Key Takeaways
1. Affordable Premium Experience: The OnePlus Nord 5 offers a high-end experience under $500 with features like a 144 Hz AMOLED display and strong performance.
2. Cost-Cutting Adjustments: Compared to its predecessor, the Nord 5 has a smaller battery, slower storage, less RAM, and a changed notification slider.
3. Material Changes: The build quality has shifted from metal in the Nord 4 to plastic in the Nord 5, affecting the premium feel.
4. Software Support: The Nord 5 promises up to six years of software updates, enhancing its long-term value.
5. Alternatives to Consider: The OnePlus Nord 4 remains a strong option with its better build quality, faster memory, and additional RAM.
Designing a follow-up to a highly successful smartphone can be quite challenging. This is especially true during a time when cost-saving strategies are becoming more common. A recent example of this is the OnePlus Nord 5, which we explored in depth in our latest review.
Premium Features at an Affordable Price
Priced at under $500, the Nord 5 offers a high-end experience with its vibrant 144 Hz AMOLED display, a noticeably enhanced SoC performance compared to the Nord 4, decent cameras, and robust speakers all housed within a solid build. Additionally, the promise of up to six years of software updates boosts its value for the future.
Cost-Cutting Changes
Yet, there are clear signs of cost reduction in the Nord 5 when compared with its earlier version. The EU variant comes with a smaller battery, the UFS 3.1 storage is not as fast as the previous model, there is less RAM, and the beloved OnePlus notification slider has been replaced with a customizable plus button.
The most apparent savings can be seen in the build quality. The chassis is now made from plastic in 2025, in contrast to the Nord 4’s heavily marketed metal unibody. While the OnePlus Nord 5’s casing is still quite durable and visually appealing, it lacks the premium sensation of its predecessor. At least there are slight improvements to the camera features.
Final Thoughts and Alternatives
If you are thinking about getting the OnePlus Nord 5, we suggest checking out our comprehensive review. It covers the smartphone’s advantages and disadvantages, and it also dives into the PWM aspect concerning the Nord 5.
Alternatively, you might want to take a look at last year’s OnePlus Nord 4, which stands out with its metal body, quicker memory, and extra RAM.
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