OnePlus 5: The Flagship Killer That Started a Legacy
Launched in June 2017, the OnePlus 5 was a major milestone in OnePlus’s evolution from a niche enthusiast brand to a mainstream smartphone competitor. Dubbed a “flagship killer” at the time, the OnePlus 5 packed top-tier specs in a sleek, affordable package that gave expensive competitors a serious challenge.
In 2025, the OnePlus 5 may be considered outdated by today’s standards, but it still holds nostalgic and practical value for minimal users or collectors — especially those who value clean software and classic design.
Design & Display
The OnePlus 5 featured a slim aluminum unibody design that was elegant and lightweight. With a 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display and Full HD resolution, the screen still holds up surprisingly well for casual browsing, calls, and media playback — though the bezels feel a bit large compared to modern edge-to-edge phones.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 5 was a performance powerhouse for its time. Multitasking, gaming, and productivity were smooth and responsive. In 2025, it can still handle basic tasks, though it’s starting to show its age in terms of software and app support.
Camera System
The OnePlus 5 introduced a dual-camera setup:
- 16MP main sensor
- 20MP telephoto sensor
This allowed for 2x optical zoom and a decent portrait mode, which were high-end features in 2017. The 16MP front camera also delivered sharp selfies.
Software & Updates
Originally shipping with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, the OnePlus 5 officially received updates up to Android 10. As of 2025, it’s no longer supported with official security patches but can still run reliably for non-sensitive tasks, or with custom ROMs.
OnePlus 5 Price (2025)
The OnePlus 5 is now discontinued in official retail channels, but refurbished or used units can still be found online. In 2025, the phone generally sells for around $80–120 USD (approx. ₹6,500–10,000 INR) depending on condition and storage variant.
📱 OnePlus 5 – Full Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED, 1080 x 1920 px |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 16MP (main) + 20MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 3300mAh, Dash Charge (5V, 4A) |
| Operating System | Android 7.1.1 (upgradable to Android 10) |
| Dimensions | 154.2 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 153 grams |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Colors Available | Slate Gray, Midnight Black, Soft Gold |
| Price (2025) | ~$80–120 USD / ₹6,500–10,000 INR |
The OnePlus 5 is no longer a daily driver for most users, but it remains a nostalgic and capable device for light use or as a backup. If you’re into modding, it’s also a great device for experimenting with custom ROMs.