The OnePlus 5 represents a significant milestone for the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, marking its transition from a plucky upstart to a serious player in the premium smartphone arena. This comprehensive review delves deep into the device's key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks, providing you with the insights needed to determine if it's the right choice for your mobile needs.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Premium, and Familiar
The OnePlus 5 boasts a sleek and premium design that immediately catches the eye. Measuring a svelte 7.3mm in thickness, the device feels substantial yet comfortable in hand. The curved metal back exudes quality, while the 5.5-inch AMOLED display dominates the front face. A front-mounted fingerprint scanner provides quick and secure access, while the signature OnePlus alert slider on the left side offers easy switching between notification profiles.
On the bottom edge, you'll find a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature increasingly rare in flagship devices. While the overall design is undeniably attractive, it's not without its quirks. The smooth metal finish can be somewhat slippery, potentially increasing the risk of accidental drops. Some users have also noted similarities to other flagship devices, particularly the iPhone 7 Plus, which may detract from its uniqueness in the crowded smartphone market.
One notable omission in the OnePlus 5's design is water resistance. As more flagship devices adopt IP67 or IP68 ratings for water and dust protection, the lack of this feature on the OnePlus 5 may be a dealbreaker for some potential buyers. For those concerned about the device's durability, investing in a protective case is advisable to mitigate the slippery nature of the phone and guard against everyday wear and tear.
Display: Balancing Quality and Efficiency
The OnePlus 5 features a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, a choice that may raise eyebrows among spec-chasers in an era of Quad HD and even 4K smartphone screens. However, OnePlus's decision to stick with a Full HD resolution is a calculated one, balancing visual quality with power efficiency.
The AMOLED technology ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in a visually pleasing experience for most content. The display boasts excellent outdoor visibility, with a maximum brightness of around 400 nits, making it readable even in bright sunlight. One of the standout features is the Reading Mode, which adjusts the display's color temperature and brightness to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions – a boon for bookworms and document-heavy professionals alike.
While the 1080p resolution may not push the boundaries of pixel density, it remains more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. At normal viewing distances, individual pixels are imperceptible, and the lower resolution contributes to better battery life and smoother performance compared to higher-resolution alternatives. That said, VR enthusiasts or those who demand the absolute highest pixel density may prefer devices with QHD or higher resolutions.
Performance: A True Powerhouse
Performance is where the OnePlus 5 truly excels, cementing its position as a flagship contender. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and available with up to 8GB of RAM, the device offers blistering speed and responsiveness that rivals or surpasses many more expensive competitors.
In real-world usage, this translates to near-instantaneous app launches, seamless multitasking, and excellent gaming performance. Even the most demanding 3D games run smoothly, with stable frame rates and minimal heat buildup. OnePlus has also improved touch latency compared to previous models, resulting in a more immediate and satisfying user experience.
The near-stock Android experience provided by OxygenOS contributes significantly to the OnePlus 5's snappy feel. This lightweight skin adds useful features without bogging down the system. Standout additions include a Gaming Do Not Disturb mode, which blocks notifications and limits background processes during gameplay, customizable navigation buttons to suit your preferences, and expanded screenshot capabilities for capturing long web pages or conversations.
Benchmark results further underscore the OnePlus 5's impressive performance. In Geekbench 4, the device typically scores around 1900 in single-core tests and 6700 in multi-core tests, placing it among the top performers of its generation. AnTuTu benchmarks often exceed 180,000 points, confirming its status as a true powerhouse.
Camera: Ambitious but Inconsistent
The camera system is a major focus of the OnePlus 5, featuring a dual-camera setup that aims to compete with the best in the market. The primary camera boasts a 16MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, while the secondary telephoto camera features a 20MP sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. This combination enables 2x optical zoom and a portrait mode for creating bokeh effects.
In good lighting conditions, the OnePlus 5 is capable of producing excellent shots with plenty of detail, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. The 2x optical zoom is a welcome addition, allowing for closer framing without the quality loss associated with digital zoom. The portrait mode, when it works well, can create pleasing background blur effects that rival those of more expensive devices.
However, the camera system is not without its flaws. In low light conditions, images can suffer from detail loss and increased noise. Color reproduction can be inconsistent between shots, sometimes resulting in unexpectedly warm or cool images. The portrait mode, while impressive when it works correctly, can be overly aggressive with its background blur, sometimes resulting in artifacts around the subject's edges.
One notable omission is optical image stabilization (OIS), which could have helped with low-light performance and video stability. Instead, the OnePlus 5 relies on electronic image stabilization (EIS), which, while competent, doesn't quite match the effectiveness of OIS in challenging shooting conditions.
