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OnePlus 5
OnePlus 5
OnePlus 5
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For the type of building, see 5-over-1.
OnePlus 5
BrandOnePlus
ManufacturerOnePlus
TypeSmartphone
SloganDual Camera. Clearer Photos.
First releasedJune 20, 2017; 8 years ago (2017-06-20)
Availability by region
June 20, 2017
June 21, 2017
June 22, 2017
June 27, 2017
  • International
PredecessorOnePlus 3T
SuccessorOnePlus 5T
Compatible networks2G, 3G, and 4G
Form factorSlate
Dimensions154.2 mm (6.07 in) H
74.1 mm (2.92 in) W
7.25 mm (0.285 in) D
Weight153 g (5.4 oz)
Operating systemAndroid Version: 9.0 (10.0 confirmed)
System-on-chipQualcomm Snapdragon 835
CPUOcta-core (4×2.45 GHz + 4×1.9 GHz) Kryo
GPUAdreno 540
Memory6 or 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage64 or 128 GB UFS 2.1
Battery3,300 mAh Li-Ion with Dash Charge technology
Rear camera16 MP Sony Exmor IMX398 (f/1.7, EIS) + 20 MP Sony Exmor IMX350 Telephoto (f/2.6)
Front camera16 MP Sony Exmor IMX371 (f/2.0, EIS, HDR)
Display5.5" 1080p Optic AMOLED / DCI-P3 (401 ppi) with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Sound
  • Bottom-facing speaker
  • 3-microphone with noise cancellation
  • Support AANC
  • Dirac HD Sound
  • Dirac Power Sound
Connectivity3G, 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C
Data inputs
ModelA5000
Codenamecheeseburger[1]
Other3.5mm headphone jack
Alert Slider
Websiteoneplus.net/5
OnePlus phone models

telephone icon Telephones portal

The OnePlus 5 (also abbreviated as OP5) is a smartphone made by OnePlus. It is the successor to the OnePlus 3T, which was released in 2016. The OnePlus 5 was officially unveiled during a keynote on 20 June 2017[2] and first released on June 20, 2017. It was succeeded by the OnePlus 5T five months later on November 21, 2017.[3]

History

[edit]

The Verge announced in May 2017 that the successor to the OnePlus 3 would be known as the OnePlus 5. While OnePlus did not officially state why the number four was skipped, it was speculated that it was due to the number four being considered unlucky (tetraphobia) in China.[4] According to India Today, the “4” was skipped because OnePlus 2 was not very successful and now OnePlus considers even numbers unlucky.[5]

OnePlus confirmed that the handset would feature a Snapdragon 835 processor prior to launch.[6] OnePlus also noted its work with the image processing firm DxO to improve the camera on the device.[7]

Specifications

[edit]

Hardware

[edit]

The OnePlus 5 has an anodized metal back, like its predecessors, the OnePlus 3 and 3T. The handset is currently available in Slate Gray (black/gray) and Soft Gold (white/gold) colours. The limited edition Soft Gold colour was released on 7 August 2017.[8] A Midnight Black (black/matte black) colour was also manufactured, but later removed from their website. Another special edition, called JCC+,[9] made in association with Castelbajac is exclusively available in Europe. It features a Slate Gray back with handwriting along with colourful hardware buttons.

The device comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset clocked at 2.45 GHz, with up to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage.[10] It has a 3,300 mAh battery with OnePlus' proprietary Dash Charge technology and a 1080p AMOLED display[2] with DCI-P3 wide colour gamut.[11]

Following criticism of prior models' camera quality,[7] OnePlus implemented an electronically stabilized 16 MP Sony Exmor IMX398 camera module along with a 20 MP Sony Exmor IMX350 telephoto lens, capable of producing a bokeh effect. The front camera uses a 16 MP IMX371 lens.[12] OnePlus claims that the dual camera enables a 1.6X optical zoom; however, independent testing has only reproduced a 1.33X optical zoom.[13] DxOMark gave the camera a rating of 87, which is above that of the iPhone 7.[14]

Software

[edit]

stock firmware

[edit]

The company released the device tree and kernel sources a few days prior to the phone's launch.[15] It has TWRP and root access.[16]

OnePlus 5 was launched with OxygenOS 4.5 based on Android 7.1.1. One feature in OxygenOS is the reading mode.[17]

OxygenOS 5.0 (later updated to 5.0.1) was released in late-2017, bringing Android 8.0 Oreo to the OnePlus 5.[18] Among the changes are an updated launcher, redesigned camera UI, and several system optimizations.

