The OnePlus 5 marked a turning point in the strategy for high-end Android phones. Its arrival was revolutionary, as it managed to rival the industry giants (Samsung, LG, Sony, Apple) by offering cutting-edge features at a more affordable price. This quickly made the OnePlus 5 one of the most sought-after options for those looking for top-quality performance, design, and mobile photography without spending exorbitant amounts.
OnePlus 5: General information and key differences
The OnePlus 5 was designed with the philosophy of offering maximum value to the user. The brand, which had already impressed with previous models, opted for a significant leap in power, photography, design, and user experience with this generation . The result is a smartphone capable of performing at the highest level, positioning itself as one of the most complete phones on the market in its price range.
From the first glance, the OnePlus 5 stands out for its anodized aluminum unibody design , available in elegant Midnight Black and Slate Gray. The slim, curved design (7,25 mm thick) ensures a comfortable grip and a sophisticated look. Furthermore, it's optimized for demanding users, with features like the signature Alert Slider , which allows you to quickly switch notification profiles (Silent, Notifications Only, All On) with a physical side button—a highly valued and uncommon feature on Android.
OnePlus 5 technical specifications
One of the biggest selling points of this phone is undoubtedly its internal hardware . The OnePlus 5 was the brand's first mobile device to incorporate the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor (10nm manufacturing process, octa-core architecture, maximum speed of 2,45 GHz, and Adreno 540 GPU). This chipset is synonymous with extreme fluidity and energy efficiency , allowing you to run any application, game, or multitask, no matter how demanding.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-core (2,45 GHz, 10nm)
- RAM: 6GB LPDDR4X (basic version) or 8GB LPDDR4X (advanced version)
- Internal storage: 64GB or 128GB UFS 2.1 Dual Lane (no microSD expansion option)
- Operating system: OxygenOS based on Android Nougat 7.1.1 (upgradable and optimized, almost stock Android)
- Battery: 3300 mAh with Dash Charge 5V 4A technology (efficient and safe fast charging)
- Dual-SIM: Compatible with two Nano SIMs in standby
- Dimensions 154,2 x 74,1 x 7,25 mm
- Weight: 153 grams
The user experience is unbeatable thanks to the combination of a large amount of RAM (uncommon at its launch) and ultra-fast UFS 2.1 storage . This translates into instant application launches, smooth transitions, and high-level multitasking; in addition, the LPDDR4X RAM is more energy-efficient, which helps extend battery life.
It also boasts advanced connectivity: LTE Cat 12 for downloads up to 600 Mbps, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD support (high-fidelity wireless audio), WiFi 802.11ac MIMO 2×2 (superior range and speed), NFC, USB Type-C 2.0, and GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou for high-precision positioning. All of this, combined with dual SIM support and compatibility with major global bands, makes it a versatile option for travelers and international users.
Display and multimedia experience: Full HD AMOLED and advanced protection
The OnePlus 5's 5,5-inch AMOLED display is one of its biggest selling points for those who appreciate high-quality visuals. Its Full HD resolution (1.920 x 1.080 pixels) is more than enough to deliver sharp images (401 ppi) and vibrant colors, with the deep blacks and high contrast characteristic of AMOLED technology. Unlike other high-end models that have increased their resolution to QHD, OnePlus opted to stick with Full HD not only to keep the price down, but also to optimize energy consumption and performance in demanding apps and games.
The panel features Optic AMOLED technology , improving outdoor visibility and color reproduction thanks to the DCI-P3 color gamut , which offers accurate and professional color rendering (highly valued by photographers and designers). The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 , providing resistance to bumps and scratches, although a screen protector is recommended for those seeking maximum protection.
Among its custom features are Reading Mode (which converts the entire interface to grayscale to protect your eyes in low-light environments), an adjustable blue light filter , and the ability to associate this mode with specific apps . This focus on the visual experience gives it an edge over other rivals in the premium segment.
Dual camera system: advanced photo quality and recording
In terms of photography, the OnePlus 5 has taken a giant leap forward, opting for a dual rear camera with state-of-the-art Sony sensors and developing its own processing software with the support of DxO experts.
- Main camera: Sony IMX398 sensor, 16 MP, f/1.7 lens, EIS stabilization, 1.12 µm pixels
- Secondary camera (telephoto): Sony IMX350 sensor, 20 MP, f/2.6 lens, 1.0 µm pixels (1.6x optical zoom, up to 8x digital zoom)
- Featured Features: Manual Pro mode (ISO control, white balance, shutter, focus, exposure), histogram, RAW capture, portrait mode (bokeh), 4K video at 30 fps, slow motion (720p at 120 fps), time-lapse, auto HDR and dual LED flash
- Frontal camera: Sony IMX371, 16 MP, f/2.0 lens, EIS, Full HD recording, Beauty mode, auto HDR and screen flash
The dual-lens system allows you to capture photos with depth of field, professional bokeh effects, and true optical zoom without loss of detail. Pro mode caters to advanced users, allowing them to save favorite settings, shoot in RAW, and access real-time histograms—a rare feature in phones of this segment.
