Premium feels, flagship performance, mid-range pricing – sounds too good to be true, right? The OnePlus Nord 5 5G with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is creating serious buzz in India’s smartphone market, and early hands-on reviews suggest it might just redefine what we expect from phones under ₹35,000. But is this another overhyped launch or genuinely worth your hard-earned money?
Why Everyone’s Talking About Nord 5 Right Now
The smartphone world rarely gets this excited about mid-range devices, but OnePlus has managed to spark genuine curiosity with the Nord 5. Unlike previous Nord phones that felt like compromised versions of flagship OnePlus devices, this one appears to stand on its merit.
Social media is flooded with leaked camera samples that rival phones costing twice as much. Tech reviewers who got early access are calling it “the phone that makes you question flagship pricing.” The 12GB RAM variant particularly caught attention because it offers the same memory as many premium phones while maintaining that signature OnePlus smooth experience.
What’s driving the hype? OnePlus claims they’ve cracked the code on delivering flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. Early benchmark leaks suggest the Nord 5 might outperform several phones in the ₹40,000-50,000 range.
Complete Nord 5 Specifications Breakdown
Display & Design:
- 6.74-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 2772 x 1240 resolution, 450 PPI density
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- In-display fingerprint scanner
- Available in Tempest Gray and Marble Blue
Performance Engine:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset (4nm process)
- 12GB LPDDR5X RAM + 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- Mali-G615 MC2 GPU for gaming
- RAM expansion up to 24GB (virtual)
- OxygenOS 14 is based on Android 14
Camera System:
- Triple rear setup: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
- 32MP front camera with AI beautification
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- Nightscape mode for low-light photography
- Portrait mode with multiple lighting effects
Battery & Charging:
- 5000mAh battery capacity
- 80W SuperVOOC fast charging
- 0-100% charging in approximately 35 minutes
- USB Type-C port
- No wireless charging support
Connectivity & Features:
- 5G ready (SA/NSA bands)
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual stereo speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack retained
- Alert Slider (OnePlus signature feature)
Launch Timeline and Pricing Strategy
OnePlus officially launched the Nord 5 in India in July 2025, positioning it strategically ahead of the festive season rush. The 12GB + 256GB variant carries an MRP of ₹32,999; however, early bird offers and bank discounts can bring the price down to around ₹29,999.
This pricing puts it in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy A55, Realme GT 6, and Xiaomi 14 Civi. OnePlus is targeting users who want premium features without crossing the ₹35,000 psychological barrier.
The company is offering attractive launch deals, including a ₹2,000 exchange bonus, 6-month no-cost EMI options, and free OnePlus Buds N worth ₹2,999 for the first 10,000 buyers. These offers make the effective price quite compelling for anyone considering an upgrade.
Three variants are available: 8GB+128GB (₹27,999), 8GB+256GB (₹29,999), and the flagship 12GB+256GB model we’re discussing. Most buyers seem drawn to the 12GB variant for its future-proofing capabilities.
Also Read: Maruti Carvo – Stylish, Efficient & Affordable at ₹1.25 Lakh with 38 KM/L Mileage!
Should You Buy the Nord 5? Our Honest Take
Here’s the reality check you need: the OnePlus Nord 5 excels in areas that matter most to everyday users, but it’s not perfect.
Who should consider it: If you’re upgrading from any phone older than two years, the Nord 5 offers significant improvements in performance, camera quality, and overall user experience. The 12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking even with heavy apps, making it ideal for power users, content creators, and mobile gamers.
The sweet spot buyers: Those currently using phones like the OnePlus Nord CE 3, Samsung Galaxy M54, or similar devices will notice substantial upgrades. The camera improvement alone justifies the upgrade for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to spend flagship money.
Potential concerns: The lack of wireless charging might disappoint some users, and the MediaTek chip, while powerful, still carries perception issues among hardcore OnePlus fans who prefer Snapdragon processors. Gaming performance is excellent, but it won’t match dedicated gaming phones in the same price range.
Bottom line verdict: The Nord 5 represents OnePlus returning to its “flagship killer” roots, but in the mid-range segment. It’s genuinely worth considering if you prioritize overall experience over individual standout features. The 256GB storage ensures you won’t run out of space anytime soon, and 12GB RAM future-proofs your investment.
For most Indian buyers looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartphone under ₹35,000, the Nord 5 hits the sweet spot between price and performance. Just don’t expect flagship-level cameras or premium build materials – this is smart compromise engineering at its finest.
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.