OnePlus Nord 5 vs Poco F7 5G: Spec-by-spec comparison of mid-range flagships?

India’s mid-range smartphone market is buzzing with excitement as two highly anticipated devices make their mark: the OnePlus Nord 5, launched on July 8, and the Poco F7 5G, which debuted in June 2025. Aimed at users who crave flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, both smartphones offer a combination of premium design, cutting-edge AI features, and competitive pricing. Here's a detailed, spec-by-spec breakdown to help you decide which one suits you better.
Pricing and Variants
Both phones are strategically priced around the ₹30,000–₹38,000 range, but with different configurations:
OnePlus Nord 5:
8GB + 128GB – ₹31,999
12GB + 256GB – ₹34,999
12GB + 512GB – ₹37,999
Colours: Dry Ice, Marble Sands, Phantom Grey
Availability: On sale from July 9, 12 PM
Poco F7 5G:
12GB + 256GB – ₹31,999
12GB + 512GB – ₹33,999
Colours: Cyber Silver Edition, Frost White, Phantom Black
Verdict: Poco offers more RAM and storage at a slightly lower price, making it a better value for high-storage seekers.
Display and Design
Both smartphones feature 6.83-inch AMOLED displays, but the Poco F7 5G scores higher on several fronts:
OnePlus Nord 5:
Refresh Rate: Up to 144Hz
Peak Brightness: 1,800 nits
UI: OxygenOS 15
Weight: 211 grams
IP Rating: IP65 (dust & splash resistant)
Poco F7 5G:
Resolution: 1.5K
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Peak Brightness: 3,200 nits
HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
IP Ratings: IP66, IP68, IP69 (superior water/dust protection)
Build: Metal frame + glass back
Verdict: Poco leads with a brighter, more rugged, and better-protected display.
Performance and Software
Both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s platform, but there’s a generation gap:
OnePlus Nord 5:
Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
OS: OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
RAM: LPDDR5X
Storage: Up to 512GB
Unique Hardware: IR blaster, programmable Plus Key
Poco F7 5G:
Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
OS: HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15)
RAM: LPDDR5X
Storage: Up to 512GB
Software Support: 4 years Android updates, 6 years security patches
Verdict: Poco edges ahead with a newer chipset and longer software support, though OnePlus offers some nifty extras.
Camera Capabilities
Camera specifications are close, but there are notable differences in selfie performance:
OnePlus Nord 5:
Rear: 50MP Sony LYT-700 + 8MP ultrawide
Front: 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5
OIS Support: Yes (rear)
Poco F7 5G:
Rear: 50MP Sony IMX882 + 8MP ultrawide
Front: 20MP
OIS Support: Yes (rear)
Verdict: Nord 5 is ideal for selfie lovers with its superior front camera.
Battery and Cooling
Battery life is crucial for power users here, Poco shines:
OnePlus Nord 5:
Battery: 6,800mAh
Charging: 80W SuperVOOC
Cooling: Not specified
Poco F7 5G:
Battery: 7,550mAh
Charging: 90W fast charging + 22.5W reverse charging
Cooling: 3D IceLoop + AI thermal regulation
Verdict: Poco dominates this segment with a larger battery, faster charging, and advanced cooling.
Connectivity and Extras
Both devices support modern connectivity options, but there are subtle differences:
OnePlus Nord 5:
5G, NFC, GPS, USB Type-C
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4
IR Blaster, Plus Key
Poco F7 5G:
5G, NFC, GPS, USB Type-C
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Verdict: Poco offers better wireless standards; OnePlus wins on customizable hardware features.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord 5 and Poco F7 5G both deliver impressive specs in the sub-₹40,000 category. The Nord 5 stands out with its high refresh rate display, better selfie camera, and thoughtful extras like the IR blaster. However, if you're looking for sheer hardware power, extended software support, superior display durability, and battery life the Poco F7 5G takes the crown.
Which one’s right for you? If you value polished software and camera versatility, go with the Nord 5. For raw power and longevity, Poco F7 5G is hard to beat.