The mid-range smartphone market in India has a new heavyweight champion. Following its official release in late 2025, the OnePlus Nord 5 has quickly become one of the most searched devices for Indian consumers looking for flagship-level power without the premium price tag. As of January 2026, the device is making headlines again due to significant software updates and aggressive Republic Day sale pricing that makes it a tempting pick for the new year.
The Nord 5 represents a major shift for OnePlus, moving away from the metal unibody of its predecessor, the Nord 4, in favor of a sophisticated glass-and-mineral design. More importantly, it is the first in the Nord lineup to feature a Snapdragon 8-series processor, effectively blurring the lines between the “budget-friendly” Nord series and the premium OnePlus 15 lineup.
Stunning Visuals and “Swift” Performance
OnePlus has equipped the Nord 5 with a 6.83-inch Swift AMOLED display that boasts a 144Hz refresh rate. This is a step up from the usual 120Hz found in this segment, making it a favorite for mobile gamers in India who play titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile. The screen supports a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1272 pixels) and features “Aqua Touch” technology, which allows the screen to remain responsive even if your fingers or the display are slightly wet.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. While it isn’t the absolute top-tier 8 Gen 4, the “s” variant is optimized for efficiency and sustained performance. This is paired with a massive 32,207mm² heat dissipation area, ensuring the device stays cool during heavy multitasking or long gaming sessions.
India-Exclusive Battery and Fast Charging
Recognizing the needs of the Indian market, OnePlus included a massive 6,800mAh battery in the Nord 5. This is significantly larger than the 5,500mAh battery found in previous models. Despite the huge capacity, the phone supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which can refuel the device from zero to 100% in under an hour.
A unique feature for this generation is Bypass Charging. This allows gamers to plug in the phone and power the hardware directly without charging the battery, which reduces heat and extends the overall lifespan of the battery cell—a critical update for long-term reliability.
Camera Upgrades: Selfies Take Center Stage
While the rear camera setup remains a reliable duo—a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens—the front camera has received a massive overhaul. The OnePlus Nord 5 features a 50MP front-facing camera, a significant jump from the 16MP sensors of the past. This upgrade is aimed squarely at the Indian “content creator” demographic, offering 4K 60 FPS video recording on both the front and back cameras.
Software and the January 2026 Update
The device launched with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, and OnePlus has promised four years of major OS upgrades. Just this week, the January 2026 Security Patch (build 16.0.2.400) began rolling out in India. This update introduces “Private Safe Editing,” allowing users to edit sensitive photos and videos without moving them out of their secure folder. It also optimizes “Circle to Search,” making it easier to trigger the AI-powered search tool even when the navigation bar is hidden.
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Price in India and Availability
As of late January 2026, the OnePlus Nord 5 is available in three colors: Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, and Marble Sands. During the current Freedom Sale and Republic Day offers, prices have seen a temporary drop.
| Variant | Launch Price | Sale Price (Approx.) |
| 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage | ₹34,999 | ₹30,999 |
| 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage | ₹36,999 | ₹33,499 |
| 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage | ₹38,999 | ₹35,499 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the OnePlus Nord 5 have a metal body like the Nord 4?
No, the OnePlus Nord 5 has moved away from the metal unibody of the Nord 4. It features a premium glass back with a plastic middle frame to accommodate the larger 6,800mAh battery and improved cooling system.
2. How long will the OnePlus Nord 5 receive software updates?
OnePlus has committed to 4 years of Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches for the Nord 5, meaning it will be supported until 2031.
3. Is the 6,800mAh battery available in all countries?
The 6,800mAh battery is a specific highlight for the Indian and select Asian markets. Some global versions may vary slightly in battery capacity or charging speed.
4. Can the OnePlus Nord 5 play BGMI at 144 FPS?
The hardware supports it, and OnePlus has optimized the device for “Steady-smooth 144 FPS” in titles like BGMI and CODM using its Pro Gamer Mode.
5. Does it support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus Nord 5 does not support wireless charging. It focuses on 80W wired SUPERVOOC charging instead.
