OnePlus Nord 5 review: Flagship power in a mid-range body

The OnePlus Nord series continues its tradition of blending performance with affordability, and the latest addition, the OnePlus Nord 5, marks a significant advancement in this quest. This device is more than just a mid-range smartphone; it competes closely with flagship models while remaining accessible to a broader audience. **Design & Build: Familiar Yet Striking** At first glance, the Nord 5 maintains a polished and minimalist aesthetic, not straying far from its predecessors. However, the Marble Sands variant certainly catches the eye with its captivating shimmer that shifts with light. The phone features a premium curved-edge glass back, ensuring a comfortable grip despite housing a large battery. One notable change is the replacement of the traditional alert slider with a new customizable "Plus Key," designed for quick access to tasks or AI features. While this innovation is practical, long-time users might miss the familiar tactile feel of the slider. The device also boasts an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, along with Gorilla Glass to enhance durability. **Performance: Unmatched Power** OnePlus has gone all out with the Nord 5’s performance capabilities. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, this smartphone excels at handling everyday tasks. Apps launch almost instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and it effortlessly manages demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. Thanks to an improved vapor chamber cooling system, users can enjoy extended gaming sessions with minimal risk of overheating. **Display: Stunning Visuals** The Nord 5's 6.83-inch AMOLED display is truly impressive. With an FHD+ resolution, a fluid 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, it stands out as one of the best displays in its class. Whether streaming high-definition content or gaming, the visuals are sharp and smooth, making for an outstanding viewing experience. **Cameras: Unexpected Excellence** Traditionally, OnePlus phones have not been known for their camera prowess, but the Nord 5 challenges that norm. Its rear camera system includes a 50MP Sony LYT-700 sensor with optical image stabilization and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The results are impressive, particularly in low-light scenarios where the camera maintains detail and controls noise effectively. Additionally, both the front and rear cameras support 4k60fps video recording, a significant upgrade for content creators. **Battery & Charging: Power That Lasts** With a colossal 6,800mAh battery, the Nord 5 easily lasts between 1.5 to 2 days on moderate usage. Its 100W SUPERVOOC charging technology allows for a full charge in under 30 minutes, making battery anxiety a thing of the past. The OxygenOS 15 software optimizes battery life, ensuring that even the most demanding users can get through the day without issue. **Software & AI: Intuitive Enhancements** Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the Nord 5 delivers a smooth user experience. It incorporates AI features such as AI Call Summary and Live Translate, which enhance usability without being intrusive. The AI Reframe tool offers suggestions for improving photo composition, cropping, and filters, significantly enhancing image quality. OnePlus also commits to providing four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity for the device. **Conclusion: Is the OnePlus Nord 5 Worth It?** In summary, the OnePlus Nord 5 sets a new standard for mid-range smartphones. It excels in performance, battery life, display quality, and AI-driven software enhancements—all at an attractive price point. This device is a strong contender for anyone seeking a powerful smartphone without the flagship price tag.