OnePlus Nord 5 Design and Build Quality
- Muhammad Rehman
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
The OnePlus Nord 5 introduces several meaningful upgrades and a refreshed design that fits well with modern smartphone trends. It carries a slight resemblance to the standard iPhone models in terms of style, yet maintains its own distinct character. OnePlus has kept the camera module more minimal this time, steering clear of the oversized designs seen on some competing phones.
This year’s Nord also brings a notable boost in performance. It's the first in the Nord series to include a Snapdragon 8-series processor, specifically the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This chip offers near-flagship GPU performance at a more affordable price. Supporting this performance is a new 144Hz display, which is not only smoother but also larger, measuring 6.83 inches.
A key design change is the introduction of the Plus Key, which takes the place of the traditional Alert Slider. Similar to Apple's shift to the Action Button, the Plus Key defaults to toggling sound profiles but can be customized for other functions such as taking screenshots, launching the camera, turning on the flashlight, translating text, recording audio, or accessing the AI Plus Mind tool.
The European version we tested comes in a simple retail package. It includes basic documentation and a USB-A to USB-C cable, but does not come with a charger or protective case.
Compared to the Nord 4, the Nord 5 adopts a different approach in terms of materials. The previous all-metal construction has been replaced by a mostly plastic build, with Gorilla Glass 7i used on the front. While this change may feel like a step down in terms of premium feel, the new finish remains comfortable and practical for everyday use.
On the left side of the device is the new Plus Key. It retains the core function of the Alert Slider while offering more flexibility through customizable options.
OnePlus has also improved the antenna system, leading to better Wi-Fi and 5G performance. The phone can switch between antennas depending on how it’s held, helping maintain a stable connection.
Like the Nord 4, this model also includes an IR blaster on the top edge, useful for controlling traditional home appliances. In summary, the Nord 5 strikes a good balance between innovation and performance.
While its size might be a challenge for those with smaller hands and the materials don’t feel as premium as before, it remains a strong choice—especially for users interested in gaming and media consumption thanks to its high refresh rate and capable processing power.
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