OnePlus is preparing to launch its latest Nord series phones, with both the Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 expected to debut on July 8. However, recent revelations have shaken up earlier expectations. While rumors initially suggested that the Nord 5 would be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e chip, a new Geekbench listing has revealed that the device (model CPH2707) is actually running the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. This variant is equipped with 12 GB of RAM and has scored an impressive 1,977 in single-core and 5,090 in multi-core benchmarks. 
The device is also running Android 15, with OxygenOS 15 likely layered on top.
While it’s a bit disappointing that OnePlus didn’t opt for MediaTek’s chip, especially given the Dimensity 9400e’s superior raw CPU and GPU performance, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 still packs significant power. It should offer a solid experience for most users, even if the Dimensity chip would have provided a more efficient performance overall. The Snapdragon version still brings impressive performance, but it’s clear that the Dimensity 9400e would have been a more powerful choice.
Regarding the rest of the specs, the Nord 5 is rumored to feature a 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The camera setup is expected to include a 50 MP primary sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16 MP selfie camera. The device might also offer excellent battery life, thanks to a large 7,000mAh battery paired with 100W fast charging.
On the other hand, the Nord CE 5 could stick with the MediaTek Dimensity chipset, specifically the Dimensity 8350, and is expected to offer 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Like its sibling, the CE 5 is rumored to feature a 120Hz OLED screen (6.7 inches) and the same camera setup, including a 16 MP front-facing camera. Despite being positioned as the more affordable option, the Nord CE 5 might feature a 7,100mAh battery with 80W charging, outpacing the competition in terms of battery life.
In comparison to other budget phones like the Galaxy A36 5G and Nothing Phone (2a), which typically offer smaller 5,000mAh batteries, the Nord CE 5 is setting a new bar for battery life in its class.
For those shopping in the mid-range category, the Nord 5 could be a strong contender, potentially outperforming rivals like the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion in areas like performance, battery life, and software support. It seems like a great option for those looking to move away from Samsung and explore alternatives to Galaxy phones without breaking the bank. If the leaks hold true, the Nord 5 could also offer superior battery life and faster charging compared to devices like the Galaxy A56.
However, don’t expect these devices to be widely available across all markets. The Nord CE 5 is likely to remain exclusive to India, while the Nord 5 will have a broader rollout in the UK and Europe, but may not reach the US. Pricing remains unconfirmed, but it is expected to be in line with previous generations, with the CE model likely priced around $300 and the Nord 5 starting at around $450 depending on the configuration. We will have more details once the official launch takes place next month.