OnePlus Redefines Mid-Range: Introducing the Nord 5 Series
OnePlus is shaking up the mid-range smartphone market with the official announcement of its latest devices. Leading the charge is the new OnePlus Nord 5, alongside its companion, the Nord CE 5, and a fresh pair of OnePlus Buds 4 earbuds. The company also teased a new smartwatch and tablet, signaling a broader portfolio expansion.
Mark your calendars: OnePlus is set to unveil full details, including pricing and availability, at a dedicated launch event scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 2 PM IST, with a clear focus on the Indian market initially.
OnePlus Nord 5: Flagship-Grade Power Arrives
The centerpiece of this announcement is the OnePlus Nord 5, a device poised to bring significant performance upgrades to the popular Nord line.
Core Performance: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Breaking new ground for the series, the Nord 5 is the first Nord smartphone to feature a Snapdragon 8-series chipset. It comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a powerful processor built on a efficient 4nm architecture. This chipset is expected to deliver substantial raw power, enabling smooth performance for demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and general day-to-day use. To complement the powerful chip, the Nord 5 also supports LPDDR5X RAM, with configurations rumored to go up to 12GB.
Built for Gamers
OnePlus is heavily emphasizing the Nord 5’s gaming prowess, touting “unparalleled performance in its class” and “robust support for leading mobile games.” The device is specifically highlighted for its ability to run popular titles natively:
Call of Duty: Mobile at a silky-smooth 144FPS with support for real-time ray tracing.
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) at 90FPS natively, with frame interpolation pushing performance up to 144FPS.
To ensure sustained high performance during intense gaming sessions, the Nord 5 includes an upgraded cooling system. This Cryo-Velocity VC cooling system boasts a large 7,300 mm² heat dissipation surface, utilizes graphene thermals, and is noted to be identical to the cooling solution found in the flagship OnePlus 13. This comprehensive system covers key components like the CPU, camera module, and battery for stable performance. The support for 144FPS gaming also strongly implies the device will feature a 144Hz display. The phone will also benefit from Snapdragon Elite Gaming features.
Design, Display & Other Specs
The Nord 5 features a dual rear camera system. While full details are pending, leaks suggest a setup including a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera for selfies.
Rumors point to the Nord 5 sporting a 6.77-inch flat OLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution and the expected 120Hz refresh rate. Design-wise, leaks suggest a vertically stacked camera setup potentially drawing inspiration from the China-exclusive OnePlus Ace 5. The phone will be available in a distinctive pale blue finish officially called “Dry Ice.”
Adding to the hardware, leaks suggest a large battery capacity, with reports varying between 7,000mAh and 7,100mAh, paired with rapid 80W or even 100W fast charging.
Speculation positions the OnePlus Nord 5 with an expected starting price below Rs 35,000 in India, aiming to compete fiercely in the performance-focused mid-range segment.
The New “Plus Key”: AI at Your Fingertips
A notable new hardware feature across the Nord 5 series (and likely future OnePlus devices) is the Plus Key. This physical button replaces the traditional Alert Slider. While customizable for various functions, its standout feature is providing instantaneous access to AI tools. This “cute lil AI button” first made its appearance on the OnePlus 13s, which launched in Asia earlier this month.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: A Value-Focused Companion
OnePlus is also releasing the Nord CE 5 alongside the standard Nord 5. Positioned as a slightly more affordable version, the Nord CE 5 is expected to target the value segment of the mid-range market.
While official details are limited, leaks suggest this model could be powered by either the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 or a Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset. Expected specifications include 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The display is rumored to be a 6.7-inch flat OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Camera specifications may mirror the Nord 5, featuring a 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, and 16MP front sensor.
A significant upgrade is also expected in battery life, with rumors pointing to a massive 7,100mAh battery supported by 80W fast charging. Like the Nord 5, its design is expected to share cues with the Ace 5 series. Leaks place the Nord CE 5 with an expected starting price below Rs 27,000 in India.
OnePlus Buds 4: Enhanced Audio for Gamers & Audiophiles
Beyond smartphones, OnePlus announced the new OnePlus Buds 4 true wireless earbuds. Positioned as high-end audio accessories, these earbuds are designed with both audio quality and low-latency gaming in mind.
Key features include:
Ultra-low latency audio (as low as 47ms in Game Mode) ideal for mobile gaming.
Dual Drivers and Dual DACs for enhanced sound quality.
Support for Hi-Res audio via the LHDC 5.0 codec.
3D Audio technology.
OnePlus claims the Buds 4 will “redefine the category standard” for sound. They will be available in two color options: Zen Green and Storm Gray.
More from the Launch Event
In addition to the Nord 5 series and Buds 4, OnePlus also revealed plans for a new smartwatch and a new tablet, though details on these devices remain scarce for now.
Full details on pricing, availability, and complete specifications for all announced products are anticipated during the “OnePlus Summer launch event” on July 8th.
