OnePlus Nord 5 review
The OnePlus OnePlus Nord 5 ranks as the #289 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #48-ranked display among 800 phones. Consider the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro or Infinix GT 30 Pro, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a premium build with a glass back and aluminum frame, complemented by a frosted finish for a tactile, durable feel. Its 8.1 mm thickness and 211 g weight ensure a balanced, ergonomic design. A standout element is the customizable "Plus Key," replacing the alert slider for quick app access. The 6.8-inch 3D curved AMOLED display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, enhancing scratch resistance. While the device lacks IP65 certification, its robust materials and sleek profile prioritize aesthetics and user experience, making it both stylish and functional for daily use. For an improved design, OnePlus Ace 6 is worth considering.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 5 houses a 5200 mAh (European) or 6800 mAh (Indian) Li-Polymer battery, ensuring all-day endurance for heavy usage. Supported by 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, the device charges to 80% in just 30 minutes, minimizing downtime. Bypass charging and reverse charging capabilities further enhance versatility. The battery’s efficient power management, combined with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s optimized performance, balances longevity and responsiveness. While the absence of IP65 protection limits ruggedness, the battery’s robust design and rapid replenishment make it ideal for users prioritizing speed and reliability without compromising on daily stamina. You might want to check out OnePlus Nord CE5, featuring an upgraded battery for a superior experience.
Display
The OnePlus Nord 5’s 6.8-inch 3D curved AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with a QHD+ resolution (2800 x 1272) and 10-bit color depth, offering lifelike hues and deep blacks. Advertised as 144Hz, the panel dynamically adjusts to a max of 120Hz during active use, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. HDR10+ certification enhances contrast and brightness, with peak brightness reaching up to 2200 nits for outdoor visibility. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i provides robust scratch resistance, while a 2160 Hz PWM refresh rate reduces eye strain during prolonged use. The curved edges add a premium aesthetic, complementing the device’s modern design. Though the 120Hz cap may disappoint some, the display’s color accuracy, brightness, and adaptive refresh rate strike a balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it a standout visual experience for multimedia and productivity alike. Take a look at OnePlus Ace 6 - its improved display sets a new standard.
Camera
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a versatile dual-camera system, combining a 50MP main lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, delivering sharp, detailed shots in diverse lighting conditions. The main sensor, paired with a large aperture (f/1.8), excels in low-light photography, while the ultra-wide lens (f/2.2) captures expansive landscapes and group shots. The front-facing 50MP camera, equipped with a 5P lens and autofocus, ensures crisp selfies and video calls. Software enhancements like 4K video recording, 20x digital zoom, HDR, and AI scene optimization further elevate the experience. The quad-LED flash ensures balanced lighting in night scenes, and 240fps slow-motion capture adds cinematic flair. Rear cameras support advanced features like panorama, geotagging, and continuous shooting, while the front camera’s 112° ultra-wide FOV accommodates wide-angle selfies. Despite the absence of a telephoto lens, the system balances versatility, computational photography, and hardware quality, making it a capable choice for everyday use and creative exploration. If you're after top-notch camera, consider Motorola Razr 2025.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Nord 5 offers flagship-tier specs at a competitive price, combining a high-refresh-rate display, fast charging, and versatile cameras with a premium build. While lacking IP65 certification and a 144Hz-capable display, its performance and features align with mid-range pricing, making it a compelling value choice for users seeking power and style without premium price tags.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord 5 delivers robust performance with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, featuring a 3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 core and Adreno 735 GPU, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. Paired with 8/12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256/512 GB UFS 3.1 storage, the device handles intensive apps and high-resolution media effortlessly. A 32,207 mm² heat dissipation area mitigates thermal throttling during prolonged use. The Antutu score of 1,566,982 underscores its capability to manage 4K video rendering, AI-driven features, and high-frame-rate gaming without lag. While the display’s 120Hz cap (vs. advertised 144Hz) slightly limits fluidity, the system’s optimized architecture ensures responsive, lag-free performance for both daily tasks and demanding workloads. Give vivo iQOO Neo 8 Pro a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Pros
1. Premium build with glass and aluminum frame, offering a sleek, durable design.
2. Fast 80W SuperVOOC charging and large battery capacity for rapid power replenishment.
3. Vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support.
4. AI-powered features like real-time call translation and AI text summarization enhance usability.
Cons
1. Display’s advertised 144Hz refresh rate is limited to 120Hz in active use.
2. Lacks IP65 water and dust resistance, reducing durability in harsh conditions.
3. Camera setup omits a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities compared to competitors.
4. Regional battery capacity variations (5200 mAh vs. 6800 mAh) may confuse buyers.
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