OnePlus Nord CE5 vs Nothing Phone 3a: Which Is the Best Phone Under ₹25,000?

The OnePlus Nord CE5 and Nothing Phone 3a, both launched in 2025 and priced around ₹24,999, are top contenders in India’s mid-range smartphone market. With the Nord CE5 boasting a massive 7,100mAh battery and the Nothing Phone 3a offering a premium transparent design, choosing the best phone under ₹25,000 can be tough. After 30 days of testing, we’ve compared these devices across design, performance, battery life, display, cameras, software, and more, using insights from Trakin Tech’s YouTube review and sources like 91mobiles and Smartprix.

Which one should you buy? Let’s dive into this detailed OnePlus Nord CE5 vs Nothing Phone 3a comparison to find out

Design and Build: Premium vs Practical

Both phones target budget buyers but differ significantly in design philosophy and build quality.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Materials: All-plastic body (frame and back) with a matte frosted finish and a bordered camera module for a modern look. Colors include Black Infinity, Marble Mist, and Nexus Blue.
  • Slim Profile: Slimmer than the Nothing Phone 3a despite housing a 7,100mAh battery, offering a dense, premium in-hand feel.
  • Durability: IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, better than the Nothing Phone 3a’s IP64.
  • Drawbacks: Unclear display protection (no Gorilla Glass mention); plastic build feels less premium than glass-backed rivals. Users may need a quality case due to scratch-prone materials.
• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Materials: Premium glass back with a plastic frame and Panda Glass protection on both front and back. Features a transparent design with Glyph lights for a unique aesthetic.
  • Design Appeal: Wider and slightly heavier, making it less ergonomic but visually striking.
  • Durability: IP64 rating offers decent splash resistance but lags behind the Nord CE5’s IP65.
  • Extra Feature: Essential Key for quick access to functions like screenshots or voice memos, absent on the Nord CE5 (unlike the Nord 5’s Plus Key).

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a wins for its premium glass design and Glyph lights, ideal for style-conscious buyers. The Nord CE5’s slim, practical build and better IP65 rating suit users prioritizing durability and ergonomics.

Performance: Powerhouse vs Balanced

Performance is a key battleground, with the Nord CE5 leveraging a more powerful chipset than the Nothing Phone 3a.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex, optimized for mid-range gaming and multitasking. Outperforms the Nothing Phone 3a in benchmarks (1.47 million on AnTuTu vs. 771,491).
  • RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD up to 1TB). Variants: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB.
  • Gaming: Runs BGMI at 90 FPS and COD Mobile at 117 FPS with no frame drops, but Genshin Impact shows erratic FPS (lower than expected for Dimensity 8350). Stays cooler (below 40°C) during 30-minute gaming sessions.
  • Drawbacks: Occasional RAM management issues cause app closures, though software updates may resolve this.

• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, less powerful than the Dimensity 8350 but offers better stability in 3D Mark Wildlife tests.
  • RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage (no microSD support). Variants: 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB.
  • Gaming: Matches Nord CE5’s 90 FPS in BGMI but achieves higher average FPS in Genshin Impact, though it runs warmer.
  • Advantage: More stable performance in specific gaming scenarios, but slower storage speeds impact app loading.

Verdict: The Nord CE5 excels in raw performance and storage speed, making it ideal for gamers and power users. The Nothing Phone 3a offers balanced performance with better stability in some games, suitable for casual users.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs Speed

Battery life is a major differentiator, with the Nord CE5’s massive capacity stealing the show.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Battery: 7,100mAh, the largest in any OnePlus device, delivering 12.5 hours of screen-on time (SOT) in mixed usage (gaming, streaming, calls).
  • Charging: 80W SUPERVOOC charging (charger included) takes 65 minutes to charge from 0–100%.
  • Advantage: Exceptional endurance for heavy users, lasting up to two days for light use.
  • Drawback: Non-silicon-carbon battery, but slim design mitigates bulk.

• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Battery: 5,000mAh, offering 8.5 hours SOT, solid but not in the Nord CE5’s league.
  • Charging: 50W USB PD PPS charging (charger not included), faster than Nord CE5 due to smaller battery but requires a compatible charger, which is costly and hard to find.
  • Drawback: Additional charger cost and shorter battery life limit value.

Verdict: The Nord CE5 dominates with its 7,100mAh battery and included charger, perfect for heavy users. The Nothing Phone 3a’s smaller battery and lack of an in-box charger make it less practical.

Display: Vibrant vs Bright

Both phones feature similar displays, but tuning differences impact the experience.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Specs: 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color, 1,430 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, Netflix HDR support.
  • Features: Slimmer bezels, AquaTouch for wet-hand usability, and superior HDR tuning with better highlight control and shadow detail.
  • Drawbacks: Unclear display protection; no seamless Always-On Display (AOD).
  • Performance: Outperforms in HDR video playback, ideal for streaming.

• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Specs: 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness, HDR10+.
  • Features: Symmetrical bezels, slightly better touch sensitivity, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
  • Drawbacks: Lacks Netflix HDR support; HDR tuning is weaker with less shadow detail.
  • Performance: Higher peak brightness but less optimized for HDR content.

Verdict: The Nord CE5’s superior HDR tuning and Netflix HDR support make it better for media consumption, while the Nothing Phone 3a’s brighter display and Gorilla Glass 5 suit outdoor use and durability.

Camera: Versatile vs Video-Focused

The Nothing Phone 3a’s triple-camera setup contrasts with the Nord CE5’s video strengths.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Setup: 50MP Sony LYT-600 main (OIS), 8MP ultrawide, 16MP selfie.
  • Performance: Decent daylight photos but struggles with low-light detail and 2x shots (washed-out colors). Better selfie details and low-light selfies. Supports 4K 60FPS video with superior detail retention.
  • Drawbacks: No telephoto lens; yellow cast in skin tones; poor color consistency across lenses.
  • Strength: Excels in video recording (4K 60FPS) and selfies, ideal for vloggers.

• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Setup: 50MP main (Samsung GN9, OIS+EIS), 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie.
  • Performance: Better detail retention in daylight and low-light photos, superior 2x/4x shots via telephoto, and neutral color reproduction. Excellent portrait shots with semantic segmentation and four focal lengths. Limited to 4K 30FPS video.
  • Drawbacks: Bloom in backlit shots; weaker selfie performance; poor ultrawide in low light.
  • Strength: Versatile triple-camera system for photography enthusiasts.

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a is better for photography with its telephoto lens and neutral colors, while the Nord CE5 shines for video recording and selfies.

Software: Feature-Rich vs Clean

Both phones run Android 15 but offer distinct software experiences.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • OS: OxygenOS 15 with 4 years of OS updates (until 2029) and 6 years of security patches (until 2031).
  • Features: AI tools (AI Summary, AI Translation, AI Voiceribe, AI Recompose, AI Reflection Eraser), parallel animations, Flux themes, and live activities for a modern, customizable experience. Minimal uninstallable bloatware.
  • Drawbacks: Slightly less clean than Nothing OS due to pre-installed apps.
  • Advantage: Robust AI suite enhances productivity and creativity.
• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • OS: Nothing OS 3.1 with 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches.
  • Features: Clean, bloatware-free experience with dot-matrix design, quick setting tiles on home/lock screens, Circle to Search, and Gemini support. Essential Key adds limited utility.
  • Drawbacks: Fewer AI features compared to OxygenOS; Essential Key lacks broad appeal.
  • Advantage: Minimalist UI appeals to users seeking simplicity.

Verdict: The Nord CE5’s OxygenOS 15 offers more AI features and modern animations, ideal for power users. Nothing Phone 3a’s clean Nothing OS 3.1 suits those who prefer simplicity and zero bloatware.

Audio and Haptics: Stereo vs Mono

Audio and haptic feedback differ significantly between the two devices.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Audio: Mono speaker, delivering poor sound quality and distortion at high volumes. Supports LDAC and LHDC codecs for high-quality audio via earphones.
  • Haptics: Harsh, lacking an X-axis linear motor, resulting in less precise feedback.
  • Drawback: Mono speaker is a major letdown for multimedia without earphones.
• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Audio: Stereo speakers provide richer, louder sound, ideal for music, videos, and gaming. Supports LDAC and LHDC codecs.
  • Haptics: X-axis linear motor offers more precise vibrations, enhancing typing and interactions.
  • Advantage: Superior audio and haptics elevate the multimedia experience.

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a’s stereo speakers and better haptics make it far superior for multimedia and user feedback.

Connectivity and Extras

Both phones offer modern connectivity, but key omissions impact usability.

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, hybrid SIM slot with microSD support (up to 1TB), excellent 5G reception on Airtel/Jio.
  • Extras: IR blaster for home appliance control.
  • Drawback: No NFC, limiting contactless payments.
• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC for contactless payments, but no microSD support.
  • Extras: Essential Key for quick access to functions; Glyph lights for notifications.
  • Drawback: No IR blaster; narrower 5G band support compared to Nord CE5.

Verdict: The Nord CE5’s microSD slot and IR blaster suit storage-heavy users and home automation fans, while the Nothing Phone 3a’s NFC is essential for contactless payments.

Pricing and Variants

Both phones are competitively priced, with slight variations.

• OnePlus Nord CE5: Starts at ₹24,999 (8GB/128GB), with 8GB/256GB and 12GB/256GB variants. Bank discounts (HDFC/SBI) reduce it to ₹22,000.
• Nothing Phone 3a: Starts at ₹24,999 (8GB/256GB), with a 12GB/256GB variant. No confirmed bank discounts, and charger cost adds to expenses.

