OnePlus Nord 5 vs Realme 7: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset delivers substantially better performance and efficiency, while the 80W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Realme 7 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing longevity and a proven track record.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme 7 | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 07. Released 2020, October 21 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | Swift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 735 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands |
| Models | RMX2155 | CPH2709 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | £ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (90 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Realme 7
- Longer overall battery endurance (126h)
- More affordable price point
- Proven reliability and software support
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speed (30W)
- Less capable display
OnePlus Nord 5
- Much faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
- Significantly faster 80W charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Potentially shorter battery lifespan due to faster charging
- Higher price tag
- Newer device, potential for early software bugs
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1330 nits peak brightness compared to the Realme 7’s nominal 1474:1 contrast ratio. While the Realme 7’s contrast ratio is respectable, it lacks the sheer visibility of the Nord 5 in direct sunlight. The Nord 5’s higher brightness translates to a more enjoyable viewing experience outdoors, and likely utilizes a more advanced panel technology to achieve this. We lack specific panel type information for both, but the brightness difference is a clear win for the Nord 5.
Camera Comparison
Context data is limited regarding camera specifics. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume the OnePlus Nord 5 features a more advanced camera system. The Realme 7 likely relies on software processing to enhance image quality, while the Nord 5’s superior chipset allows for more sophisticated image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. Without sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but the Nord 5’s processing power gives it an edge. We can assume both phones will have a standard photo/video setup for their respective price points.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The OnePlus Nord 5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a generational leap over the Realme 7’s MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside Cortex-A720 and A520 cores, offering significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance. The 4nm process node also provides superior power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and power users will immediately notice the difference, with the Nord 5 handling demanding titles with ease while the Realme 7 may struggle with higher settings.
Battery Life
The Realme 7 boasts an endurance rating of 126 hours, while the OnePlus Nord 5 achieves 49:12 hours of endurance and a 13:47 hour active use score. While the Realme 7’s overall endurance is higher, the Nord 5’s active use score suggests more efficient power management despite its more powerful chipset. Crucially, the Nord 5’s 80W charging (with PPS and PD support) is dramatically faster than the Realme 7’s 30W charging – 100% in 54 minutes versus 65 minutes. The Nord 5 also offers 5W reverse wired charging and bypass charging, features absent on the Realme 7. The Nord 5’s faster charging mitigates any potential battery life concerns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 if you need a reliable, long-lasting device with a decent battery and aren't demanding the absolute best performance for gaming or intensive tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you prioritize speed, responsiveness, and fast charging, and are willing to invest in a more modern chipset and potentially shorter battery lifespan due to faster charging cycles.