The OnePlus Nord 5 is the newest addition to the Nord series, offering top-level features in a mid-range phone. It drops the metal frame used in past versions and replaces it with a glass back and plastic frame. Still, it manages to look stylish and now includes IP65 dust and water resistance.
One of the biggest strengths of the Nord 5 is its large 6.8-inch OLED display. It supports a 144 Hz refresh rate, which makes the screen feel super smooth when scrolling or playing games. With brightness reaching up to 1800 nits, it stays visible even under bright sunlight.
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, combined with fast LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This setup delivers excellent performance whether you’re multitasking, playing games, or simply switching between apps.
Battery performance is solid thanks to a 5200 mAh battery. It easily lasts a full day and supports 80 W fast wired charging. However, it does not offer wireless charging, which might disappoint some users.
The main camera system on the back includes a 50 MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization and an 8 MP ultra-wide lens. It captures decent photos, although not the best in its class. The real standout is the 50 MP front selfie camera, which performs very well in both daylight and low light conditions.
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the Nord 5 adds useful AI tools. These include a new customizable “Plus Key” and a “Mind Space” feature for organizing your digital life. It also includes “Plus Mind AI” for smarter notifications and summaries. OnePlus promises 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates, offering long-term support.
While it doesn’t include features like a telephoto zoom lens or wireless charging, and the design feels a bit safe compared to rivals, the Nord 5 delivers strong performance, excellent battery life, a top-tier selfie camera, and useful AI tools for its price.
Key Points Table
Feature | Highlights |
Display | 6.8″ OLED, 144 Hz, ~1800 nits brightness |
Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, smooth performance |
RAM & Storage | LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 3.1 storage |
Selfie Camera | 50 MP, excellent even in low light |
Rear Cameras | 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultra-wide |
Battery & Charging | 5200 mAh, 80 W fast wired charging |
Software & AI | OxygenOS 15, Plus Key, Mind Space, AI tools |
Durability | IP65 rating, Gorilla Glass 7i back |
Lacking Features | No wireless charging, no zoom lens |
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord 5 gives you a lot for your money. It may skip a few premium touches, but the strong performance, excellent screen, smart AI features, and impressive selfie camera make it a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone in 2025.