The “Face Unlock” facial recognition feature, originally shipped with the OnePlus 5T, was added to the OnePlus 5 in OxygenOS 5.0.2.[19]

The device was updated to OxygenOS 10 based on Android 10. There will be no official Android 11 for the Oneplus 5.

Custom ROMs

[edit]

The OnePlus 5 allows for bootloader unlocking and custom ROM[20] installs, and as a result the phone has received unofficial software support.[21] degoogled ROMs[22] can bring the phone up to Android 15 and include CrDroid[23], lineageOS[24][25] or LineageOS with microG[26].

Network compatibility

[edit]

The OnePlus 5 includes only a single variant for cellular networks worldwide.[27]

Model GSM

Bands

CDMA

Bands

UMTS

Bands

TD-SCDMA

Bands

LTE

Bands

A5000 Quad Band BC0 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 34, 39 FDD: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66

TDD: 38, 39, 40, 41

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

The majority of the initial reviews of the phone were positive. Engadget praised the phone's specifications in its price bracket.[28] The Verge concurred and noted its departure from previous OnePlus phone designs, but pointed out design similarities with the iPhone 7 Plus.[10] Wired noted that despite the phone's camera specifications, the photo quality was mediocre; however, it commended the smoothness and battery life of the device.[29]

XDA Developers noted that the phone was locking the CPU and GPU at their maximum clock speeds while in certain games and benchmarks in order to inflate their benchmark scores, resulting in the phone reaching external temperatures as high as 50 °C.[30] OnePlus co-founder, Carl Pei, defended the actions by saying that users "want to see the full potential of their device without interference from tampering" and that "Every OEM has proprietary performance profiles for their devices".[31]

Known issues

[edit]
External videos
video icon OnePlus 5 Jelly Scrolling YouTube

Users noted that the handset had a "jelly scrolling effect" due to an inverted display.[32][33][34] OnePlus noted that this was not a defect.[35]

Some phones were known to reboot when dialing 911, preventing users from calling emergency services.[36] OnePlus quickly issued an update (OxygenOS 4.5.6)[37] to fix this issue,[38] and claimed that it happened as a result of not using the stock dialing app.[39] OnePlus later said that the problem was "related to a modem memory usage issue", and that it was only a “random occurrence” for some users on VoLTE networks.[40] Some users, after updating the phone from Android 9 to Android 10, experience a failure of the fingerprint sensor. OnePlus said this will be addressed in an upcoming patch.

Sales

[edit]

The OnePlus 5 became the company's fastest selling smartphone, according to CEO Carl Pei. It is also selling better than the previous generation's OnePlus 3T.[41]

During the week leading up to the device being revealed, a television advertisement was shown in the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and India, starring OnePlus brand ambassador and Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan.[42]

OnePlus 5 went on sale in India on 22 June 2017 on Amazon,[43] the OnePlus India online store, and the OnePlus Experience store in Bengaluru.[44] The Soft Gold variant went on sale on August 9, 2017

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OnePlus 5

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The OnePlus 5 is a Android developed by the Chinese manufacturer and released on June 27, 2017, following its announcement on June 20, 2017. It features a 5.5-inch Optic display with a 1080 x pixel resolution protected by Corning 5, a 835 octa-core processor, 6 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and internal storage options of 64 GB or 128 GB using UFS 2.1 technology without microSD expansion. The device introduced OnePlus's first dual-camera setup on the rear with two 16-megapixel sensors (one wide-angle and one telephoto for 2x optical zoom), a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 3,300 mAh battery supporting fast charging via Dash Charge. Measuring 154.2 x 74.1 x 7.25 mm and weighing 153 grams, it sports an anodized aluminum unibody design available in and Midnight Black color options. Launched at a starting price of $479 for the 64 GB model, the OnePlus 5 emphasized high performance and affordability, positioning it as a value-driven alternative to premium flagships from competitors like and Apple. It shipped with OxygenOS 7.1.1 based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and received software updates up to OxygenOS 10.0 based on , including security patches into 2020. Notable features included face unlock, a headphone jack, connectivity, and a , though it lacked charging and water resistance. The phone was succeeded by the in November 2017, which introduced a taller display and other refinements. The OnePlus 5 garnered positive reception for its smooth performance, capable cameras—particularly the portrait mode enabled by the dual lenses—and long battery life, earning praise as one of the best mid-range Android devices of 2017 despite minor criticisms regarding display brightness and camera consistency in low light.

