OnePlus Nord 5 vs Poco F7 5G: Which mid-range smartphone offers better value?

The competition in India's mid-range smartphone sector is intensifying with the release of two formidable contenders: the OnePlus Nord 5, which launched today, and the Poco F7 5G, which debuted last month. Both devices promise premium features and designs at competitive prices, appealing to consumers seeking flagship performance without the usual high costs. Starting with pricing, the OnePlus Nord 5 is available from ₹31,999 for the base model featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Additional configurations include a 12GB + 256GB model priced at ₹34,999 and a top-tier 12GB + 512GB variant listed at ₹37,999. Color choices for the Nord 5 include Dry Ice, Marble Sands, and Phantom Grey, with sales commencing at noon on July 9. In contrast, the Poco F7 5G starts at ₹31,999 for its 12GB + 256GB version and is priced at ₹33,999 for the 12GB + 512GB option, making it a more cost-effective alternative for those needing extra storage. Both smartphones feature impressive 6.83-inch AMOLED displays, but there are distinct differences in their specifications. The Nord 5 boasts a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, enhanced by OxygenOS 15. Meanwhile, the Poco F7 5G offers a 1.5K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and an astonishing peak brightness of 3,200 nits, along with HDR10+ certification and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. When it comes to design, the Nord 5 is slightly lighter at 211 grams and comes with an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance. On the other hand, the Poco F7 5G features a more robust build with a metal frame, glass back, and triple IP ratings (IP66, IP68, IP69) that enhance its durability. Under the hood, both devices are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s platform, but they use different generations. The Nord 5 operates on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while the Poco F7 5G is equipped with the more advanced Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Both smartphones offer LPDDR5X RAM and can support storage up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking capabilities. In terms of software, the Nord 5 runs on OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, whereas the Poco F7 5G utilizes HyperOS 2.0, Xiaomi’s customized version of Android 15. Poco stands out with its commitment to long-term software support, offering four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, a notable advantage over OnePlus. Camera-wise, both smartphones feature 50MP primary sensors, though with differences in configuration. The Nord 5 utilizes a Sony LYT-700 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for its rear camera, complemented by an 8MP ultrawide lens. Selfie enthusiasts might prefer the Nord 5's high-resolution 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 front camera. Conversely, the Poco F7 5G also incorporates a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor along with an 8MP ultrawide, but its front camera is limited to 20MP. Battery capacity and charging capabilities highlight another area where the Poco F7 5G excels. It features a substantial 7,550mAh battery that supports 90W fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging, perfect for heavy users. The Nord 5, while still impressive, houses a 6,800mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging. Additionally, the Poco F7 5G incorporates a 3D IceLoop cooling system and AI thermal regulation for optimized performance during intensive tasks, features that the Nord 5 does not explicitly claim. Regarding connectivity, both smartphones support modern features like 5G, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. However, the Poco F7 5G is equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, providing it with a technological edge, while the Nord 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. OnePlus adds an IR blaster and a customizable Plus Key, enhancing user convenience. In summary, both the OnePlus Nord 5 and the Poco F7 5G deliver impressive value and performance within the sub-₹40,000 category. The Nord 5 shines with its high refresh rate display, superior front camera, and unique features like the Plus Key and IR blaster. However, the Poco F7 5G emerges as a formidable rival, boasting a newer chipset, brighter and more resilient display, extended software support, advanced AI integration, and a larger battery with faster charging capabilities.