Realme X7 vs OnePlus Nord 5: A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life

The Realme X7 and OnePlus Nord 5 represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The X7, leveraging the Mediatek Dimensity 800U, aims for value, while the Nord 5, powered by the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, targets a more premium experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and improved efficiency, complemented by a brighter display and longer battery endurance. While the Realme X7 offers faster wired charging, the Nord 5’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme X7 OnePlus Nord 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 082025, July 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2025, July 08
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions160.9 x 74.4 x 8.1 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.32 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
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)211 g (7.44 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDSwift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 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 Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 735
OSAndroid 10, Realme UIAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video1080p@30/120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
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
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 33 min80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging
Type4300 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global)
Misc
ColorsBlue, White, RainbowPhantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands
ModelsRMX2176CPH2709
PriceAbout 330 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 X7

  • Faster 65W wired charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks

  • Older chipset with less processing power
  • Likely inferior display quality
  • Shorter battery life compared to Nord 5

OnePlus Nord 5

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
  • Brighter and potentially more accurate display
  • Exceptional battery life and endurance
  • Versatile charging options (80W, PPS, PD, Reverse)

  • Slightly slower charging speed than X7 (54 mins vs 33 mins)
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 1330 nits, compared to the Realme X7’s unspecified brightness. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While the X7’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Nord 5’s superior brightness suggests a more advanced panel, potentially with better color accuracy and viewing angles. The lack of detailed display specs for the X7 makes a direct comparison challenging, but the Nord 5 clearly holds an advantage in this area.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Nord 5 likely features a more sophisticated camera system. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is significantly more advanced than the Dimensity 800U’s, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature multiple lenses, the Nord 5’s ISP will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume the Nord 5 will have better video recording capabilities as well.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X7’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) utilizes older Cortex-A76 cores, while the OnePlus Nord 5’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) features the newer Cortex-X4 prime core and Cortex-A720 performance cores. This architectural leap translates to a substantial performance advantage for the Nord 5, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 also provides superior thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. The Nord 5’s CPU configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4, 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720, 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) is demonstrably more powerful than the X7’s (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55).

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord 5 distinguishes itself with impressive battery endurance, achieving 49:12 hours of total usage and 13:47 hours of active use. While the Realme X7’s battery capacity is not specified, the Nord 5’s endurance is a significant advantage. The Nord 5’s charging capabilities are also noteworthy, supporting 80W wired charging, 33W PPS, 18W PD, and 5W reverse wired charging, completing a full charge in 54 minutes. The X7’s 65W charging is fast, taking 33 minutes, but the Nord 5’s broader charging compatibility and longer overall battery life provide greater flexibility and convenience. The Nord 5 also features bypass charging, allowing it to be powered directly from the charger while in use, reducing heat buildup.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme X7 if your priority is extremely fast wired charging and you primarily engage in light to moderate tasks like social media and web browsing. You'll benefit from its 65W charging, getting you back to 100% quickly. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you demand strong performance for gaming, multitasking, or demanding applications, and value a brighter, more vibrant display alongside exceptional battery life. The Nord 5 is the better long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the OnePlus Nord 5 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the Nord 5 is less prone to throttling compared to devices with older, less efficient chipsets like the Dimensity 800U in the Realme X7. The Nord 5’s thermal management system should provide a consistently smooth gaming experience.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the OnePlus Nord 5 compatible with all my existing chargers and cables?
The OnePlus Nord 5 supports 80W wired charging, as well as 33W PPS and 18W PD standards. While it will charge with slower PD chargers, you’ll need a compatible 80W charger to achieve the fastest charging speeds. The Nord 5 also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
❓ How does the Dimensity 800U in the Realme X7 handle multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the OnePlus Nord 5 offers a significant advantage in multitasking due to its newer CPU architecture and higher processing power. The Dimensity 800U in the Realme X7 can handle basic multitasking, but the Nord 5 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.