Development and Launch

Announcement and Marketing

The OnePlus 5, successor to the 2016 OnePlus 3T, began its pre-launch buildup with teaser campaigns in May 2017, where the company shared cryptic images and posts on social media platforms like Weibo to hint at a summer release. These efforts focused on building excitement around key upgrades, particularly the introduction of a dual-camera system designed for enhanced portrait photography and clearer images. Side-by-side photo samples were a staple of the teasers, inviting users to guess which shots were taken with the upcoming device, thereby spotlighting camera improvements as a central marketing hook. Leaks and partial specifications surfaced progressively through tech sites and the official website, fueling speculation and engagement among the brand's dedicated community. The campaigns leveraged to reveal details incrementally, such as the Snapdragon 835 processor and high RAM configurations, while maintaining the "Never Settle" ethos to position the phone as an accessible high-performer. The official announcement occurred on June 20, 2017, during a live online event streamed globally, where full specifications and design were unveiled. Pricing was revealed as $479 for the base 6 GB RAM/64 GB storage model and $539 for the premium 8 GB RAM/128 GB variant, strategically undercutting rivals like Apple's (starting at $649) and Samsung's Galaxy S8 (starting at $750) to reinforce the "flagship killer" narrative. Promotional strategies emphasized the device's value proposition through community-driven hype and targeted ads, including creative videos showcasing the camera's capabilities in low-light scenarios. OnePlus relied on influencer partnerships and word-of-mouth within its online forums to amplify reach, avoiding traditional mass in favor of authentic, tech-savvy engagement.

Release Timeline and Pricing

The OnePlus 5 was officially announced on June 20, , during a global livestream keynote event, with pre-orders commencing immediately and available through limited "Early Drop" sales at pop-up events in select cities, including New York, , and , with shipments beginning as early as that day for qualifying buyers. Pre-orders and early sales began immediately after the announcement, with availability in starting June 22, 2017, exclusively via Amazon India. The device achieved broader global open sales on June 27, 2017, in key markets such as the , , and through the official website and partners. This launch represented a significant shift for , as the company fully phased out its previous invite-only purchasing system in favor of open sales for all customers, enabling broader immediate access without restrictions. Pricing for the OnePlus 5 was positioned competitively in the segment, with the base model featuring 6 GB RAM and 64 GB storage priced at $479 in the , €499 in , and ₹32,999 in . The premium variant, equipped with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, was offered at $539 in the , with corresponding regional adjustments such as €559 in and ₹37,999 in , emphasizing affordability relative to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S8. High initial demand resulted in stock shortages shortly after launch, causing delayed shipments for many pre-orders placed in late June, with some deliveries pushed into early July 2017. OnePlus addressed these challenges by ramping up production, resolving the majority of delays by August 2017 and restoring consistent availability across markets.

Design and Build

Physical Specifications

The OnePlus 5 measures 154.2 x 74.1 x 7.25 mm and weighs 153 g, rendering it slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, the , which spans 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35 mm and weighs 158 g. This compact form factor contributes to a comfortable one-handed grip despite the 5.5-inch . The phone adopts a bezel-heavy with prominent top and bottom bezels framing its 16:9 aspect ratio screen, prioritizing a traditional layout over edge-to-edge visuals seen in later models. It features an aluminum unibody frame for structural integrity and a 2.5D Corning 5 cover on the front for enhanced durability against scratches and impacts. The device includes a three-position alert slider on the left side for quick switching between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. Ports are symmetrically placed on the bottom edge, including a USB Type-C port for charging and data alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the capacitive home button positioned directly below the display, enabling quick and reliable biometric unlocking. Unlike some contemporaries, the OnePlus 5 lacks an official IP rating for dust or water resistance.

