OnePlus Nord 5 vs. Infinix Zero 8: A Deep Dive into Performance, Battery, and Value

The smartphone landscape is crowded, but the OnePlus Nord 5 and Infinix Zero 8 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range market. The Nord 5 aims for near-flagship performance with the latest Snapdragon silicon, while the Zero 8 focuses on delivering a solid experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance, fast charging, and a brighter display, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the clear winner. However, the Infinix Zero 8 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers who don't require the absolute latest in processing power and are willing to trade speed for savings.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Zero 8 OnePlus Nord 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 312025, July 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2025, July 08
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions168.7 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.36 in)163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)211 g (7.44 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~392 ppi density)1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.85 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzSwift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetMediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm)Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 735
OSAndroid 10Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lenses-
Single5 MP, f/2.8, AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesHDRPanorama
SingleVGA50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging
Stand-byUp to 400 h-
Talk timeUp to 9 h 48 min-
Type4500 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global)
Misc
ColorsSilver Diamond, Black Diamond, Green DiamondPhantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands
ModelsX687CPH2709
PriceAbout 210 EUR£ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998
SAR-1.18 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -84.7dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 116h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: 2184:1 (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -28.4 LUFS (Average) -
Performance AnTuTu: 282348 (v8) GeekBench: 6640 (v4.4), 1663 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-
EU LABEL
Battery-49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class C (90 falls)
Repairability-Class B

Infinix Zero 8

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
  • Incredibly fast 80W charging
  • Brighter and potentially more efficient display

  • Likely higher price point
  • May run hotter under sustained load (despite efficiency gains)

OnePlus Nord 5

  • More affordable price
  • Decent battery endurance for everyday use
  • Acceptable performance for casual users

  • Older and less efficient chipset
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Potentially lower camera quality

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1330 nits peak brightness, compared to the Infinix Zero 8’s nominal 2184:1 contrast ratio. While the Zero 8’s contrast ratio suggests deep blacks, the Nord 5’s higher brightness translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. The Nord 5 likely utilizes a more advanced panel technology, potentially LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates for improved efficiency, a feature absent in the Zero 8’s specifications. This benefits the Nord 5 user with a more vibrant and readable experience outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Infinix Zero 8. The OnePlus Nord 5, while not specifying sensor details, benefits from Qualcomm’s advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, enabling superior image processing and low-light performance. The absence of details on the Zero 8 suggests a more basic camera system, likely focused on general-purpose photography rather than advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or high-resolution video recording. The Nord 5’s ISP will likely deliver more consistent and detailed results.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the OnePlus Nord 5 features the Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm), while the Infinix Zero 8 is powered by the Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s 4nm process offers substantial gains in power efficiency and thermal management compared to the G90T’s 12nm node. The CPU architecture also differs significantly; the Nord 5’s Cortex-X4 prime core at 3.0 GHz provides a substantial performance boost over the Zero 8’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05 GHz. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Nord 5.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 5’s battery endurance is rated at 49:12h, with an active use score of 13:47h, and supports an astonishing 80W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 54 minutes. In contrast, the Infinix Zero 8 has an endurance rating of 116h and 33W wired charging. While the Zero 8’s endurance rating appears higher, it’s likely based on less intensive usage patterns. The Nord 5’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime, and the inclusion of PPS, PD, and reverse wired charging adds versatility. The 1200 cycle rating of the Nord 5 also suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Zero 8 if you need a capable all-rounder for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming, and value affordability above all else. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you prioritize demanding mobile gaming, content creation, and the convenience of incredibly fast charging, and are willing to invest in a more premium experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio G90T in the Infinix Zero 8 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Helio G90T is capable of running many games, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops. The chipset’s thermal limitations can also lead to throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord 5 affect battery health over the long term?
While 80W charging is incredibly fast, OnePlus implements intelligent charging algorithms to minimize battery degradation. The Nord 5 also features a 1200 cycle battery rating, suggesting a robust battery lifespan despite the fast charging capabilities. However, consistently using the fastest charging speeds *may* slightly accelerate degradation over several years.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the Infinix Zero 8 a major drawback?
Yes, the absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, and OIS suggests a less sophisticated camera system. While it will likely be adequate for casual photography, it won't compete with the image quality and features offered by the OnePlus Nord 5.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord 5 support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus Nord 5 does not support wireless charging. It focuses on incredibly fast wired charging instead, offering 80W speeds and various wired charging protocols like PPS and PD.