The mid-range smartphone market just got a lot more exciting with the official launch of the OnePlus Nord 5, positioned as a flagship-grade device at a competitive price. Launched alongside the OnePlus Buds 4, this new entrant promises strong performance, stylish aesthetics, and enhanced camera capabilities. But it faces a direct challenger in the Poco F7 5G, another powerful device in the same price bracket.
Let’s take a closer look at both smartphones, their features, specifications, and where they stand against each other in the real-world usage scenario.
OnePlus Nord 5: The New Face of Affordable Premium
The nord 5 builds on OnePlus’s reputation for delivering flagship experiences at budget-friendly prices. It features a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, giving users a smooth, vibrant visual experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, it ensures a balance between speed and energy efficiency.
In terms of design, the phone carries a glass back with curved edges, staying consistent with OnePlus's minimalist yet premium look. The camera setup features a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera. The phone’s portrait mode and night photography have been improved significantly compared to previous models.
Poco F7: Performance-Centric With a Competitive Edge
The Poco F7 is no pushover. It comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor, which gives it a performance edge, especially for users focused on gaming and multitasking. The F7 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
One of the highlights of the Poco F7 is its 64MP primary camera with OIS, combined with a 13MP ultra-wide lens. It also offers a 16MP selfie shooter. While the image processing may not be as refined as the nord 5, Poco makes up with its raw power and thermal management.
Design and Build Quality
Both devices offer premium materials. The nord 5 feels more polished with its symmetrical curves and matte finish, while the Poco F7 leans toward a more aggressive design, appealing to gamers. The OnePlus model also enjoys better IP ratings and slightly more premium build tolerance.
Software and User Experience
The nord 5 runs on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14. It delivers a clean, bloatware-free experience with a focus on smooth UI interactions and subtle animations. OnePlus also promises 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security patches.
In contrast, the Poco F7 runs on MIUI 14 for Poco, also based on Android 14. While it’s feature-rich, it may not appeal to everyone due to bloatware and ads in the UI. However, it’s packed with customization options for tech-savvy users.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance is strong on both phones. The nord 5 comes with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of taking the phone from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes. The Poco F7 matches this with its 5,160mAh battery and 120W HyperCharge support, slightly faster on paper.
However, OnePlus's battery optimization and charging efficiency seem better managed during extended use and overnight standby.
Audio and Accessories
With the nord 5, OnePlus introduced the Buds 4, a new TWS earbud offering active noise cancellation (up to 45dB), Hi-Res audio, and improved latency. This makes it a better ecosystem buy for users looking to stay within the OnePlus product family.
Poco doesn’t offer dedicated accessories but does bundle useful options such as a charging brick and case in the box, keeping their value proposition strong.
Pricing and Availability
The nord 5 starts at ₹29,999 in India, making it a very attractive offer given its premium features. Poco F7 is priced slightly lower at ₹28,999 for its base variant, with higher configurations crossing the ₹30,000 mark.
Availability is another key factor. OnePlus has a broader network of offline and online retail presence, giving the nord 5 better accessibility for customers nationwide.
Final Verdict
So, which one should you go for?
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Choose nord 5 if you want a refined design, better photography, cleaner software, and consistent software updates.
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Go with Poco F7 if raw performance, gaming efficiency, and a slightly lower price tag are your priorities.
Both phones bring excellent value for money, but the nord 5 stands out slightly due to its all-around balance and ecosystem support. It’s not just a good mid-range phone—it’s a statement from OnePlus that premium doesn’t have to be expensive.