The Snapdragon 835's electronic image stabilization (EIS) and image signal processor ensure fast and accurate focusing, vivid colors, and good results in adverse lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is also more than capable of delivering high-quality selfies, video calls, and HD video recording.
OnePlus' proprietary camera software includes image processing algorithms that improve dynamic range, autofocus, and offer a constantly improving Portrait mode thanks to OTA updates. While it doesn't match the ease of use of Apple or Samsung cameras for taking great photos without adjustments, it offers a level of customization and quality that is more than outstanding for its price, rivaling much more expensive phones head-to-head.
Design, materials and ergonomics: elegance and durability
The OnePlus 5 features a high-quality anodized aluminum finish with a premium feel, smooth lines, and curved edges that make it easy to grip and use with one hand. Despite its standard 5.5-inch dimensions, it's lightweight (153 grams) and comfortable, standing out for its slim profile of just 7,25 mm.
The front is dominated by the screen and the fingerprint reader, located in the Home button (bottom), which uses a high-speed and durable ceramic sensor , unlocking in just 0,2 seconds even with the screen off.
On the back, the dual camera module is located in the upper left corner, accompanied by a small relief and protected by synthetic sapphire, which reduces the risk of scratches. The antenna lines are hidden at the ends to improve reception and do not interfere with the aesthetics of the device.
Among the differentiating details, the Alert Slider stands out , along with the RGB LED notification system, the bottom speaker with Dirac HD Sound technology, and the three noise-canceling microphones, which improve the experience of calls, voice recording, and multimedia playback.
While it doesn't have IP certification for water and dust resistance, the build is sturdy and can withstand accidental splashes, although responsible use is recommended when exposed to liquids.
Performance, benchmarks and energy management
The OnePlus 5 has been designed to deliver maximum performance over time. Its Snapdragon 835 processor , along with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, places it at the top of its generation's benchmarks.
- Benchmark results: It scores over 180.000 on AnTuTu, surpassing many direct rivals in terms of fluidity.
- Flawless multitasking management, allowing you to keep dozens of applications open without forced closing or slowdowns.
- Outstanding gaming and multimedia editing experience, with no overheating or performance drops after long sessions.
Its energy efficiency is improved thanks to the 10nm architecture, low-power RAM, and Full HD panel resolution. All of this translates into over a day of battery life with intensive use , impeccable thermal management, and no perceptible throttling, even during demanding tasks.
In terms of sound, the OnePlus 5 features a good quality mono speaker (although not stereo) and a high-fidelity headphone output thanks to aptX HD compatibility, which, along with the 3,5 mm minijack connector, offers a complete and flexible sound experience for audiophiles and regular users.
Autonomy and Dash Charge technology: advanced fast charging
The integrated 3.300 mAh battery is sufficient to last through full days and even heavy use. The highlight is Dash Charge , OnePlus's own fast-charging system, which allows you to reach up to 60% charge in just 30 minutes. Thanks to its design, heat management is primarily handled by the charger and not the device, preventing annoying overheating and allowing you to use the phone while charging without interruption (ideal for gaming, browsing, or video playback while charging at maximum speed).
In practical tests, the phone holds up:
- Between 6 and 7 hours of screen-on time (SOT) with combined data, WiFi and multimedia usage.
- Over 18 hours of continuous video playback.
- Up to 20 hours of calls on 3G.
- WiFi browsing for over 10 hours without recharging.
OxygenOS based on Android: pure experience, customization, and updates
The OnePlus 5 launched with OxygenOS as its operating system, one of the lightest and closest to the pure Android experience. It stands out for its optimization, fluidity, and low resource consumption, allowing users to get the most out of the hardware without unnecessary apps or bloatware. For more details on customization, see also OnePlus tips and tricks for OxygenOS.
OxygenOS features include:
- App Priority: Artificial intelligence that learns user usage patterns to keep the most-used apps in memory and speed up their launch.
- Advanced reading mode and customizable blue light filter, both configurable per app or system-wide.
- Extended screenshots: Ability to scroll and capture entire web pages or long conversations in a single image.
- Gestures and quick actions: Configure screen-off gestures (such as drawing a letter to open specific apps or functions) and actions using the fingerprint sensor.
- Secure Box: Secure folder within File Explorer, accessible only by PIN or fingerprint, to protect sensitive information.
- Game mode: “Do Not Disturb” specifically for games, blocking notifications and calls while playing.
OnePlus' update policy allows for security patches and software improvements, as well as new features and system optimizations. This ensures that the device remains up-to-date and secure for several years, adapting to the evolution of the Android ecosystem.
Advanced connectivity and outstanding sensors
The OnePlus 5 is ready to meet the connectivity needs of even the most demanding users:
- 4G LTE Cat 12 (600 Mbps download, 150 Mbps upload), compatible with major European and global bands.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD for high-quality wireless sound and the ability to connect two headphones simultaneously.
- WiFi 802.11ac MIMO 2×2, which doubles the speed compared to previous generations and guarantees maximum coverage.
- NFC for mobile payments, quick access, synchronization and connectivity.
- USB Type C 2.0 reversible and a 3,5 mm headphone jack (a feature that is increasingly rare in premium phones).
- GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou for fast and precise geolocation.
- Ceramic fingerprint sensor (front), accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, proximity sensor and ambient light, among others.
It meets all modern standards, making it an ideal tool for everyday use as well as for travel and work in demanding environments.
Audio and multimedia: immersive experience
The OnePlus 5 is designed to deliver a high-end audio experience for both everyday users and the most demanding enthusiasts:
- Bottom speaker with technology Dirac HD Sound, great volume and clarity, although it does not have a dual stereo speaker.
- Three microphones with active noise cancellation, ideal for crystal-clear calls, voice recordings and professional-quality video calls.
- 3,5mm headphone jack + sound support Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD, compatible with high-fidelity wireless headphones.
Thanks to its hardware, those who use the device for music, movies, or gaming enjoy powerful, stable, and interference-free sound.
Opinions after intensive use and comparisons with the competition
Experts and users agree that the OnePlus 5 offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the premium market. Some particularly valued features include:
- Smooth and balanced performance in all types of uses (work, leisure, games, photography, editing and multimedia consumption).
- Excellent autonomy and unmatched fast charging, which means you don't have to worry about finding outlets during the day.
- Premium build quality and design, light and resistant despite not having official water resistance.
- Advanced customization and OxygenOS experience almost pure, with security and privacy options never seen in other layers.
- Dual camera system which, although it requires some learning to get the most out of it, rivals much more expensive terminals.
- Dual SIM support and ultra-fast storage as standard, eliminating the need for external cards.
However, it is important to note the following:
- La lack of wireless charging and IP resistance It may be relevant if you come from terminals with these functions.
- El speaker is not stereo, although it makes up for it in quality and power by rivaling the best monospeakers on the market.
- While the dual camera is excellent, it still lacks a certain degree of automatic ease of use compared to the more "shoot and go" oriented competition.
Compared to its competitors, the OnePlus 5 establishes itself as a true flagship killer, placing its specifications and user experience on par with phones typically twice its price. Compared to models like the Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6, Google Pixel, or iPhone 7 Plus, the price difference favors OnePlus's offering, especially if you prioritize power, fluidity, Android experience, and battery life.
Models, availability and price
The OnePlus 5 was offered in two main configurations, both with ultra-fast UFS 2.1 Dual Lane storage:
- 6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage: Slate Gray color, approximate price from 499 euros.
- 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage: Midnight Black color, approximate price from 559 euros.
Both versions include a Dash Charger and USB Type-C cable in the box. Original distribution was primarily online and through authorized partners; currently, it's only available through specialized refurbished stores or private sellers, as production has ceased to make way for newer generations. For more details on pricing and purchasing options, please visit the offers and discounts section.
The brand's policy regarding software updates and maintenance is noteworthy, extending the lifespan of the models even after their official sales period ends. Spare parts and accessories also remain available in the official store and on recognized marketplaces.
Frequently asked questions and recommendations
- Can storage be expanded? No, it has options from 64 to 128 GB, but does not support microSD or external hardware storage.
- Does it support wireless charging? No, but Dash Charge is much faster and more efficient than standard wireless charging. Learn more at This tutorial for Always-On.
- Are you still receiving updates? While new versions of OxygenOS and Android are focused on recent models, the OnePlus 5 continues to receive security patches and optimizations through community and custom ROMs.
- Is it waterproof? It's not officially certified, but its construction withstands accidental splashes. Caution is recommended in humid environments.
- Is it worth it nowadays? If you're looking for a powerful, fluid, well-built phone with pure OxygenOS, an outstanding camera, and a reasonable price, it remains one of the best options on the secondhand and refurbished market.
OnePlus 5 and OxygenOS tips, tricks, and hidden features
To get the most out of your OnePlus 5, we recommend exploring the following features and tricks built into OxygenOS: .
- Gestures on screen off: Draw letters (O, V, S, M, W) to launch apps or activate the flashlight without turning on the panel.
- Extended screenshot: Scroll through and save an entire website or WhatsApp conversation in a single image.
- Automatic Reading Mode: Schedule activation with specific apps or at nighttime to protect your eyesight.
- AppLocker: Block access to sensitive apps with a PIN or fingerprint, ideal for privacy in banking, messaging, or gallery apps.
- Customize the Alert Slider: Configure notification levels and behavior to suit your preferences.
- Double tap to turn on screen: Facilitates quick unlocking by avoiding the physical use of buttons.
- Game Mode: Optimize performance and block interruptions while enjoying your favorite video games.
- Quick access to the camera: Double-tap the power button to open it without losing the moment.
These tricks, along with advanced customization of themes, icons, and gestures, make the OnePlus 5 one of the most flexible and satisfying Android experiences.
The OnePlus 5 established itself as a benchmark in the high-end Android market, combining performance, design, photographic quality, battery life, and user experience at a fair price. Its versatility, customization options, accessory compatibility, and ever-expanding ecosystem keep it relevant as one of the best smart buys for both enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable everyday device. If you're still undecided among premium alternatives, the OnePlus 5 is a safe, balanced, and long-lasting investment.