OnePlus Nord 5 5G – OnePlus has always been known for offering premium features at a relatively affordable price, and with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 5 5G in July 2025, they’ve made it clear that they still understand what users want. The latest Nord model is designed to satisfy gamers, tech enthusiasts, and casual users alike without making a massive dent in the wallet. If you’re someone who wants top-tier performance, gorgeous visuals, and solid camera capabilities but doesn’t want to spend a fortune, the Nord 5 might just be the phone for you.
Display That Grabs Your Attention Instantly
Right from the moment you pick it up, the OnePlus Nord 5 5G gives off a vibe of premium quality. It features a massive 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a crisp Full HD+ resolution of 1272 x 2800 pixels. This means whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or scrolling endlessly on Instagram, everything looks sharp and vibrant. But what really elevates the experience is the 144Hz refresh rate, which you’ll immediately notice the moment you start swiping around. It’s incredibly smooth, and once you get used to it, there’s no going back.
On top of that, the phone offers a peak brightness of 1800 nits, making it easy to use even in bright sunlight. So, whether you’re on a beach or in a park, visibility won’t be a problem. And yes, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, so it’s tough enough to handle day-to-day use without scratches or damage. The in-display fingerprint sensor also works pretty reliably, although it may not be the fastest in the business.
Performance That Defies Its Price Tag
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 5 5G packs the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Now, this isn’t just another chip from Qualcomm – it’s actually one of their best mid-range processors, and it delivers performance that’s very close to flagship levels. The phone handles everything effortlessly – be it day-to-day tasks, heavy apps, or high-end games.
It comes in variants with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, which means you’ll have plenty of space for apps, games, and media without worrying about slowdowns. Even when multitasking between multiple heavy apps, the phone stays smooth and lag-free. And if you’re a gamer, you’re going to love this – the Nord 5 maintains a solid 144 FPS in games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG, and it doesn’t overheat thanks to OnePlus’s new vapor chamber cooling system.
Camera Capabilities That Genuinely Impress
Let’s talk about the camera setup, which is one of the biggest upgrades on the Nord 5. The rear camera setup is led by a 50MP primary sensor that captures detailed and vibrant photos in daylight. The colors look natural, and the dynamic range is pretty solid too. Even in low light, the Nord 5 performs better than its predecessors, though it still isn’t in the league of premium flagship night shooters.
Now here’s where things get really exciting – the front camera. OnePlus has given this phone a 50MP selfie shooter, a huge step up from the 16MP camera on the Nord 4. Selfies look sharp, bright, and well-balanced. Even group selfies and wide-angle shots come out looking fantastic. You can also record 4K videos at 60fps using the front camera, which is great for vloggers or content creators who want high-quality footage straight from their phone.
The ultrawide camera on the back is decent, though not amazing. It does its job when you want to capture a landscape or fit more people into a frame, but it’s clearly not the strongest point of the camera system.
Battery Life That Doesn’t Quit on You
At first glance, the 5200mAh battery may look like a downgrade from the 5500mAh battery on the Nord 4. But don’t be fooled – thanks to smart hardware and software optimization, the Nord 5 delivers exceptional battery life. Even with heavy usage, including gaming and video streaming, the phone easily lasts a full day.
When it comes to charging, the Nord 5 supports 80W fast charging, which can juice up your phone in no time. However, OnePlus has pulled a classic move by not including the SuperVOOC charger in the box. You’ll have to buy it separately for about £39.99. Still, once you have it, the charging experience is genuinely fast and convenient.
Another thing worth mentioning is thermal performance. The phone stays cool even during long gaming sessions, thanks to the new vapor chamber cooling tech that OnePlus has included. It’s one of the best in its class and helps ensure performance doesn’t take a hit due to heating.
Software That Feels Polished and Modern
The Nord 5 runs on OxygenOS 15.02, based on Android 15, and it’s one of the cleanest, most user-friendly versions of Android out there. OnePlus has done a good job of keeping the interface bloat-free while still adding useful features. The phone also includes AI-powered features, thanks to OnePlus’s integration with Google’s Gemini and their own AI tools.
One cool addition is the new Plus Key on the side of the phone. You can customize this button to do different things – like turn on the flashlight, launch the camera, or activate AI Translate. It’s super handy and adds to the everyday usability of the phone.
OnePlus has also committed to providing four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches. That’s better than what most mid-range phones offer and even rivals some premium devices, which adds to the long-term value of the phone.
Design That’s Simple Yet Stylish
While the phone’s body is made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap at all. The design is sleek and well-balanced. The Nord 5 is available in a few subtle yet classy colors that don’t scream for attention but still look modern and stylish. It fits comfortably in the hand and doesn’t feel too bulky despite its large screen and battery.
The OnePlus Nord 5 5G is a fantastic smartphone for its price. At just £299 in the UK, it offers almost everything you’d expect from a flagship phone – smooth performance, solid cameras, a beautiful display, long battery life, and fast charging. Sure, it’s not perfect. The ultrawide camera could’ve been better, and the lack of a bundled fast charger is a small letdown. But overall, these are minor compromises considering everything else you’re getting.
If you’re someone who loves mobile gaming, multitasks often, or simply wants a phone that runs fast and looks good without costing a fortune, the Nord 5 should definitely be on your radar. OnePlus has once again delivered a phone that proves great performance doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
