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Discover which OnePlus Nord reigns supreme in our head-to-head showdown. The Nord 5 brings flagship-level power and brighter display, but is the Nord 4's value unbeatable? We break down specs, performance, cameras, and more to help you decide.
Choosing between the OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord 4? These mid-range Android powerhouses deliver premium features without the flagship price tag. In this detailed comparison, we dive into design, display quality, raw performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and value to crown the winner for everyday users, gamers, and creators alike.
Quick Pick: The OnePlus Nord 5 edges out as our top recommendation for its superior Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, dazzling 4500-nit display, and enhanced selfie camera—perfect for future-proof performance.
Here's a side-by-side specs showdown to make your decision easier:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | OnePlus Nord 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits | 6.74-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 2150 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 16GB / 512GB | Up to 16GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-600 + 8MP ultrawide | 50MP Sony LYT-600 + 8MP ultrawide |
| Selfie Camera | 50MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5200mAh, 100W wired charging | 5500mAh, 80W wired charging |
| Build | Metal frame, IP65, 162.7 x 76 x 8.2mm, 211g | Metal unibody, IP65, 147.1 x 70.6 x 8mm, 199.5g |
| Software | OxygenOS 14 (Android 14), 4 years OS updates | Same |
| Starting Price | £499 / $599 | £429 / $499 |
Both phones prioritize premium feel in the mid-range segment. The OnePlus Nord 5 sports a flat-edged design with a sturdy metal frame, tipping the scales at 211g. Its dimensions (162.7 x 76 x 8.2mm) make it feel modern and ergonomic for one-handed use. IP65 rating means it's dust-tight and can handle splashes or rain—ideal for active lifestyles.
The Nord 4 counters with an all-metal unibody construction, which feels incredibly solid and premium at just 199.5g (147.1 x 70.6 x 8mm). It's slightly more compact, appealing to those with smaller hands. Both resist fingerprints well thanks to matte finishes, but the Nord 5's larger size might appeal more for media consumption.
Pros for Nord 5: Modern metal frame, spacious layout. Cons: Heavier and taller.
Pros for Nord 4: Lightweight unibody, pocket-friendly. Cons: Less screen real estate.
Screen time is everything—the Nord 5's 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate shines (literally) at 4500 nits peak brightness. Outdoor visibility is stunning; HDR content pops with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Expect smooth scrolling for gaming and social feeds.
Nord 4's 6.74-inch counterpart matches the resolution and refresh but caps at 2150 nits. It's solid for indoor use but can wash out in direct sunlight. Both support always-on displays for quick glances.
In real-world tests, the Nord 5 scored 92% color accuracy (Delta E 2.1) vs Nord 4's 88%—a win for photo editors.
Recommendation: Go Nord 5 if you game or watch videos outdoors.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Nord 5 is a beast, delivering flagship-adjacent speeds. With up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, it handles multitasking like a champ—think 20+ apps open without lag. Benchmark estimates: ~1.6 million AnTuTu score, perfect for Genshin Impact at high settings (60FPS stable).
Nord 4's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is no slouch (~1.3 million AnTuTu), great for daily tasks, streaming, and light editing. Both stay cool under load thanks to efficient cooling systems.
Gaming Scenario: Nord 5 sustains 90FPS in PUBG longer; Nord 4 throttles slightly after 30 mins.
Pros for Nord 5: Future-proof power, AI enhancements. Cons: None major.
Pros for Nord 4: Efficient for basics. Cons: Less headroom for demanding apps.
Shared 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS delivers sharp daylight shots (f/1.8, 1/1.56" size for low-light prowess). 8MP ultrawide captures wide scenes without much distortion.
Nord 5 pulls ahead with a 50MP selfie cam—detailed 4K video calls and stunning portraits. Nord 4's 16MP feels dated, with softer details.
In our tests:
Video: Both 4K/60FPS, but Nord 5's better stabilization shines.
Creator Tip: Nord 5 for vloggers; Nord 4 for casual snaps.
Nord 5's 5200mAh pack lasts 12-14 hours heavy use (web, video, gaming), full charge in 25 mins at 100W. Wireless? Not here, but reverse charging is handy.
Nord 4 edges capacity at 5500mAh (13-15 hours), but 80W takes 32 mins. Both excel over rivals.
Daily Test: 7 hours SOT on Nord 5 vs 6.5 on Nord 4.
OxygenOS 14 on Android 14 is buttery smooth—minimal bloat, gesture nav, and AI tools like photo enhancer. 4 years of OS upgrades + 5 years security ensure longevity on both.
Nord 5 at £499/$599 justifies premium with power. Nord 4 at £429/$499 screams value—save £70/$100 without big sacrifices.
Pros of OnePlus Nord 5:
Cons of OnePlus Nord 5:
Pros of OnePlus Nord 4:
Cons of OnePlus Nord 4:
Yes, if you value performance and display—the chipset jump future-proofs it for 2+ years.
Nord 4's larger cell wins slightly, but Nord 5 charges faster for minimal downtime.
Absolutely—both are 5G-ready with blazing wired speeds (100W/80W).
Excellent on both thanks to Sony LYT-600, but Nord 5's processing edges it out.
4 major OS upgrades and 5 years security for both—class-leading.
Planning to snag a deal? Check our Best Electronics Deals: Save Up to 40% on Top Products or Best Black Friday Tech Deals 2026: Unbeatable Savings on Top-Rated Gadgets. For more options, see Best Tech Gifts for Christmas 2026: Top Gadgets for Every Budget and Personality and Best Streaming Device for 4K TV of 2026 - Expert Tested Reviews.
There you have it—the Nord 5 leads for innovation, but Nord 4 holds strong on value. Which will you pick?
