Nord 5’s 144Hz OLED Blitz: Is This the Ultimate Gaming Phone Under ₹35,000?
On July 9, 2025, OnePlus will unveil the Nord 5 in India, a mid-range powerhouse poised to redefine mobile gaming in the sub-₹35,000 segment. Priced at ₹31,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, the Nord 5 boasts a 6.83-inch 1.5K 144Hz OLED display, a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, and a massive 6800mAh battery. These specs position it as a formidable contender in the sub-₹35,000 gaming phone segment, rivaling devices like the iQOO Neo 10, Poco F7, and Nothing Phone (3a). But does its vibrant display and robust hardware truly make it the ultimate gaming phone in its price range? This article dives into the Nord 5’s gaming prowess, its strengths, limitations, and how it stacks up against the competition.
A Display Built for Gaming
The Nord 5’s standout feature is its 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a rarity in the mid-range segment. This high refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, critical for fast-paced games like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Call of Duty: Mobile. With a resolution of 2800 x 1264 pixels and a peak brightness of 1800 nits, the screen delivers crisp, vibrant visuals even in bright outdoor conditions. The 10-bit color depth, HDR10+ support, and 3840Hz PWM dimming enhance color accuracy and reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions, while Gorilla Glass 7i adds durability.
The Aqua Touch 2.0 feature allows the display to respond accurately even with wet or oily fingers, a boon for gamers in humid climates or during intense sessions. However, real-world tests suggest that the full 144Hz refresh rate isn’t consistently utilized, with games like BGMI capping at 90Hz and regular usage hovering around 120Hz due to app optimization limitations. Despite this, the Nord 5’s uniform 1.65mm bezels and immersive visuals make it a top-tier choice for gaming and multimedia consumption.
Powerhouse Performance
Under the hood, the Nord 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a toned-down version of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, it delivers near-flagship performance. The chipset handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 with ease, achieving stable frame rates of 90fps for BGMI and up to 144fps for Call of Duty: Mobile. A 730:Q7300mm² Cryo-Velocity cooling chamber keeps temperatures in check, with tests showing a peak of 38°C after 2.5 hours of high-settings gameplay in an air-conditioned room, ensuring sustained performance without thermal throttling.
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the Nord 5 offers a clean, bloatware-free experience with extensive gaming optimizations, including a HyperBoost gaming engine that prioritizes resources for smoother gameplay. Four years of OS updates and six years of security patches ensure long-term software support, a rarity in this segment.
Battery Life and Charging: Built for Marathon Gaming
The Nord 5’s 6800mAh battery is a game-changer, offering exceptional endurance for prolonged gaming sessions. Tests indicate a battery drop of just 28% after 2.5 hours of intensive gaming, making it ideal for gamers who play for hours. The 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging ensures quick top-ups, with a full charge in under 40 minutes, though it lags behind competitors like the Vivo T3 Ultra, which offers 80W charging with a smaller 5500mAh battery. The lack of wireless charging is a minor drawback, but the massive battery capacity compensates for it.
Camera Setup: Functional but Not Exceptional
While gaming phones prioritize performance over photography, the Nord 5’s camera setup is competent. It features a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Samsung JN5 front camera. The primary sensor captures sharp daylight shots and supports 4K video at 60fps, ideal for streaming gameplay. However, low-light performance is average, with noticeable noise in dim conditions, which may disappoint content creators who rely on cameras for social media. For gamers, the high-resolution front camera ensures clear video calls and streams, but the lack of a telephoto lens limits versatility compared to rivals like the Moto Edge 50 Neo, which offers a 10MP telephoto lens.
Design and Build: Sleek Yet Practical
The Nord 5 sports a premium design with a glass back in Marble Sands, Phantom Grey, and Breeze Blue color variants, though it uses a plastic frame to keep costs down. At 8.1mm thick and 211g, it’s slightly heavier than competitors like the Vivo T3 Ultra (7.49mm, 199g), but the IP65 rating for water and dust resistance adds durability, a must for gamers on the go. The customizable Plus Key, replacing the iconic Alert Slider, allows quick access to gaming modes or other functions, enhancing user experience. However, the absence of a metal unibody may disappoint those expecting a more premium build.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
The sub-₹35,000 gaming phone market is fiercely competitive, with devices like the iQOO Neo 10, Poco F7, and Vivo T3 Ultra vying for attention. Here’s how the Nord 5 compares:
- iQOO Neo 10: Priced at ₹29,999, it features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. Its 5000mAh battery is smaller, but the chipset offers slightly better AI performance. The Nord 5’s larger battery and Gorilla Glass 7i give it an edge in endurance and durability.
- Poco F7: At ₹32,999, it matches the Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 144Hz AMOLED display but offers a smaller 6000mAh battery. Its 50MP LYT-600 camera performs better in low light, but the Nord 5’s cleaner OxygenOS and longer software support make it a stronger all-rounder.
- Vivo T3 Ultra: Priced at ₹31,999, it features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Dimensity 9200+ chipset. Its 5500mAh battery and 80W charging are outclassed by the Nord 5’s battery capacity, but the Aura Ring Light enhances low-light photography.
The Nord 5’s combination of a 144Hz display, massive battery, and robust cooling gives it a slight edge for gamers prioritizing fluidity and endurance, though its camera performance lags behind the Poco F7 and Vivo T3 Ultra.
Gaming Performance: Strengths and Limitations
The Nord 5 excels in gaming performance, delivering high frame rates and minimal lag in demanding titles. The 144Hz display ensures smooth scrolling and animations, while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 handles graphics-intensive games without overheating. The Cryo-Velocity cooling system keeps temperatures manageable, a critical factor for marathon gaming sessions.
However, limitations exist. The 144Hz refresh rate isn’t fully utilized in all games due to app optimization issues, with many titles defaulting to 90Hz or 120Hz. Additionally, the plastic frame may feel less premium compared to the metal unibody of the OnePlus Nord 4, and the lack of a dedicated gaming chip like the Pixelworks X5 Turbo in the Infinix GT 20 Pro may result in slightly lower graphical optimization for some titles.
The Verdict: The Ultimate Gaming Phone?
The OnePlus Nord 5 is a stellar contender in the sub-₹35,000 gaming phone segment, offering a vibrant 144Hz OLED display, powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 performance, and an unmatched 6800mAh battery. Its smooth OxygenOS 15, IP65 rating, and long-term software support enhance its appeal, making it ideal for gamers seeking fluidity and endurance. However, its camera struggles in low light, and the plastic frame may deter those seeking a premium build. While it doesn’t fully maximize the 144Hz refresh rate in all scenarios, its overall package—priced at ₹31,999—delivers exceptional value.
Compared to rivals, the Nord 5’s battery life and display quality give it an edge for gaming, though the Poco F7 and Vivo T3 Ultra offer stronger cameras. For gamers prioritizing performance, battery life, and a vibrant display, the Nord 5 is arguably the best choice under ₹35,000, but those needing top-tier photography or a metal build might look elsewhere. With its blend of power, endurance, and style, the Nord 5 is a near-perfect gaming phone, redefining what mid-range devices can achieve.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8:36 pm by Tamatam charan sai Reddy | Published by: Tamatam charan sai Reddy on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8:36 pm | News Categories: Technology
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