OnePlus Nord 5 vs. Realme 15 Pro 5G: Which Mid-Range Powerhouse Wins
This breakdown helps you decide between the OnePlus Nord 5 and Realme 15 Pro 5G.
When you're stuck between two mid-range Android phones that seem to offer it all, things can get a little blurry. Especially when they’re coming from brands like OnePlus and Realme, both known for packing serious value into stylish hardware without breaking the bank.
The OnePlus Nord 5 and Realme 15 Pro 5G land in nearly the same price bracket and promise impressive cameras, powerful performance, and long battery life. On paper, they’re neck and neck. But peel back the spec sheets, and each one leans into a slightly different philosophy. One favors clean power and long-term polish, while the other pushes bold design and all-out feature stacking.
If you’re on the fence, here’s how the two compare where it actually counts.
Kelechi Edeh
1) Price
Both the OnePlus Nord 5 and Realme 15 Pro 5G start at ₹31,999 for the 8GB + 128GB base variant. For OnePlus, this price includes an instant bank discount, while the MRP sits slightly higher at ₹32,999.
Meanwhile, Realme’s official pricing for its base variant lands squarely at ₹31,999 without needing any promotional deductions. This narrows what may have seemed like a price gap between the two. In terms of affordability, they're neck and neck, but it’s what you get for that price that sets them apart.
2) Performance & Software
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a true flagship-tier chip built on a 4nm architecture and capable of reaching speeds up to 2.8GHz. It also includes a robust 7300 mm² vapor chamber cooling system, giving it a significant performance edge for intensive gaming and multitasking.
The Realme 15 Pro 5G, on the other hand, features the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, which is powerful for everyday use but sits a tier lower than the 8s Gen 3. Both phones run Android 15 out of the box.
OnePlus distinguishes itself with a strong software commitment, promising four major Android updates and six years of security updates. Realme offers three years of OS updates, ensuring a solid long-term experience, but Nord's policy is superior.
3) Design & Build
When it comes to design, the Realme 15 Pro 5G leans into a bolder, more rugged aesthetic. It sports a curved AMOLED display and a premium glass back, complemented by an IP68/IP69 rating that makes it highly resistant to dust and water, more so than many flagship devices. The phone is also lighter at 187g and slimmer at 7.69mm.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus Nord 5 opts for a cleaner flat-screen design and introduces a new "Plus Key" that replaces the beloved Alert Slider. This customizable button adds functionality for launching apps, triggering Google Assistant, or activating AI features, offering a new kind of convenience. The Nord 5 has an IP65 rating for splash and dust resistance and weighs 211g, feeling sturdy in the hand.
If you love premium minimalism and robust everyday water resistance, Nord has your back. But for those who want bold curves, a lighter build, and extreme durability, Realme is the clear winner.
Nord is clean and classic; Realme wins for curves, lighter build, and superior IP rating.
4) Battery & Charging
Realme steals the spotlight in battery life with its massive 7,000 mAh battery, among the largest in the segment, offering up to two days of use for moderate users. Despite the large cell, it still supports 80W fast charging, capable of going from 0 to 100% in about 54 minutes, based on official estimates.
The OnePlus Nord 5, while featuring a flat design, houses a massive 6,800 mAh battery, almost on par with Realme's offering, and compensates with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, which tops up the phone in approximately 42-49 minutes.
Both phones are battery monsters and fast-charging champions. If you're constantly on the go and want maximum juice, both offer excellent endurance. Both are excellent on battery life and fast charging, with Realme having a slight edge in raw capacity.
5) Cameras
In the camera department, Realme once again pushes boundaries. It comes equipped with a dual 50MP rear setup (primary and ultrawide lens) and is complemented by a powerful 50MP front camera. All three 50MP lenses support 4K 60fps video recording, making it one of the most capable setups for video enthusiasts in this segment.
Realme also introduces AI features like Edit Genie, which can auto-enhance or retouch photos intelligently. The Nord 5, while more reserved, still delivers solid optics with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor featuring OIS and a respectable 50MP front-facing camera. It supports 4K 60 fps video on its main and front cameras. However, it lacks the multi-lens consistency (its ultrawide is 8MP) and the breadth of AI camera tricks that Realme brings to the table.
Realme wins for versatile high-res lenses, content creators, and selfies; OnePlus wins for balanced, cleaner photography from its main sensor.
6) Display
Both phones feature AMOLED panels, but their designs take different routes.
The OnePlus Nord 5 features a 6.83-inch flat AMOLED display with 1.5K (1272x2800) resolution and up to 1,800 nits peak brightness, making it excellent for outdoor viewing and providing crisp detail.
The Realme 15 Pro 5G offers a 6.8-inch curved AMOLED screen with FHD+ (1080x2400) resolution and boasts exceptional brightness levels, peaking at a ridiculous 6,500 nits, making it incredibly immersive.
If you prefer a flat, high-resolution display with crisp detail, the Nord 5 has a slight edge in practicality and resolution. But if you’re a fan of immersive curved designs and extreme brightness, Realme makes a strong case.
Realme wins on brightness and immersive curved design; OnePlus is better for flat-screen purists and slightly higher resolution.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
At ₹31,999, these two phones offer incredible value but cater to slightly different users. The OnePlus Nord 5 is for power users, gamers, and those prioritizing long-term software support, wanting high-end performance from its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and a clean, customizable design.
The Realme 15 Pro 5G, meanwhile, is a multimedia powerhouse with its massive 7,000mAh battery, ultra-durable IP68/IP69 design, and versatile triple 50MP camera setup that includes flagship-grade video capabilities. It's perfect for content creators, social media enthusiasts, and users who love display drama and extra smart features.
In the end, your choice depends on what matters most: power and prolonged software support or comprehensive features, design flair, and ultimate durability.
Louis Eriakha