Materials and Variants

The OnePlus 5 is constructed with an anodized aluminum unibody frame, offering a premium and robust build that contributes to its slim 7.25 mm profile and 153 g weight. The rear panel incorporates a matte finish, which resists fingerprints but can feel slippery compared to textured alternatives. The front display is safeguarded by Corning 5, a designed for enhanced impact resistance, capable of surviving drops from up to 1.2 meters onto rough surfaces in 80% of test cases. While the device lacks an official IP rating for water or dust ingress, its aluminum construction and glass protection enable basic durability against everyday accidents, including drops from typical pocket or table heights. At launch in June 2017, the OnePlus 5 was available in two color variants tied to storage configurations: Midnight Black for the 128 GB model and for the 64 GB option. A limited-edition Soft Gold color, featuring the same 128 GB/8 GB RAM specifications as the Midnight Black, was introduced in August 2017. Later that month, an upgraded variant with 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM became available as a standalone option.

Hardware Specifications

Processor and Performance

The OnePlus 5 features the 835 system-on-chip (SoC), built on a , with an octa-core 280 CPU consisting of four high-performance cores clocked at 2.45 GHz and four efficiency cores at 1.9 GHz, alongside an Adreno 540 GPU for graphics processing. This configuration delivered flagship-level computational power at launch, enabling efficient handling of everyday tasks and resource-intensive applications, though the device was involved in a benchmark optimization controversy where efficiency cores were locked at maximum speed during detected benchmark runs, inflating certain scores. Memory options include 6 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, paired respectively with 64 GB or 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage, which facilitated seamless multitasking and quick app loading without significant bottlenecks in typical usage. The ample RAM capacity allowed the device to manage multiple background processes effectively, contributing to a fluid even under moderate loads. Benchmark testing highlighted the Snapdragon 835's capabilities. In 4, non-optimized runs showed a single-core score of around 1,800–1,900 and a multi-core score of about 6,000. For gaming, the device ran demanding titles like at high graphics settings with stable frame rates and minimal lag during sessions. Thermal management relied on stickers for spreading, which helped dissipate warmth from the SoC during prolonged operation and prevented noticeable throttling in standard scenarios. Reviews confirmed no significant degradation from in everyday and moderate gaming use, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach.

Display and Input

The OnePlus 5 is equipped with a 5.5-inch Optic display featuring a Full HD resolution of pixels, resulting in a of 401 ppi and a traditional 16:9 . This panel delivers vibrant visuals through support for the wide color gamut, which enhances color reproduction for , while an mode ensures greater accuracy for tasks requiring precise colors, such as photo editing. Additionally, the display includes a Reading Mode that filters blue light to promote eye comfort during extended reading sessions, particularly in low-light environments. The screen reaches a peak brightness of approximately 450 nits, adequate for visibility in bright outdoor conditions without excessive power draw. For protection, the display is covered by Corning 5, a that resists scratches and impacts better than its predecessor, Gorilla Glass 4, and features an oleophobic coating to minimize and smudges for a clearer viewing experience. Input on the OnePlus 5 relies on a front-mounted capacitive home button that integrates a , enabling rapid and device unlocking for seamless access. The supports up to five registered and doubles as the primary input, with options to enable virtual on-screen keys for alternative gesture-based control. Unlike some contemporary devices, the touch interface does not include pressure sensitivity, focusing instead on standard responsiveness for everyday interactions.

Cameras

The OnePlus 5 features a dual rear camera system designed for versatile , consisting of a 16-megapixel primary wide-angle sensor with an f/1.7 , 1.12 µm pixel size, phase detection (PDAF), and optical (OIS), paired with a 20-megapixel telephoto sensor featuring an f/2.6 and for 2x optical zoom. The primary sensor, a IMX398, captures images with a 24mm equivalent , while the telephoto provides an effective 36mm equivalent for zoomed shots without significant quality loss. This setup supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, along with at up to 120 fps and electronic across modes. The front-facing camera is a 16-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, enabling high-resolution selfies and video calls, and it includes support for portrait mode with artificial bokeh effects introduced through a subsequent software update. Camera software includes a Pro mode offering manual controls for ISO sensitivity, shutter speeds up to 30 seconds for long exposures, white balance, and focus distance, alongside automatic modes like HDR for enhanced dynamic range and panorama for wide scenes. Portrait mode, utilizing the dual rear sensors for depth-based bokeh simulation, was available at launch and extended to the front camera via an OxygenOS open beta update in 2018. In performance testing, the OnePlus 5 earned an overall camera score of 87, with a photo sub-score of 87, reflecting strong results in color accuracy, white balance, and detail preservation. The large and pixel size contribute to solid low-light performance with good detail in controlled shots, though handheld low-light images show noticeable noise and occasional blur. is wide in outdoor conditions, aided by HDR processing, but averages in high-contrast scenarios with some loss of shadow detail. The camera was marketed as a flagship-level feature, emphasizing its dual-lens capabilities for professional-grade results.

