Tech Blog #225 | OnePlus Nord 5 : Upgrades & Downgrades...

The original OnePlus Nord was released back in 2020 and here we are in 2025 to talk about the 5th edition. Back in 2020, OnePlus brought up to explore the higher #midrange section all around the world as most #Android midrange devices were not released back in those days. The #OnePlus Nord series went through certain phases reducing the bad and adding the best from year to year. Let's see how it look like in this year.

OnePlus released the OnePlus Nord 5 yesterday (8th July) and durability vise, it brings a few differences from last year. It ditches the Aluminum unibody finish that some of the buyers loved and replaced with matt glass back and plastic frame. Can't say it is an upgrade. It reduces the durability of the #smartphone. It was better at least to keep the Aluminum frame. Water & dust resistance certification stays on IP65 also.

The display is a bit bigger this time measuring 6.83 inches. It is a flat 120Hz AMOLED display with 450 ppi pixel density which delivers sharp visuals for the user. Also 3840Hz PWM dimming helps in reducing eye pain when using in darker conditions. It reaches 1400nits brightness in auto mode so it can be fairly visible under direct sunlight.

OnePlus has gone for one year old Snapdragon 8s Gen3 rather than going for 7+ Gen4 or 8s Gen4. Can't understand the theory of it. OnePlus says they spent time with the processor to optimize for the OS used and it can't be done for a newer processor. Let's see how they keep it up in upcoming days. Normally companies make these kind of statements just to show off. Don't know OnePlus's strategy behind it. Probably the cost.

The camera setup had been slightly upgraded. The main camera now uses a Sony LYT700 sensor and the 8MP ultrawide camera has autofocus ability so it can capture macro shots. And the front camera is upgraded to 50MP Samsung JN5 sensor with Autofocus and it delivers good results compared to last years.

The OnePlus Nord 5 is powered by a 5200mAh Li/Po battery in Western regions but in Asia, it is powered by 6800mAh Si/C battery. Don't know why this keep happening in Europe versions. Probably because of a law I think. However, the 80W charging speed remains consistent across regions. On the software front, it comes with Oxygen OS 15 with the promise of 4 years of Android upgrades, just like last year.

For me, this year's OnePlus Nord 5 look normal than last year. And it fixed the issue with selfie camera quality which haunted OnePlus for years. Hope they'll keep upgrading from year to year.