Verdict: The Nord CE5 offers better value with a lower entry price (with discounts) and an included charger, while the Nothing Phone 3a’s higher base storage is offset by charger costs.

Pros and Cons

OnePlus Nord CE5

• Pros:
  • Massive 7,100mAh battery with 12.5 hours SOT.
  • 80W SUPERVOOC charging with in-box charger.
  • Powerful Dimensity 8350 Apex for gaming (90 FPS in BGMI).
  • Superior HDR tuning and Netflix HDR support.
  • IP65 rating and microSD support up to 1TB.
  • Feature-rich OxygenOS 15 with AI tools.
• Cons:
  • Mono speaker delivers poor audio.
  • Average cameras with no telephoto lens.
  • Plastic build feels less premium.
  • No NFC; harsh haptics.

Nothing Phone 3a

• Pros:
  • Premium glass back with Glyph lights.
  • Triple-camera setup with telephoto and better photo quality.
  • Stereo speakers for rich audio.
  • Clean Nothing OS 3.1 with zero bloatware.
  • NFC support for contactless payments.
  • Better haptics with X-axis linear motor.
• Cons:
  • Smaller 5,000mAh battery with 8.5 hours SOT.
  • No in-box charger; slower 50W charging.
  • Less powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.
  • No microSD slot; weaker HDR tuning.

OnePlus Nord CE5 vs Nothing Phone 3a: Key Differences

• Performance: Nord CE5’s Dimensity 8350 Apex outperforms Nothing Phone 3a’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in benchmarks and gaming, though Nothing offers better stability in Genshin Impact.
• Battery: Nord CE5’s 7,100mAh battery and 80W charging (with charger) outshine Nothing Phone 3a’s 5,000mAh battery and 50W charging (no charger).
• Camera: Nothing Phone 3a’s triple-camera system excels in photography, while Nord CE5 is better for video and selfies.
• Design: Nothing Phone 3a’s glass back and Glyph lights are more premium; Nord CE5’s slim plastic build is practical with IP65.
• Software: OxygenOS 15 offers more AI features; Nothing OS 3.1 is cleaner with longer security updates.
• Audio/Haptics: Nothing Phone 3a’s stereo speakers and precise haptics beat Nord CE5’s mono speaker and harsh haptics.

Who Should Buy Which Phone?

• OnePlus Nord CE5:
  • Best For: Gamers, heavy users, and budget buyers needing long battery life (12.5 hours SOT), fast charging (80W with charger), and strong performance (Dimensity 8350). Ideal for video creators and OnePlus fans who value AI features and microSD support.
  • Why: Superior battery life, video recording, and value at ₹22,000 with discounts make it a powerhouse for performance-driven users.
  • Avoid If: You prioritize premium design, stereo audio, or advanced photography.
• Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Best For: Photography enthusiasts, multimedia lovers, and users who want a premium design with Glyph lights, clean software, and NFC for payments.
  • Why: Triple-camera setup, stereo speakers, and unique aesthetics appeal to style-conscious buyers seeking balanced performance.
  • Avoid If: You need long battery life, an included charger, or expandable storage.

Buying Tips

• For Nord CE5:
  • Grab bank discounts (HDFC/SBI) on OnePlus.in to get it for ₹22,000.
  • Invest in a quality case and screen protector due to the plastic build and unclear display protection.
  • Test the mono speaker if audio is critical; consider earphones for multimedia.
• For Nothing Phone 3a:
  • Budget for a USB PD PPS charger (₹2,000–3,000) to support 50W charging.
  • Compare camera performance in-store if photography is a priority.
  • Check Flipkart for potential exchange offers to reduce the ₹24,999 price.
• General: Avoid 128GB variants; opt for 256GB for future-proofing. Test both phones for ergonomics, as the Nothing Phone 3a is wider.

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is the best phone under ₹25,000 for gamers, heavy users, and budget buyers, thanks to its 7,100mAh battery, 80W charging, and powerful Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset. Its video recording and AI features make it a practical choice, though the mono speaker and plastic build disappoint. The Nothing Phone 3a shines for photography enthusiasts and multimedia lovers with its triple-camera setup, stereo speakers, premium glass design, and clean Nothing OS. However, its smaller battery and lack of an in-box charger reduce its value. Visit OnePlus.in or Flipkart for deals, and share your pick on X with #OnePlusNordCE5 or #NothingPhone3a!

Publish Date: July 8, 2025
Last Updated: July 8, 2025

Author: Trakin Tech English brings you the most happening Tech News related to Smartphones, gadgets and everything around Tech and Telecom space in the most fun & engaging way. We are sure you will love the way deliver Tech News.

Source: OnePlus Nord CE5 Review & Comparison vs Nothing Phone 3a