world battery life Quality cameras for a budget phone, especially if you're a selfie addict OxygenOS is still a slick, streamlined take on Android Cons Glass/polycarbonate build feels like a step back from Nord 4's metal Beaten on CPU power and battery capacity Early days for AI Plus Mind software OnePlus Nord 5 technical specifications Screen 6.83in, 2800×1272, 144Hz OLED CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 Memory 8/12GB RAM Cameras 50MP, f/1.88 w/ OIS + 8MP ultrawide rear 50MP, f/2.2 front Storage 256/512GB on-board Operating system Android 15 w/ OxygenOS 15 Battery 5200mAh w/ 80W wired charging Dimensions 163x77x8.1mm, 211g
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- The Hindu
OnePlus Nord 5 Review: The most complete Nord yet
Since the launch of the OnePlus 13 series, the company has been on a roll. Segment after segment, the company is tightening its hold in the market, and the best example of this is the OnePlus 13s. Now, moving a segment lower, OnePlus has launched a new member of its Nord family - OnePlus Nord 5. As the name hints, the latest Nord 5 succeeds the Nord 4. So, the expectations are high for the latest OnePlus Nord 5, and in this review, I am going to tell you how the phone actually does on different fonts. Design The OnePlus Nord 4 last year surprised us with its unibody metal design—a bold, refreshing shift in a sea of glass slabs. It felt solid, premium, and genuinely raised the bar for the Nord line. So naturally, our hopes were high for the Nord 5. Would OnePlus follow the same design language or take a different route? Turns out, the brand decided to shake things up once again—and we're not complaining. The OnePlus Nord 5 debuts a design shift that OnePlus calls 'Techie Minimalism.' Gone is the full-metal build, and in comes a new premium tactile finish. Our review unit came in the 'Marble Sands' variant, which is inspired by sunlit beaches. It subtly shimmers when the light hits it, delivering both elegance and functionality. The matte texture feels super smooth, and what's even better, it doesn't attract fingerprints. With its 8.1mm slim profile and slightly curved edges, the phone sits comfortably in the hand and feels lighter than it looks. In terms of layout, the Nord 5 keeps things minimal but introduces a few notable tweaks. The power button and volume rocker sit on the right, while the left side hosts what OnePlus calls the 'Essential Key'—a customisable button replacing the classic alert slider, much like we saw on the OnePlus 13S. You can assign it to open apps, trigger shortcuts, or launch voice assistants. At the bottom, you'll find the USB-C port, SIM tray, and speaker grille. Flip the phone around, and you're greeted with slim bezels around the 6.83-inch flat display, covered in Gorilla Glass 7i. The Nord 5 also packs an IP65 rating, with protection against water splashes and dust. Although here I would have liked a IP68 or IP69 certification. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Display The Nord 5 features a 6.83-inch 1.5K Swift OLED panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate—the first on any OnePlus device. It supports 10-bit colours, HDR, and features a blazing-fast 3000 Hz touch response rate. This isn't just good on paper— animations look buttery smooth, scrolling is seamless, and gaming feels ultra-responsive. The peak brightness has also been bumped up to 1,800 nits, making outdoor usage effortless. Compared to the Nord 4's panel, this is a massive leap. Features like Aqua Touch 2.0 and 3,840 Hz PWM dimming make this display not just a visual treat but also a comfortable one for long viewing sessions. OS and AI The Nord 5 runs on OxygenOS based on Android 15 with deep AI integration throughout the system. A standout feature is AI Plus Mind, which acts like your personal assistant— capturing, organising, and even understanding whatever's on your screen. With just a three-finger swipe, you can save anything you're looking at to a central hub, making content retrieval seamless. But it doesn't stop there. You also get AI Search, real-time AI Call Assistant & Translation, VoiceScribe, and even AI Creativity tools for editing images, such as AI Reframe, Eraser, and Unblur. And if that wasn't enough, Google Gemini is baked into the experience, delivering on-screen contextual support. Whether you're managing files or snapping pics, the Nord 5 is constantly learning and adapting. Performance The OnePlus Nord 5 is the first Nord ever to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, built on a 4nm process. Paired with 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB UFS storage, the phone is blisteringly fast. From daily tasks to gaming, everything runs effortlessly. Benchmarks are impressive: Geekbench scores show 2009 in single-core, 5166 in multi-core, GPU score of 9572, and an AnTuTu score of 1,487,298. While it doesn't quite match the raw muscle of the Poco F7 (which pushes 1.87M on AnTuTu), the Nord 5 holds its own with smarter thermal and power efficiency, making it feel just as fast in daily use. On the gaming front, I tested the phone by playing Call of Duty Mobile, BGMI, and Asphalt at high settings, and the experience was smooth with no lag. Thanks to the Cryo-velocity VC cooling system with a 7,300mm² vapor chamber, the device stayed cool even after long sessions. The phone also supports bypass charging, so no unnecessary heat while gaming. If you're serious about mobile gaming, the Nord 5 is up for the challenge. OnePlus has also teamed up with Qualcomm for better software tuning, and it shows. Background app management is slick, frame rates stay stable, and transitions feel nearly flagship-grade. Camera I think it's fair to say that OnePlus has cemented itself as a serious player in the camera game, and the Nord 5 continues that trend. It features a 50 MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor on the rear, paired with an 8 MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, you get another 50 MP sensor, this time the ISOCELL JN5—arguably the sharpest selfie camera ever on a OnePlus phone. Photos shot in daylight come out beautifully detailed, with excellent contrast and natural colour tones. The HDR performance—borrowed from the OnePlus 13 series—ensures that even scenes with tricky lighting retain shadow detail and don't blow out highlights. In short, the camera delivers. Night mode, too, has improved. Shadows are preserved, and the highlights are controlled well, giving you usable low-light shots without over-processing. Portrait