New Delhi, July 24 -- I'd like to rephrase the famous phrase "two steps forward, one step back" to "many steps forward, two crucial steps back." That sums up OnePlus' latest mid-range beast, the Nord 5 ( Rs.29,999). OnePlus has had a remarkable few years, launching powerful flagships like the OnePlus 12 and 13 series. Meanwhile, the Nord lineup has built a reputation for delivering solid value-often challenging even OnePlus' own cut-down flagships like the 13R.

The Nord 2, 3 and 4 were all standout mid-range phones. With the Nord 4, OnePlus introduced a bold new all-metal design. With the Nord 5, however, they've reversed course-ditching the unique design and ceding some ground on specs to rivals like the Poco F7. These are the two cruci...