Battery and Storage

The OnePlus 5 is equipped with a non-removable 3,300 mAh Li-Po battery, providing endurance suitable for moderate daily use. In standardized tests, it delivered up to 14 hours and 16 minutes of continuous video playback, while real-world heavy usage scenarios, such as gaming and multitasking, typically yielded 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time. Charging is handled via the proprietary Dash Charge system, which supports 20W fast charging through a 5V/4A , achieving approximately 60% capacity from empty in 30 minutes without significant heat buildup. The device does not support wireless charging, relying solely on the included USB Type-C cable and for replenishment. For storage, the OnePlus 5 offers internal options of 64 GB or 128 GB using UFS 2.1 flash memory, with no microSD expansion slot available. After accounting for system files and pre-installed software, usable space is approximately 53 GB on the 64 GB variant and 110 GB on the 128 GB model. These configurations pair with 6 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, respectively, to support efficient app loading and multitasking. Battery optimization is enhanced through software features like the Adaptive Battery system introduced in later updates, which learns user patterns to prioritize power allocation for frequently used apps. The device lacks advanced capabilities such as reverse wireless charging.

Software and Updates

Initial Operating System

The OnePlus 5 launched with 4.5.0, a custom skin built on Android 7.1.1 , delivering a near-stock Android experience characterized by minimal bloatware and fluid performance. This version emphasized simplicity and speed, with OnePlus prioritizing essential customizations over heavy modifications, allowing users to enjoy the core Android interface without unnecessary pre-installed apps. The software's lightweight nature contributed to the device's reputation for responsiveness, closely mirroring the stock launcher in aesthetics and functionality. Key features at launch included the Shelf, a dedicated widget panel accessible by swiping right from the , which aggregated notifications, weather updates, recent contacts, and other quick-access cards for streamlined daily use. The default launcher omitted an app drawer to promote a cleaner layout—though users could enable it via settings—and offered customizable quick settings tiles for personalized control over toggles like , , and brightness. Additionally, the software integrated seamlessly with the device's hardware, utilizing the rear fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and app authentication. OxygenOS 4.5.0 introduced unique display enhancements tailored for prolonged use, such as Reading Mode, which converted the screen to and adjusted based on ambient to mimic e-ink displays for comfortable e-book and article consumption. Complementing this was Night Mode, a blue light filter that activated automatically or manually to reduce in low-light environments, predating more advanced camera-based Nightscape features in later devices. For , the initial build included the June Android patch level, providing baseline protection against known vulnerabilities at the time of release.

Update History and Support

The OnePlus 5 launched with 4.5.0 based on Android 7.1.1 , receiving three major Android version upgrades during its official support period. In late 2017, OnePlus began rolling out 5.0, its stable implementation of Android 8.0 , starting with open betas in November and stable OTA updates from December. This update introduced Face Unlock, allowing users to authenticate via the front-facing camera by double-tapping the power button, along with parallel app support and redesigned quick settings. Subsequent refinements in 5.1.x series included battery optimizations and further security enhancements through mid-2018. The device received Android 9.0 Pie via 9.0 in December 2018, following open betas earlier that year. This upgrade brought native tools for monitoring app usage and , navigation gesture improvements, and enhanced privacy controls. 9.x iterations continued with stability fixes and feature tweaks into 2019. OnePlus delivered its final major OS update, under 10.0, starting with a stable rollout in May 2020 after beta testing; a follow-up 10.0.1 in November 2020 addressed initial bugs and added electronic for video recording. This version included Zen Mode, a feature that locks the device for a set period (15 or 30 minutes) to prevent distractions while allowing camera access and calls. The 10 series culminated at version 10.0.1, with no further major OS upgrades promised. Security patches for the 5 followed OnePlus's of two years of frequent updates (monthly during the phase through mid-2019) followed by bi-monthly patches for an additional year. Updates tapered off after 2019, with the final official patch arriving in September 2020 via 10.0.1. officially discontinued all software support for the device in January 2021, marking it as end-of-life with no subsequent OS or updates provided. Despite official end-of-support, the OnePlus 5 maintains viability through community-developed custom ROMs as of 2025. , an open-source Android distribution, offers official builds up to Android 15 (LineageOS 22), providing ongoing security patches and modern features for users willing to sideload via recovery tools like TWRP.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Network Bands