For mobile photography enthusiasts, the Pro mode offers manual controls over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus, allowing for greater creative control. RAW image capture is also supported, providing more flexibility for post-processing.
Battery Life and Charging: Fast and Long-Lasting
The OnePlus 5 is equipped with a 3300mAh battery, which may seem modest compared to some competitors but proves more than adequate thanks to efficient hardware and software optimization. For moderate users, all-day battery life is easily achievable, often with charge to spare. Heavy users, particularly those who engage in extensive gaming or camera use, may find themselves reaching for the charger by evening, but should still comfortably make it through a full workday.
The standout feature in this department is OnePlus's proprietary Dash Charge technology. Using the included charger and cable, the OnePlus 5 can go from 0 to 60% charge in about 30 minutes, with a full charge typically taking 80-90 minutes. This rapid charging capability is particularly useful for quick top-ups throughout the day.
Dash Charge's effectiveness lies in its ability to maintain high charging speeds even when the device is in use, unlike some fast-charging solutions that slow down significantly when the screen is on or during intensive tasks. This means you can continue using your phone normally while it charges rapidly, a convenience that shouldn't be underestimated.
Software: Clean, Customizable, and Continually Improving
OxygenOS, OnePlus's custom Android skin, strikes an excellent balance between stock Android purity and useful added features. Based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat at launch (with updates to newer versions of Android released over time), OxygenOS offers a clean and intuitive user interface that will feel familiar to stock Android users while providing additional customization options.
Key features of OxygenOS include:
- A customizable quick settings menu
- Gesture controls for easy navigation
- A dark theme for system-wide dark mode
- App locker for additional security
- Parallel Apps for running multiple instances of the same app
OnePlus has built a reputation for timely software updates and has continued this trend with the OnePlus 5. Regular OTA updates bring new features, optimizations, and security patches, ensuring the device remains fresh and secure long after purchase.
The inclusion of Google Assistant provides powerful voice control and AI-driven assistance, seamlessly integrated into the Android experience. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, OnePlus's Shelf feature offers quick access to frequently used apps, contacts, and widgets with a simple swipe.
Storage, Connectivity, and Additional Features
The OnePlus 5 comes in two storage configurations: 64GB with 6GB of RAM, and 128GB with 8GB of RAM. While the lack of microSD expansion may disappoint some users, the base storage should be sufficient for most, and power users can opt for the higher capacity model.
Connectivity options are robust, including dual SIM support – a boon for frequent travelers or those juggling personal and work lines. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 provides improved range and data transfer speeds with compatible devices. NFC support enables contactless payments via Google Pay and other supported services.
The fingerprint sensor deserves special mention for its speed and accuracy. Placed on the front of the device, it allows for easy unlocking whether the phone is on a table or in hand. OnePlus claims a 0.2-second unlock time, and in practice, it feels nearly instantaneous.
Price and Value Proposition: Premium Features at a Competitive Price
At launch, the OnePlus 5 started at $479 for the 64GB model, with the 128GB version commanding a higher price point. While this represents an increase over previous OnePlus devices, it still undercuts many flagship competitors by a significant margin.
The value proposition of the OnePlus 5 lies in its ability to deliver premium features and performance at a more accessible price point. When compared to devices from Samsung, Apple, or Google, the OnePlus 5 holds its own in terms of raw performance and core features, often at a lower cost.
However, as the price creeps closer to established flagship territory, the OnePlus 5 faces stiffer competition. Discounted previous-generation flagships and increasingly capable mid-range devices challenge its position. Potential buyers must weigh the balance of performance, features, and price to determine if the OnePlus 5 represents the best value for their needs.
Conclusion: A Compelling Option for Android Enthusiasts
The OnePlus 5 represents a coming of age for OnePlus, delivering a device that can genuinely compete with established flagships while maintaining a price advantage. Its strengths in performance, software experience, and charging speed make it a compelling option for many users, particularly Android enthusiasts who value a clean, customizable experience and raw processing power.
However, the device is not without its compromises. The lack of water resistance, expandable storage, and some camera inconsistencies may give pause to certain buyers. As OnePlus continues to evolve its product line, it will be interesting to see how they balance their "flagship killer" roots with aspirations to compete at the highest echelons of the smartphone market.
For those seeking a powerful, premium Android experience without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 5 remains a strong contender. Its combination of top-tier specs, thoughtful software, and competitive pricing make it a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for a high-end smartphone.
