OnePlus might just have shaken up the mid-range game with the new Nord 5. On paper, it’s already looking like a sweet deal — 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, a big battery, and ridiculously fast charging. But once you start using it, you can’t help thinking: “Wait… how is this a Nord and not a mini-flagship?”
So, is this just the excitement of a shiny new device, or has OnePlus pulled off something special? Let’s find out.
First Impressions & Design
I went for the Storm Grey variant — minimal, clean, and surprisingly premium for a phone made of plastic. Yes, it’s plastic, but OnePlus has mastered the art of making it feel anything but cheap. The matte finish keeps fingerprints at bay, while the flat sides give it a sturdy, easy-to-hold feel. It’s lightweight, comfortable for long use, and thankfully, the iconic alert slider is back. For longtime OnePlus fans, that’s a small but satisfying win.
Display: Big, Bright, and Buttery Smooth
The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel is a treat to look at — colours pop, blacks are deep, and contrast is spot-on. What really makes it stand out is the 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, reading news, or gaming, it feels fluid and snappy. Brightness is fine indoors and decent outdoors, though direct summer sunlight can still be a challenge. Watching YouTube or Netflix on this? Smooth sailing.
Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
Inside, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 pairs with 12GB of RAM, and this combo makes everything fly. Apps open instantly, multitasking is flawless, and even heavy games like Genshin Impact run comfortably on medium-high settings. Sure, it warms up slightly during extended gaming, but nothing alarming.
OnePlus’s OxygenOS 14 experience remains clean, bloat-free, and fast. No unnecessary preloaded junk, just a smooth, well-optimized interface that gets out of your way.
Cameras: Good Main Shooter, Average Rest
The 50MP main camera is a solid performer in daylight — detailed shots, balanced colours (slightly boosted for that Instagram-ready look), and quick focus. In low light, it’s not as strong, with noise creeping in, though Nightscape mode can help salvage some detail. The 8MP ultrawide is serviceable in bright light but falls short at night, and the 16MP selfie camera is just fine for casual snaps and video calls. This isn’t a camera phone like the Pixel series, but the main sensor holds its own for the price.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5500mAh battery is a champ. Even with heavy use — social media, video streaming, gaming, and calls — I could get through a full day and still have enough juice for the next morning. For lighter use, a day and a half is easily achievable. And when is it time to charge? The 80W fast charging is lightning-quick — around 30 minutes gets you from nearly empty to full.
Verdict: A Serious Mid-Range Contender
At around ₹30,000, the OnePlus Nord 5 is dangerously close to stealing thunder from more expensive flagships. You get flagship-like speed, a gorgeous 120Hz display, long battery life, and insanely fast charging.
Yes, the build is plastic, and the ultrawide/selfie cameras are average, but those are small trade-offs for everything else it offers. If you want a smooth, powerful, and dependable phone without overspending, this might just be one of the smartest buys of the year.
Hi, I’m Siddharth Gokhale – the founder and voice behind Vatadosha.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, gadgets, and everything mobile. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the mobile industry, testing devices, and keeping up with the latest trends.
I started Vatadosha.in with a simple goal: to help people make smarter choices when it comes to mobile phones. Whether you’re hunting for your next device, comparing features, or just curious about the newest tech – this site is built for you.