mode does a great job with edge detection and bokeh, delivering DSLR-like shots that don't feel artificial. The selfie camera deserves special mention. With mechanical autofocus and Dual VTG tech, it handles complex lighting with ease. Whether it's solo shots or group selfies, the clarity and exposure control are top-tier. Compared to the Poco F7, I liked the camera prowess of the OnePlus Nord 5. So, if the camera is a priority, this is the phone to get. Battery OnePlus packs a massive 6,800 mAh battery into the Nord 5. It comfortably lasts two full days on moderate use, and even with heavy gaming or video streaming, you'll end your day with juice to spare. It supports 80 W SUPERVOOC charging, which can take the phone from 1% to 100% in about 54 minutes. There's also a Battery Health Engine onboard to prolong battery life over the years of use. The addition of bypass charging during gaming sessions means reduced heat and improved battery longevity—a thoughtful touch. Verdict The OnePlus Nord 5 combines flagship-level performance, a brilliant display, standout camera, and thoughtful design— all while pushing the envelope on AI innovation. That said, if OnePlus had priced it about ₹2,000–3,000 lower, this would've been the uncontested king in the mid segment given that the Indian market has more powerful phones like Poco F7 and iQOO Neo 10 with latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Still, this is the most complete Nord yet. Whether you're a gamer, creator, or someone who just wants a reliable, smooth experience without breaking the bank, this one delivers. And to answer the question we started with: yes, the Nord 5 does live up to the legacy of the Nord 4— only now, it's playing in a whole new league. OnePlus Nord 5 starts at ₹31,999 for the 8 GB/256 GB.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 India launch tomorrow: Check out the expected specifications, price, and more
OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 launch tomorrow: The OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 India launch is almost here, set for July 8, and attention is surging across the smartphone world. The Nord 5 is making waves with its flagship-grade Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, massive 7,000 mAh battery, and flat OLED screen boasting a silky 120 Hz refresh rate, while the OnePlus Nord CE 5 shines with the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex, equally generous battery, and focused mid-range appeal. Both devices are poised to challenge the status quo with standout cameras, fast charging tech, and bold design. As OnePlus prepares to stream its Summer Launch event, the hype is real: these new Nord phones promise to redefine value and performance in India's bustling mid-tier market. OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 launch date in India Along with the OnePlus Buds 4 release, OnePlus has formally confirmed that the Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 smartphones will debut in India on July 8 at 2:00 PM IST. According to the company's press release, these new devices will be available for purchase on Amazon India and OnePlus' official online shop. OnePlus Nord 5 expected specifications The OnePlus Nord 5's battery is one of its main selling qualities. If the reported information is accurate, the handset might have a huge 7,000mAh battery, which is uncommon for smartphones at this price. A phone with such a massive battery might have an advantage regarding backup, particularly for users who use their phones all day for business, entertainment, or gaming. To compensate for the longer charging time that large batteries often require, OnePlus is reportedly rumored to provide 100W wired fast charging. It is anticipated that the Nord 5 would perform noticeably better than its predecessor. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a powerful processor that should provide seamless performance, is verified to power the phone. Although there had been speculation that OnePlus would use MediaTek's Dimensity 9400e CPU, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has now been confirmed as the final option. With this, the Nord 4's speed will probably increase noticeably compared to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3. Improvements are also anticipated for the display. A flat OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 1.5K is suggested by leaks. Although it hasn't been verified, the screen size may remain similar to the 6.74-inch panel in the previous edition or increase slightly due to the larger battery. The manufacturer is abandoning the dual-tone finish and switching to a cleaner, simpler style, suggesting that the design is also undergoing a makeover. The phone may launch in light colors like off-white and pale blue, and the rear cameras are positioned vertically in a pill-shaped module. In contrast to the Nord 4's metal frame, OnePlus may go with a glass back and plastic frame this time. Although it might affect the premium feel, this could aid in lowering the overall weight and maintaining the price. No significant hardware changes are anticipated for cameras. Like the previous iteration, the back configuration might have an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel primary sensor. Users may receive a 16-megapixel camera on the front. OnePlus may, however, focus on picture optimization to enhance performance without significantly altering camera specifications. OnePlus Nord CE 5 expected specifications The OnePlus Nord CE 5, a little less expensive phone, will also be unveiled by the company alongside it. This model is anticipated to include a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It might have a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 CPU under the hood, 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. There are rumors about a 7,100mAh battery that can be charged with 80W. The Nord CE 5 may have a 16-megapixel front camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel primary camera. OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 expected price Industry insiders suggest that the OnePlus Nord 5 may launch in the Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 area, however OnePlus has not yet disclosed the official pricing for its future Nord series handsets. Pre-orders should commence soon after the launch event, and the smartphones should be available for purchase soon after. The Nord CE 5, on the other hand, is said to be priced more reasonably, possibly around Rs 25,000.