The OnePlus 5 supports a wide range of cellular network bands, enabling compatibility across global , , and LTE networks, though it lacks capability due to its LTE Category 12/13 modem limitation. The device features quad-band support at 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, providing broad 2G coverage in most regions. For 3G connectivity, it includes /HSPA+ on bands 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8, TD-SCDMA on bands 34 and 39, with CDMA EVDO support limited to BC0. The 5's LTE capabilities are particularly extensive, supporting up to 600 Mbps download and 150 Mbps upload speeds via 3CA aggregation and 256QAM modulation on the downlink. It covers 22 LTE bands in total, split between FDD and TDD modes, which facilitates strong performance worldwide. The full list of supported LTE bands is as follows:
TechnologySupported Bands
LTE FDD1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66
LTE TDD38, 39, 40, 41
As a single global model without regional variants, the OnePlus 5 offers full compatibility with major and Asian carriers, leveraging bands like 3, 7, 20, and 28 for optimal coverage. In the , it works reliably with and partially with (supporting key bands like 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, and 66), but lacks full compatibility with Verizon and Sprint due to missing CDMA bands such as BC1 and BC10. integration allows for seamless data offloading when cellular signals are weak.

Wireless Features

The OnePlus 5 features connectivity compliant with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, operating on dual bands at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which enables reliable local networking for , , and streaming. It supports for connections, allowing direct device-to-device data transfer without an intermediary access point, and for media sharing across compatible devices. With 2x2 configuration, the device achieves theoretical maximum speeds of up to 866 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, facilitating high-speed downloads and smooth video playback in practical scenarios like home or office networks. Bluetooth 5.0 integration provides enhanced range and data transfer rates compared to prior versions, supporting profiles such as A2DP for stereo audio streaming and LE for low-energy connections to wearables. The inclusion of HD codec enables high-resolution wireless audio transmission to compatible and speakers, delivering near-CD quality sound with reduced latency for and video consumption. NFC functionality is present, enabling quick and secure contactless payments via services like Android Pay, as well as tag reading for tasks like pairing devices or accessing digital content. For location services, the device incorporates multi-constellation satellite navigation with support for GPS, , , and Galileo systems, ensuring accurate positioning for mapping, geotagging, and navigation apps in diverse global environments. The OnePlus 5 lacks an IR blaster for capabilities and does not include FM radio reception. Additionally, it accommodates dual nano-SIM cards for flexible wireless setup, though this primarily aids multi-network management.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

The OnePlus 5 received generally positive reviews from technology critics, who praised its exceptional value and performance while noting some shortcomings in design and camera consistency. The Verge awarded it a score of 7.9 out of 10, highlighting how the Snapdragon 835 processor and up to 8 GB of RAM enabled it to outperform the in speed and specifications at roughly half the price. echoed this sentiment, describing the device as offering flagship-level power at $480 for the base model, making it a compelling alternative to more expensive competitors like the Galaxy S8. Critics commended the phone's performance as blazingly fast and smooth for multitasking and gaming, thanks to the Snapdragon 835 chipset and generous RAM options, which placed it among the top benchmark performers at launch. However, design elements drew mixed feedback; critiqued the 16:9 and prominent bezels as feeling dated next to emerging 18:9 displays on rivals like the Galaxy S8 and , despite the overall premium aluminum build being lightweight and ergonomic. The dual-camera system (16 MP wide-angle and 20 MP telephoto) earned praise for its portrait mode, which produced convincing effects by effectively separating subjects from backgrounds when used correctly. noted the setup's ability to deliver good exposure, , and detail in bright conditions, aided by the fast f/1.7 on the main . Android Authority gave the camera an overall positive assessment, particularly for low-light performance on the primary lens, though the telephoto struggled with noise and washed-out colors in dim settings, and zoom quality was limited without optical . Battery life received varied evaluations, with reporting around 15 hours of video playback and up to 1.5 days of mixed use, though it fell short of OnePlus's claimed 20% improvement over the predecessor. On software, reviewers appreciated the clean and customizable based on Android 7.1.1 for its minimalist interface and features like Reading Mode, but pointed out that some regional variants included pre-installed bloatware. Overall, the positive reception contributed to strong initial sales buzz for the device.

