The mid-range smartphone market in India is more competitive than ever in January 2026. Among the top contenders, the OnePlus Nord 5 continues to stand out as a fan favorite. Originally launched in mid-2025, this device grabbed attention with its massive battery, smooth display, and flagship-grade performance. But with newer rivals like the POCO F7 and iQOO Neo 10 entering the scene, does the Nord 5 still hold its crown?
This article covers everything you need to know about the OnePlus Nord 5 right now—from its real-world performance and battery life to the latest price cuts and offers in India.
Performance That Packs a Punch
At the heart of the OnePlus Nord 5 sits the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. Even in 2026, this chipset is a beast for the price segment. Whether you are multitasking between heavy apps or playing graphic-intensive games like BGMI and COD Mobile, the phone handles it without breaking a sweat.
It is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring that apps load instantly. For gamers, the phone offers a steady 144 FPS gaming experience in supported titles, kept cool by a large vapour chamber cooling system.
Read more: iQOO Z10 Lite 5G
Display: Smoothness Reimagined
OnePlus has always been known for good screens, and the Nord 5 is no exception. It features a 6.83-inch 1.5K Swift AMOLED display. What makes it special is the 144Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through social media or navigating the UI feel incredibly fluid.
The display also comes with “Aqua Touch” technology, meaning you can use the screen easily even with wet fingers—a handy feature for India’s unpredictable rainy weather. With a peak brightness of 1800 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent even under direct sunlight.
The Massive 6800mAh Battery
The biggest selling point of the OnePlus Nord 5 is undoubtedly its battery. It packs a massive 6800mAh battery, which is significantly larger than most competitors that still stick to 5000mAh or 5500mAh units.
For a heavy user, this easily translates to over a day and a half of usage. When you do run out of juice, the 80W SuperVOOC fast charging tops it up quickly. While it isn’t the fastest charging speed in the market, the sheer battery life makes up for it.
Camera: 50MP on Both Sides
For content creators and selfie lovers, the Nord 5 offers a unique advantage.
- Rear Camera: It sports a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for stable videos and sharp night shots. There is also an 8MP ultra-wide camera for landscape shots.
- Front Camera: Unlike many rivals that use 16MP or 32MP sensors, the Nord 5 features a 50MP front camera. This is a big deal for vloggers and social media users who want high-quality 4K video recording from the selfie shooter.
OnePlus Nord 5 Price in India (January 2026)
As of early 2026, the pricing for the OnePlus Nord 5 has become even more attractive due to recent sales and bank offers.
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Approx. ₹33,999 (often available for ~₹31,999 with offers)
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Approx. ₹36,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage: Approx. ₹39,999
Note: Prices fluctuate based on sales on platforms like Amazon India and the official OnePlus store.
Should You Buy It or Wait?
If your priority is battery life, clean software (OxygenOS 15), and a great selfie camera, the OnePlus Nord 5 is still a fantastic choice. However, if you want the absolute latest chipsets, you might want to look at the newer POCO F7 or wait for the rumored OnePlus Nord 6, which is expected to arrive later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the OnePlus Nord 5 have a curved display?
No, the OnePlus Nord 5 features a flat AMOLED display. Many gamers and users prefer this as it prevents accidental touches compared to curved screens.
2. Is the OnePlus Nord 5 good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for gaming. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and 144Hz refresh rate allow for high-FPS gaming in titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile.
3. What is the battery capacity of the Nord 5?
The phone comes with a massive 6800mAh battery, which is one of the largest in its segment.
4. Does it support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus Nord 5 does not support wireless charging. It relies on 80W wired SuperVOOC charging.
5. How many major Android updates will the Nord 5 get?
OnePlus promises 4 years of major Android OS updates and 6 years of security updates for this device, making it a future-proof purchase.
