OnePlus Nord 5 vs Nothing Phone 3: Which Mid-Premium Flagship is Worth Your Money in 2025?
Introduction: Two Giants Face Off in the Mid-Premium Arena
July 2025 is heating up with back-to-back smartphone launches. First, the Nothing Phone (3) dropped on July 1, and now, leaks suggest the OnePlus Nord 5 / Nord CE 5 will follow on July 8. Both devices promise flagship-tier performance, but with very different philosophies — one aims for minimalism and uniqueness, the other for brute power and battery.
Let’s dive deep into the specs, features, and value of these two devices and see which one deserves your ₹30K–₹60K in 2025.
🔍 Display & Design
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.83-inch AMOLED | 6.77-inch LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1.5K | Full HD+ (likely) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
Winner: Tie.
While OnePlus gives you a larger screen with higher resolution (1.5K), Nothing uses LTPO AMOLED, which may offer better power efficiency and adaptive refresh rate. Both are top-tier for their class.
🚀 Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| Software | OxygenOS (Android 14) | Nothing OS 3 (Android 14) |
The Nothing Phone 3 edges out slightly with the newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, offering better GPU and AI performance. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Nord 5 is no slouch and still delivers near-flagship speed.
Winner: Nothing Phone 3 (slightly)
📷 Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3 (TBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 8MP (Ultra-wide) | Dual-camera (Unknown MP) |
| Front Camera | Likely 16–32MP | Likely 32MP |
The Nord 5 reveals its camera specs, while Nothing hasn't fully disclosed theirs. Based on past devices, Nothing’s camera tuning is decent, but OnePlus usually performs better in low light and offers more AI shooting modes.
Winner: OnePlus Nord 5 (for now)
🔋 Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 6800mAh (leaked) | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 80W Wired | 50W Wired & Wireless |
OnePlus destroys the competition with a massive 6800mAh battery and 80W fast charging. However, Nothing offers wireless charging, which some users prefer for convenience.
Winner: OnePlus Nord 5 (for heavy users)
Bonus: Nothing for wireless fans
💰 Pricing & Availability
| Feature | OnePlus Nord 5 | Nothing Phone 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 8, 2025 (Expected) | July 1, 2025 (Confirmed) |
| Expected Price | ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹60,000 |
For nearly half the price, the OnePlus Nord 5 offers serious value. Unless you need wireless charging or love Nothing’s design, OnePlus is a more cost-effective option with a larger battery and nearly equal performance.
Winner: OnePlus Nord 5 (value king)
⚖️ Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | Nothing Phone 3 |
| Camera | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Battery & Charging | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Price/Value | OnePlus Nord 5 |
✅ Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if:
-
You want maximum battery life
-
You're on a ₹30K–₹35K budget
-
You value camera flexibility over aesthetics
✅ Buy the Nothing Phone 3 if:
-
You love unique transparent design
-
You want wireless charging support
-
You’re okay spending ₹60,000 for style and latest chip
🔗 External Links
⚠️ Disclaimer
This comparison is based on leaked and unofficial specifications. Final features may differ upon official launch. Please check product websites or verified sources before making purchase decisions.