Sales and Market Impact

The OnePlus 5 generated significant initial demand following its June 2017 launch, with the 8 GB RAM variant selling out within hours during the period on the company's website. This marked it as OnePlus's fastest-selling to date, surpassing the sales pace of its predecessor, the . The device's strong launch performance was driven by its competitive pricing and high-end specifications, contributing to widespread hype among consumers. Overall, the OnePlus 5 achieved substantial commercial success, with the model selling one million units within three months of release, a milestone matched by its successor, the . This performance played a key role in OnePlus's broader growth in 2017, as the company's sales increased by 55 percent year-over-year, and annual revenues doubled to $1.4 billion. The device performed particularly well in key markets like and , where alone accounted for approximately one-third of the company's revenue that year. The OnePlus 5 solidified the brand's "flagship killer" reputation by delivering premium features at a fraction of the cost of established competitors, which in turn pressured rivals to offer more aggressive pricing in the mid-to-high-end Android segment. This commercial momentum facilitated OnePlus's expansion into new distribution channels, including eventual carrier partnerships in regions like the , though major deals such as with materialized with subsequent models. Positive critical reception amplified the device's market buzz, underscoring its role in elevating OnePlus's global profile. By November 2017, following the release of the , the OnePlus 5 was phased out of production, with availability limited to remaining inventory before discontinuation. No significant restocks occurred in 2018, as consumer demand transitioned to the newer 5T variant, which itself sold out in by early that year.

Known Issues

The OnePlus 5 faced a critical software bug in July 2017 that caused the device to reboot when users attempted to dial 911 for emergency services in the US, preventing successful calls. This issue arose from a memory leak in the cellular modem during Voice over LTE (VoLTE) sessions and primarily impacted Verizon network users. OnePlus investigated the problem following user reports and deployed an over-the-air (OTA) update to resolve it later that month. Following the OTA fix for the emergency call bug, numerous users reported excessive battery drain on the OnePlus 5, with the device depleting significantly faster than anticipated due to heightened background app activity and processes. This led to reduced standby time and overall endurance in early usage. The issue was partially mitigated by subsequent OTA updates, including the upgrade to Android 8.0 , along with user-recommended factory resets to clear cached data and optimize app management. User reports indicated issues with the headphone jack in some OnePlus 5 units, often causing looseness due to accumulated lint or debris, which prevented secure connections for audio accessories. Affected units were eligible for service through centers, including cleaning or replacement of the port assembly. Overheating during charging was a common complaint with the OnePlus 5's Charge technology, where the device could reach temperatures up to 42°C due to rapid power delivery. recommended using the original cable and charger to minimize risks, as third-party accessories could exacerbate heat buildup; no official recalls were issued, but solutions included custom kernels to adjust thermal throttling.

Long-term Legacy

The OnePlus 5 played a pivotal role in establishing as a leader in the budget flagship smartphone segment, offering high-end specifications like the Snapdragon 835 processor and up to 8 GB of RAM at a starting price of $479, which helped the company expand its market share and set the stage for successors such as the . This positioning reinforced OnePlus's reputation for delivering premium performance at accessible prices, contributing to the brand's growth from a niche player to a global contender in the Android ecosystem. In 2025, the device continues to receive praise in retrospectives for its enduring value, with users and reviewers noting its solid performance as a mid-range option even years after launch, though hardware limitations like the lack of are evident. The OnePlus 5 maintains an active modding community, supported by official 21 builds based on , with ongoing development extending to 22.2 (Android 15) as of late 2025, allowing enthusiasts to keep the device viable beyond official support. Used units hold a resale value of approximately $1 to $65, reflecting sustained demand among budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable hardware. Looking back, the OnePlus 5's software support—three major Android updates from its launch on Android 7.1 to —highlights early criticisms of limited compared to the current industry standard of seven or more years from competitors like and . This shorter policy, which ended official updates in , influenced OnePlus's strategic pivot toward in subsequent models, moving away from pure "flagship killer" affordability to compete more directly with established high-end brands. Culturally, the OnePlus 5 amplified the brand's "Never Settle" slogan through online memes and discussions that humorously critiqued or celebrated its value-driven ethos, while its dual-camera system—featuring a 16 MP wide-angle and 20 MP telephoto lens—helped accelerate the adoption of multi-lens setups in mid-range phones by demonstrating effective portrait and zoom capabilities at a sub-$500 price point.

References

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