The OnePlus Nord lineup just hit peak performance with the launch of the Nord 5. While it may look similar to its predecessor, the Nord 4, the new model packs a raft of behind-the-scenes refinements that deliver tangible benefits. From blazing gaming speeds to smarter battery management and sharper selfies, here are seven little-known upgrades that make the Nord 5 a smarter choice.
1. Ultra-Powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Chipset
The Nord 5 debuts the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3—an upper-midrange flagship SoC—replacing the Nord 4’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 CPU. Benchmarks show a near 20–25% boost in CPU performance and 30% faster GPU rendering, delivering smoother 144 FPS gameplay in BGMI and CODM via OnePlus’s “Pro Gamer Mode.” If you’re serious about gaming, this is the leap you’ve been waiting for.
2. Larger & Smoother 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED Display
The Nord 5 comes with a 6.83″ 144 Hz flat OLED screen at 1.5K resolution—an upgrade from the Nord 4’s 6.74″ 120 Hz panel with 1240×2772 resolution. The higher refresh rate and wider screen make streaming, typing, and scrolling feel silky-smooth, and the added peak brightness of around 1800 nits ensures superb outdoor viewing.
3. Massive 6,800 mAh Battery with Smart Tricks
Phone endurance gets a boost with the Nord 5’s 6,800 mAh battery—a 1,300 mAh increase over the 5,500 mAh pack in the Nord 4. It supports 80 W fast charging plus ‘bypass play mode’—meaning you can game without battery degradation while charging. Expect screen-on times stretching past two days with moderate use.
4. 50 MP Selfie Upgrade & 4K Front Video
The selfie setup sees a major boost: Nord 5 features a 50 MP autofocus front camera (Samsung JN5), supporting 4K video at 60 fps with electronic image stabilization—compared to the Nord 4’s 16 MP fixed-focus unit capped at 1080p. Content creators and selfie fans will appreciate the noticeable step-up in clarity and video quality.
5. Rugged Design & IP65 Protection
OnePlus swapped the Nord 4’s metal unibody for Gorilla Glass 7i and added official IP65 water resistance in the Nord 5. While it’s slightly heavier (211 g vs 199.5 g), it’s more durable and better protected for daily usage, especially in dusty or rainy conditions.
6. DDR5X RAM, Dual AI Tools & Open Canvas
The Nord 5 steps up to DDR5X RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and greater energy efficiency, whereas the Nord 4 uses DDR4X. OnePlus also adds new AI features like AI Writer and Perfect Shot, along with the Open Canvas split-screen tool—tools that enhance productivity and creativity, and are not available on the Nord 4.
7. Longer Software Support & Security Updates
Both phones launch with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, but the Nord 5 comes with an extended update promise: four years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. In comparison, the Nord 4 follows a shorter software support schedule, making the Nord 5 a better long-term investment.
Should You Upgrade? If you’re a demanding user—into mobile gaming, high-resolution selfies, or just want future-proof software—the OnePlus Nord 5 offers enough meaningful upgrades to justify the move. The performance boost, camera upgrades, and longer software support all point toward a device designed to last.
However, if you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the Nord 4 still holds its ground. It delivers a solid AMOLED display, reliable performance, and fast charging—making it a respectable and value-packed choice for mid-range users.
Bottom line: If you want the latest and smartest OnePlus has to offer in the Nord series, the Nord 5 delivers. But if you’re satisfied with the essentials, the Nord 4 is still a capable everyday driver. Either way, you’re getting the signature OnePlus smoothness and speed.
The information provided in this article is prepared based on various sources and details available on official websites. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, some details may change or vary over time. Before making any purchase or decision, please verify the information yourself and do your own research.
