OnePlus Nord 5 confirmed to launch with series-first Plus Key
The Nord 4 (currently available for 23% off its €499 starting price on Amazon in Europe) launched as one of OnePlus' most unique smartphones thanks to its two-tone metal and glass rear panel. The brand has just confirmed that the resulting partial unibody design has been ditched in its successor nonetheless.
Fans of the new 13s will rejoice at the news, however, as the Nord 5 has been revealed to sport the next variation on its updated vertical pill-form camera hump instead. The build's initial teaser video also hints at support for an IR blaster (via an extra hole in the top of its flat-edged frame) and dual rear cameras.
The Nord 5's new take on OnePlus' latest design language also confines the traditional power and volume buttons to the right side of the device - leaving the other clear for the device's new Plus Key.
The button replaces the brand's classic Alert Slider and can open shortcuts to functions like the flashlight, rear cameras or a sound profile switcher, in an inevitably Apple Action Button-esque manner.
Alternatively, it could also activate OnePlus AI features such as real-time translation - just like the higher-end 13s.
The Nord 5's latest previews also validate rumors that it will offer a choice of marbled or gray colorways on its launch. It is scheduled to debut on that day alongside the possibly more affordable CE 5 on July 8, 2025.
