The OnePlus Nord series has always targeted buyers looking for a powerful smartphone without crossing into premium flagship pricing. This year, the brand introduced the OnePlus Nord 5 with a sharper design, upgraded chipset, better front camera, and a huge battery. The most striking highlight is its large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making streaming, browsing, and gaming feel noticeably smoother. Despite its improvements, the device also comes with a few limitations that may matter to some users.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Nord 5 delivers a neat unboxing experience complete with an 80W charger, Type-C cable, SIM ejector tool, screen protector, and a protective case. The phone now sports a mid-metal frame paired with a plastic matte back that resists fingerprints effectively. The new camera module design feels more bold and stands out visually.
The handset feels slightly heavier this time, mainly because of its larger battery. However, the addition of the customizable Plus Key enhances usability, allowing quick access to features like flashlight, camera, or Do Not Disturb mode. The placement of the speaker, microphones, SIM slot, and infrared sensor feels well-thought-out.
Display Experience
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a bright AMOLED screen that remains visible outdoors under sunlight. Slim bezels improve immersion, and the in-display fingerprint sensor works fast. A dynamic island-inspired visual feature displays charging and alerts subtly at the top of the screen, adding a modern touch to the user interface.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the OnePlus Nord 5 review experience shows excellent performance across daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Apps launch quickly, and games like Call of Duty run smoothly without frame drops. The phone also avoids heating during extended use. With OxygenOS based on Android 15 and no unnecessary pre-installed apps, the interface feels clean and refined.
Battery and Charging
The 6,800mAh battery easily lasts a full day and often more with moderate use. The 80W charging can power the phone from 6% to full in around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which is noticeably slower than last year’s model but still practical for most users.
Camera Performance
The OnePlus Nord 5 review highlights strong daytime results, especially with the 50MP primary and 50MP selfie camera. Night mode performs well, while portrait shots offer good edge detection. The ultra-wide and zoom quality remain acceptable but leave room for refinement.